Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices? Then look no further! This Alice Springs Chicken copycat recipe is your ticket to a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner. This dish is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – combining simple ingredients to create a truly memorable flavor explosion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner idea that's packed with flavor!
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken, a popular pub dish, is a succulent chicken breast coated in a crispy crumb, then pan-fried or baked to perfection. It's usually served with a creamy, tangy sauce, often featuring bacon and cheese. This recipe recreates that deliciousness in your own kitchen, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3. Feel free to double or triple it to feed a crowd!
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For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk (buttermilk adds extra tenderness!)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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For the Creamy Bacon and Cheese Sauce:
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner, more evenly cooking pieces. This is especially important for achieving a perfectly cooked, juicy result.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour and milk or buttermilk.
- In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it into the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or canola) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you prefer a crispier exterior, broil the chicken in the oven for the final 2-3 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
- While the chicken cooks, cook the diced bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Melt the butter in the same pan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Stir in the cooked bacon.
Serve:
Spoon the creamy bacon and cheese sauce generously over the cooked chicken and serve immediately. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken breading or the sauce for extra heat.
- Add some veggies: Sauté some chopped bell peppers and onions with the bacon for added flavor and nutrients.
- Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The chicken can be breaded and cooked ahead, then reheated when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is a general estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
Enjoy this fantastic Alice Springs Chicken recipe, and remember to share your culinary creations with us! We’d love to see your delicious versions of this easy and satisfying dish. Happy cooking!