Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken – Better Than Outback Steakhouse

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly cooked chicken dish, especially when it’s layered with incredible flavors. This Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken is a true restaurant-style meal you can easily make at home. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts are grilled or pan-fried to perfection, then topped with tangy honey mustard sauce, gooey melted cheese, and crispy bacon. Add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms, and you’ve got a dish that rivals any steakhouse menu item.

This recipe is inspired by the legendary Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse, a dish beloved for its smoky, savory, and cheesy flavor profile. The best part about making Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken at home? You can customize every step—whether you prefer grilling or pan-frying, oven-baked or skillet-cooked bacon, or adding extra toppings like mushrooms and onions.

After spending months preparing holiday treats like Pineapple Juice Cake, I was craving something hearty and savory. This chicken dish is everything you want in a comforting dinner: big flavors, simple steps, and ingredients that come together quickly, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and weekend family meals.

Ingredients: Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Pound to even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Honey Mustard Sauce – Store-bought is fine, or make your own by mixing equal parts honey and mustard with a touch of mayonnaise.

• Seasonings for Marinade: Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. A spoonful of honey mustard adds extra flavor.

• Cheese: Sliced or shredded Colby Jack, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack cheese for a perfect melt.

• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best. Cook until crispy, then crumble.

• Caramelized Onions or Sautéed Mushrooms (Optional): Onions add sweetness, while mushrooms bring an earthy note.

• Optional Garnish: Chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

How to Make Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Flatten the Chicken Breasts – Pound thicker parts of the chicken to ensure even cooking.

2. Prepare the Marinade – Mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add ½ tablespoon honey mustard for extra tang.

3. Marinate – Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Coat well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Skillet Method:

• Start with a cold skillet and lay bacon strips flat.

• Cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crispy (8–12 minutes).

• Transfer to paper towels and crumble once cooled.

Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.

• Arrange bacon in a single layer and bake for 18–23 minutes until crisp.

• Drain and crumble.

Step 3: Grill or Pan-Fry the Chicken

Grilling Instructions:

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.

• Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Brush with honey mustard sauce just before removing from the grill.

Pan-Frying Instructions:

• Heat a skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of olive oil.

• Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

• Baste generously with honey mustard sauce.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken

1. Top each chicken breast with cheese slices or shredded cheese after basting.

2. For grilled chicken, place it back on the grill to melt the cheese.

3. If pan-frying, cover the skillet or broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until cheese is gooey.

4. Sprinkle with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms.

The final result is a perfectly indulgent Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken that’s bursting with flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

• Add Mushrooms: The original Alice Springs Chicken features sautéed mushrooms—add them for extra depth.

• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless thighs are juicier and equally delicious.

• Make it Spicy: Pepper Jack cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper bring heat.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave at 50% power to keep the chicken moist.

Tips & Tricks

• Prevent Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook—165°F is the sweet spot. A meat thermometer is your best friend.

• Perfect Caramelized Onions: Cook on low heat with butter for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate chicken and cook bacon a day ahead for easy assembly later.

For a fun appetizer to pair with this dish, try these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs.

FAQs: Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken

Q: How do I keep my chicken juicy?
A: Marinate for at least 30 minutes and cook only until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Marinate the chicken and cook the bacon the day before. Assemble and heat when ready to serve.

Q: What type of honey mustard works best?
A: Store-bought is great, or make your own using equal parts honey and mustard with a bit of mayonnaise.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 4

Tools Used

• Grill or skillet

• Mixing bowls

• Zip-top bag

• Meat thermometer

• Baking sheet (for oven-cooked bacon)

Final Thoughts: Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken

This Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken recipe brings restaurant flavors right to your table. With juicy chicken, tangy honey mustard, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s the perfect balance of comfort food and elegance.

If you’re a fan of hearty chicken dishes, you’ll love our Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, another classic comfort recipe.

For more expert cooking inspiration, check out the guides on Delish.

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Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with honey mustard, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and optional caramelized onions or mushrooms. Inspired by Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup honey mustard sauce store-bought or homemade
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese or 1 cup shredded
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon cooked and crumbled
• Optional: Caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms

Equipment

• Grill or skillet
• - Mixing bowls
• Meat thermometer
• - Baking sheet

Method

 

1. Flatten chicken breasts to even thickness if needed.
2. Combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Cook bacon using skillet or oven method. Crumble and set aside.
4. Grill or pan-fry chicken until internal temp reaches 165°F, basting with honey mustard.
5. Add cheese on top of chicken and melt under grill or broiler.
6. Sprinkle with bacon, caramelized onions, and mushrooms.
7. Serve hot with extra honey mustard for dipping.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for extra flavor.

Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs if preferred.

Store leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge.