Alice Springs Chicken

I love making Alice Springs Chicken because it’s a flavorful, savory dish featuring tender chicken, creamy honey mustard sauce, and melty cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy the rich, creamy honey mustard sauce paired with the juicy chicken and gooey melted cheese. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. The best part is that it’s so easy to make, with minimal prep and cooking time, yet it tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey mustard dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • In a small bowl, I mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

   • In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, I add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown (the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point). I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, I mix the honey mustard dressing and Dijon mustard together (if using) until smooth. This will create the flavorful sauce for the chicken.

3. Assemble the Chicken:

   • I place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.

   • I generously drizzle the honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast, making sure it’s well-coated.

   • Then, I top each piece with the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, covering the chicken evenly.

4. Bake the Chicken:

   • I bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

   • Once baked, I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, with cook time of 30-35 minutes, making it an easy and satisfying dish to prepare.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

• Adding sautéed mushrooms on top of the chicken before baking for extra flavor.

• Mixing in a little bit of fresh chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness.

• Using different types of cheese, such as Swiss or provolone, for a new flavor combination.

• Drizzling some balsamic glaze over the finished chicken for an added layer of sweetness.

Storage / Reheating

I store any leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes! You can use chicken thighs or bone-in chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook, so make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken with the sauce and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Can I make this dish without the cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese if you want a lighter dish. The honey mustard sauce will still provide plenty of flavor, and you can top it with some fresh herbs for added color and taste.

4. Can I use a store-bought honey mustard sauce?
Yes, store-bought honey mustard works perfectly for this recipe! Just make sure to adjust the amount of Dijon mustard if you want more tanginess.

5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Conclusion

Alice Springs Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that combines the richness of melted cheese and honey mustard sauce with juicy, tender chicken. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Easy to make and full of delicious flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!