If you love restaurant-style chicken dinners packed with bold flavor, this Cheesy Bacon Chicken with Mustard Sauce is about to become your new favorite meal. Inspired by the famous Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse, this homemade version features tender chicken breasts marinated in a rich honey mustard sauce, pan-seared until golden, then topped with crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and baked to perfection.
Every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and cheesy goodness. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner, impressive enough for guests, and simple enough for busy weeknights.
And the best part? No mushrooms—just pure cheesy bacon chicken perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Chicken
Restaurant Quality at Home
All the flavors of your favorite steakhouse chicken—made right in your own kitchen.
Sweet, Tangy, and Savory
The homemade honey mustard marinade adds incredible depth and flavor.
Loaded with Cheese and Bacon
Because everything gets better with melted cheese and crispy bacon.
Family-Friendly
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
What Is Cheesy Bacon Chicken with Mustard Sauce?
This comforting chicken dish starts with boneless chicken breasts marinated in a homemade honey mustard sauce made with mustard, honey, lemon juice, and spices. The chicken is then seared until golden, topped with crispy bacon, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheese, and finished in the oven until juicy and perfectly cooked.
The result? Tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy, cheesy, smoky topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
As they say—the best dinners start with bacon and end with melted cheese.
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
Honey Mustard Marinade
- ½ cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 slices bacon, cooked
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Kitchen Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Baking sheet (for bacon)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Honey Mustard Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Yellow mustard
- Honey
- Vegetable oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Whisk for about 30 seconds, until smooth and fully combined.
This will make approximately 1 cup of marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag.
Pour ½ cup of the honey mustard marinade over the chicken.
Seal the bag and massage gently to coat every piece.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Reserve the remaining marinade in the refrigerator for later.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place in the hot skillet.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden.
The chicken will not be fully cooked yet—that’s exactly what you want.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Remove the skillet from heat.
Brush each chicken breast with a little of the reserved honey mustard sauce.
Top each piece with:
- 2 slices cooked bacon
- ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese
Every piece should be generously covered.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with extra honey mustard sauce on the side.
What to Serve with Cheesy Bacon Chicken
This rich and flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Roasted green beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Buttered corn
- Dinner rolls
- Caesar salad
- Rice pilaf
Ingredient Tips
Mustard Options
Yellow mustard gives classic flavor, but you can also use:
- Dijon mustard
- Whole grain mustard
- Store-bought honey mustard
Best Honey
Raw local honey adds deeper flavor and natural sweetness.
Chicken Options
You can substitute:
- Boneless chicken thighs
- Turkey cutlets
Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Cheese Options
Not a Monterey Jack fan? Try:
- Mozzarella
- Pepper Jack
- Colby Jack
- Smoked gouda
Expert Tips
Don’t Skip the Marinade
Marinating gives the chicken incredible flavor and helps keep it juicy.
Cook Bacon Ahead
Bake your bacon beforehand for easy prep.
Use a Thermometer
Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and creamier.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Oven (Best Method)
Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Microwave
Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Delicious Variations
Mushroom Version
Add sautéed mushrooms for a true Alice Springs-style experience.
Spicy Version
Add cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños.
BBQ Twist
Swap honey mustard for barbecue sauce.
Low-Carb Version
Serve over cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables.
This Cheesy Bacon Chicken with Mustard Sauce is sweet, smoky, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re recreating your favorite steakhouse meal or simply craving an easy comfort-food dinner, this recipe always delivers.
