Alice Springs Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
   Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If the breasts are particularly thick, you may want to butterfly them (cut them horizontally to create thinner pieces) to ensure they cook evenly. Alternatively, you can pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   There are a few ways to cook the chicken for Alice Springs Chicken—whether you choose to pan-sear it, bake it, or grill it, it all comes down to personal preference. Here’s how to do it on the stovetop for a quick and easy method:

Pan-Searing: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (74°C).
Alternative (Baking Method): If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature.

3. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:
   While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.

Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise (if using), apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

4. Cook the Mushrooms and Bacon:
   While the chicken is cooking and the sauce is being prepared, you can get the toppings ready.

Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet you used for the chicken (or another pan), sauté the sliced mushrooms in a little bit of olive oil over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until the mushrooms are softened and browned. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and set aside.
Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already cooked the bacon, do so now. You can either crisp the bacon up in a skillet or bake it in the oven. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

5. Assemble the Alice Springs Chicken:
   Now that everything is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish!

Top the Chicken: Once the chicken breasts are cooked, place them on a baking sheet (if you’re finishing in the oven) or leave them in the skillet. Spoon some of the honey mustard sauce over each piece of chicken. Then, add the sautéed mushrooms on top, followed by the crumbled bacon.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the chicken, covering the mushrooms and bacon.

6. Melt the Cheese:
   To melt the cheese and bring everything together, you have two options:

Bake: Place the chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Stovetop: If you prefer to keep everything on the stove, cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

7. Serve:
   Once the cheese has melted, remove the chicken from the oven or skillet and drizzle with a little more honey mustard sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve Alice Springs Chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Tips for Making Perfect Alice Springs Chicken:
Use Bone-In Chicken: While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can opt for bone-in chicken for more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken will take longer to cook.
Crisp the Bacon: For extra flavor, make sure the bacon is crispy. You can cook it in the oven (at 400°F for 15 minutes) or in a skillet, then crumble it into bits.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack cheese can add a spicy kick, while gouda or Swiss will lend a creamy texture.
Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: You can prepare the honey mustard sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s also delicious as a dipping sauce for fries or veggies.
Grilled Version: If you’re cooking outdoors, Alice Springs Chicken is also fantastic when grilled. Simply grill the chicken breasts, then top with the mushrooms, bacon, cheese, and sauce, and finish the dish with a quick toast under the grill lid.
Why You’ll Love Alice Springs Chicken:
Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky bacon, sautéed mushrooms, gooey melted cheese, and tangy honey mustard creates a balanced flavor profile that is both savory and sweet, with just the right amount of richness.
Simple and Quick: Alice Springs Chicken is surprisingly easy to make and doesn’t require a long list of complicated ingredients. The dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Customizable: The recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Add more veggies, swap out the cheese, or adjust the spice level to your liking. It’s a dish that’s versatile and flexible.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or feeding a crowd, Alice Springs Chicken is sure to impress everyone at the table. It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to be a hit.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will make every bite a delight. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to serve at a dinner party, this dish offers the ultimate comfort food experience with its rich, smoky, cheesy goodness. So fire up the skillet or preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in this delicious, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!