If you’ve ever sat down at an Outback Steakhouse and ordered the famous Alice Springs Chicken, you know it’s a comforting, indulgent dish that’s hard to forget. The combination of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, melty cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, and satisfying. This homemade version captures all that restaurant magic without the wait or the bill.
I first had Alice Springs Chicken on a girls’ night out years ago, and it instantly became one of those recipes I had to recreate at home. I wanted something that didn’t just taste close but also delivered that same cozy, made-with-love feel. The beauty of making it yourself is that you can tweak it—extra cheese, more bacon, a touch of spice if you like—and serve it fresh from your oven.
This copycat version keeps things simple: seasoned chicken breasts, a layer of smoky, partially cooked bacon, a blanket of sharp cheddar cheese, and a garnish of fresh green onions. The result is a dish that feels special enough for company but is easy enough to make on a weeknight. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a crisp side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Alice Springs Chicken
- Restaurant-quality at home – All the flavor, none of the bill.
- Simple ingredients – Everything is easy to find and familiar.
- Family-friendly – Mild flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
- Customizable – Add mushrooms, swap the cheese, or spice up the seasoning.
- Quick to prepare – About 35 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 3 chicken breasts
- 6 slices smoked, thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 6 thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and ensures every bite has the perfect ratio of toppings. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking tray or oven-safe dish. Roast for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked through but still moist.
4. Cook the Bacon:
While the chicken roasts, place the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat. Fry just until the fat starts to render and the bacon begins to brown—don’t cook it until crispy, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain on paper towels.
5. Top with Bacon:
Remove the chicken from the oven. Cut each bacon slice in half and place two half-slices on top of each piece of chicken.
6. Bake Again:
Return the baking tray to the oven and cook for another 10 minutes to finish cooking the chicken and allow the bacon flavors to meld.
7. Add the Cheese:
Remove the tray from the oven again and sprinkle each piece of chicken with about 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Melt the Cheese:
Place the tray back into the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot, ideally with sides that complement the rich flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Add mushrooms – Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic, then layer them under the cheese.
- Switch the cheese – Try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend for a different flavor.
- Make it spicy – Sprinkle cayenne or chili flakes over the chicken before roasting.
- Herb twist – Add fresh thyme or parsley for extra freshness.
- Low-carb version – Serve with a side of roasted broccoli or cauliflower instead of potatoes.
- Extra saucy – Drizzle with honey mustard or barbecue sauce for a flavor boost.
FAQ
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but keep an eye on cooking time—it can dry out quickly.
Can I prep it ahead of time?
You can roast the chicken and cook the bacon in advance, then assemble and bake with cheese right before serving.
What sides go best with this?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad are all excellent choices.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes—wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot.
Do I need to pound the chicken thin?
Not for this recipe. Simply slicing each breast in half keeps things simple and effective.
Final Thoughts
Alice Springs Chicken is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to make something that feels indulgent and satisfying. It’s a comfort food favorite that works just as well for a casual weeknight as it does for a special occasion.
The combination of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a fresh pop of green onion makes every bite flavorful and filling. Once you try making it at home, you might just find yourself skipping the restaurant version entirely—because yours will be just as good, if not better.
Serve it with your favorite sides, maybe a glass of sweet tea, and enjoy a restaurant classic from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Alice Springs Chicken, Copycat Outback Steakhouse
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 6 slices smoked thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 6 thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and ensures every bite has the perfect ratio of toppings. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Roast the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking tray or oven-safe dish. Roast for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked through but still moist.
Cook the Bacon:
- While the chicken roasts, place the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat. Fry just until the fat starts to render and the bacon begins to brown—don’t cook it until crispy, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain on paper towels.
Top with Bacon:
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Cut each bacon slice in half and place two half-slices on top of each piece of chicken.
Bake Again:
- Return the baking tray to the oven and cook for another 10 minutes to finish cooking the chicken and allow the bacon flavors to meld.
Add the Cheese:
- Remove the tray from the oven again and sprinkle each piece of chicken with about 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Melt the Cheese:
- Place the tray back into the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot, ideally with sides that complement the rich flavors.
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