Alice Springs Chicken, Copycat Outback Steakhouse
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken & Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 6 thinner cutlets. This ensures even cooking and perfect topping distribution. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Bacon:
While the chicken is baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Fry until it has rendered some fat and is just beginning to brown, but is not yet crispy. It will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Remove the chicken from the oven. Cut each bacon slice in half and drape two halves over each piece of chicken.
5. Second Bake:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken and allows the smoky bacon flavor to infuse.
6. Add Cheese and Melt:
Remove the tray and sprinkle each piece generously with shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/3 cup per piece). Return to the oven for a final 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with the chopped green onions and serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips:
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Even Thickness: For the most uniform cooking, place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound it to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
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Bacon is Key: Under-cooking the bacon initially is crucial! If it’s crispy before it goes on the chicken, it can become tough or burnt in the oven.
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Serve With: This pairs perfectly with honey mustard sauce for dipping, along with classic sides like seasoned fries, a crisp garden salad, or steamed vegetables.