Alice Springs Chicken

Name: Alice Springs Chicken with Bacon and Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, chopped; 8 oz mushrooms, chopped; 1/2 medium onion, diced; 1 tbsp garlic paste; 2 thin-cut chicken breasts (about 1 lb total); 1 tbsp olive oil; woodfired garlic seasoning, to taste; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp honey; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 4 slices Colby Jack cheese

Alice Springs Chicken is a restaurant-inspired dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts layered with crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, tangy honey mustard sauce, and melted Colby Jack cheese. The bacon-mushroom topping and savory-sweet glaze make it a satisfying weeknight entree that feels elevated.

🍴Copycat

🌍American 🏷️Alice springs chicken 🏷️Chicken 🏷️Bacon 🏷️Mushroom

🏷️Honey mustard

🏷️Cheesy chicken

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jackiehartlaub

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped
8 oz mushrooms, choppedoptional
1/2 medium onion, diced
1 tbsp garlic paste
2 thin-cut chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
1 tbsp olive oil
woodfired garlic seasoning, to taste
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
4 slices Colby Jack cheese

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Instructions

1
Chop bacon into small pieces.
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
3
Add the chopped mushrooms and diced onion to the skillet with the bacon and rendered fat. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4
Stir in the garlic paste and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Remove the bacon and vegetable mixture from the skillet and set aside.
6
Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously on all sides with the woodfired garlic seasoning.
7
In the same skillet, cook the seasoned chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, or until almost cooked through.
8
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey mustard sauce by whisking together the Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
9
Once the chicken is cooked, top each breast with the reserved bacon and mushroom mixture.
10
Drizzle the homemade honey mustard sauce over the toppings.
11
Place two slices of Colby Jack cheese on top of each chicken breast.
12
Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt completely, about 1-2 minutes.
13
Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pound chicken breasts to even 1/2-inch thickness before cooking to ensure even cooking and faster cooking time.
Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels to avoid a greasy topping.
Toast the mushrooms over medium-high heat without stirring too often—this develops deeper flavor instead of steaming them.
Melt cheese by covering the skillet with a lid for 1–2 minutes after topping, or transfer to a preheated oven for more even melting.

Substitutions

Colby Jack → sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack (mild, melts easily)
Dijon mustard → whole-grain mustard (adds texture; use same amount)
Honey → maple syrup or agave (1:1 swap; adjust sweetness to taste)
Bacon → pancetta or smoked ham (similar flavor; adjust salt)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes to preserve the cheese and chicken moisture.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, though you'll need to adjust cooking time. Thighs cook slower than thin-cut breasts—expect 5–8 minutes longer to reach 165°F internally.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use thin-cut breasts as called for, don't skip pounding if breasts are thick, and avoid overcooking past 165°F internal temp. The honey mustard sauce and cheese topping also help retain moisture.

Can I make the bacon-mushroom topping ahead?

Yes. Cook the bacon and mushroom mixture up to 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm gently before spooning over the cooked chicken.

What cheese can I swap for Colby Jack?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gouda work well—any semi-hard melting cheese with mild to medium flavor. Avoid crumbly varieties like feta or aged cheddar.

Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?

Yes. Pan-sear the chicken 3–4 minutes per side, then transfer to a 400°F oven. Top with bacon, mushrooms, sauce, and cheese, then bake 5–8 minutes until cheese melts and internal temp reaches 165°F.