Cheesy Alice Springs Chicken (Print Version)

Tender chicken topped with cheese, crispy bacon, and mushrooms baked to golden perfection.

# Ingredients:

Poultry

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 170 g (6 oz) each

Fats and Oils

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing

Meats

03 - 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp

Vegetables

04 - ½ cup sliced mushrooms, sautéed

Cheeses

05 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons honey
08 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
09 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Seasoning

11 - Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

12 - Fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - Set the oven to 190°C (375°F) to preheat while preparing other components.
02 - In a small bowl, thoroughly combine honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
03 - Over medium heat, cook the bacon slices in a skillet until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving a small amount of drippings in the skillet.
04 - Season chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Add olive oil to the skillet with bacon drippings and sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
05 - Transfer seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Coat each piece generously with the prepared honey mustard sauce. Layer sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon strips, then top with shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
06 - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and the cheese is melted and golden.
07 - Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the baked chicken and serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption.