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This Alice Springs Chicken French Bread Pizza transforms the beloved Outback Steakhouse favorite into an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that combines creamy honey-Dijon sauce with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a trio of melted cheeses all atop crusty French bread.
I first made this when looking for creative ways to use leftover chicken, and it's become my go-to recommendation whenever friends ask for an impressive but easy dinner idea. My teenagers request it at least twice a month now.
Ingredients
- French bread: The wide, flat surface creates the perfect sturdy base for all your toppings while maintaining a crispy exterior and soft interior
- Chicken breasts: Dice into small, even pieces for quicker cooking and better distribution throughout the pizza
- Bacon: Provides the perfect salty crunch and smoky flavor that makes the original Alice Springs Chicken so popular
- Mushrooms: Slice them extra thin so they cook properly and add an earthy flavor that complements the chicken
- Cream cheese: Creates the luxuriously smooth base that helps all other ingredients adhere while adding richness
- Monterey jack, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses: This trio offers the perfect balance of flavor and meltability for that photo-worthy cheese pull
- Honey Dijon sauce: The star of the show combines sweet honey, tangy mustard, and creamy elements for that signature Outback flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the marinade:
- Whisk together all the sauce ingredients until completely combined, making sure the brown sugar dissolves fully. The marinade does double duty as both a chicken seasoning and final drizzle, so make sure to reserve most of it.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Combine chicken pieces with just two tablespoons of the marinade, allowing the meat to absorb those flavors for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight for maximum flavor development.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering but not smoking, then add marinated chicken pieces, cooking until no longer pink inside, about 5-6 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cream cheese base:
- Microwave cream cheese in short bursts, stirring between each interval to achieve a completely smooth texture without overheating. Then incorporate some of your reserved sauce to create a flavorful spread.
- Assemble your pizzas:
- Spread your cream cheese mixture evenly across both bread halves, then methodically layer mushrooms, chicken, cheese blend, and finish with bacon crumbles for the perfect presentation.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place your assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake until the edges of the bread turn golden and crispy while the cheese melts completely, becoming slightly browned in spots.
- Finish with flair:
- Drizzle the remaining sauce over your hot pizzas and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and brightness that balances the rich flavors.
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The honey Dijon sauce is what truly makes this dish special. I discovered its versatility by accident when I had extra and used it as a dipping sauce for vegetables. Now I often make a double batch just to have on hand for salads and sandwiches throughout the week.
Make-Ahead Options
This French bread pizza is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prep nearly everything in advance. Marinate your chicken overnight, cook it the next morning, and assemble the entire pizza up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to eat, add about 3-5 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients. The flavor actually improves as the sauce has time to soak slightly into the bread.
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Creative Variations
While traditional Alice Springs Chicken features mushrooms and bacon, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Try adding diced red onions for sweetness and color, or bell peppers for extra crunch. For a spicier version, incorporate some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into your sauce. Vegetarians can skip the chicken entirely and double the mushrooms or add zucchini and yellow squash for a hearty vegetable version that maintains all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pizza works beautifully as a stand-alone meal, but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete Outback-inspired experience, serve with a steakhouse-style wedge salad with blue cheese dressing. If serving for a party, cut into small squares for a substantial appetizer that guests can enjoy while mingling. A light, crisp beer or glass of Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, tangy flavors perfectly.
The History Behind Alice Springs Chicken
The original Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse was named after the town in Australia's Northern Territory. While not an authentic Australian dish, it became one of the restaurant chain's signature items that captured American diners’ hearts with its combination of honey mustard, bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheese. This French bread pizza version maintains all those beloved flavors while transforming it into an approachable home-cooked meal that celebrates the same sweet-savory balance that made the original so popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and prepare the honey Dijon sauce in advance. You can also assemble the entire pizza up to 3 hours before baking - just cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- → What can I substitute for the French bread?
If French bread isn't available, you can use ciabatta, focaccia, or even large hoagie rolls instead. For a lower-carb option, try portobello mushroom caps or thick slices of eggplant as the base.
- → Do I have to use all three types of cheese?
While the combination of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and mozzarella creates an ideal balance of flavor and meltability, you can simplify with just one or two types if preferred. Mozzarella provides the best melt, while cheddar and Monterey Jack contribute more flavor.
- → Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and bacon and instead double the mushrooms. You could also add other vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or artichoke hearts. The honey Dijon sauce works beautifully with vegetables too.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pizza for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, and label. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing makes a perfect light side. For heartier options, consider roasted vegetables, potato wedges, or a cup of tomato soup. The dish is quite rich, so lighter sides help balance the meal.