Description
Alice Springs Chicken is a deliciously savory baked chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Colby Jack cheese, all enhanced by a creamy honey mustard sauce. This flavorful dish combines a perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and tangy notes, making it an impressive yet easy meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Toppings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Honey Mustard Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Make Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Set this sauce aside to use later as a topping and for serving.
- Season Chicken: Rub each chicken breast evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides to season thoroughly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds flavor; note the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Add Toppings: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Spread a spoonful of honey mustard sauce on each piece. Then, layer crispy bacon strips, sliced mushrooms, and top with a generous amount of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Crisp the bacon well beforehand to add a nice texture contrast.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack according to preference.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the honey mustard sauce.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Alice Springs Chicken, baked chicken, honey mustard chicken, creamy chicken recipe, bacon and mushroom chicken, easy chicken dinner
