Alice Springs Chicken Potatoes

This recipe for Alice Springs Chicken and Potatoes brings together juicy chicken breast, crispy bacon, golden potatoes, and Baby Bella mushrooms in a single skillet for a satisfying dinner. By first air frying the potatoes, they achieve extra crispiness, then combine perfectly with sautéed mushrooms and onions. The chicken is seasoned generously and cooked tender before being mixed with a tangy honey mustard sauce and topped with shredded Colby Jack cheese and bacon. Finished in the oven, this dish serves up rich flavors and comforting textures all in one pan.

This dish quickly became a family favorite after a busy weeknight when everyone ate quietly, savoring each bite. Now it’s a staple for gatherings and cozy weekends alike.

Ingredients

• Peeled and diced potatoes: these bring heartiness and soak up sauces well choose firm potatoes with thin skins
• Olive oil: extra virgin enhances flavor and helps crisp the potatoes and chicken
• Seasoned salt: adds balanced herbs to both vegetables and meat select one with highlighted herbs
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: fresh or thawed for tenderness cut evenly for consistent cooking
• Baby Bella mushrooms: firm caps add savory earthiness avoid any that are slimy
• Yellow onion: sweet and caramelizes easily to build a mellow flavor base
• Bacon: thick cut delivers smoky crunch best to dice evenly for even cooking
• Garlic powder: boost savory notes choose a brand with strong aroma
• Onion powder: deepens flavor use fine powder for even distribution
• Paprika: smoked or sweet adds warmth and color to dishes
• Colby Jack cheese: grating fresh makes melting smoother than pre-shredded varieties Colby Jack remains a favorite because it melts beautifully and balances bold flavors
• Honey mustard sauce: tangy kick from real mustard can be homemade or store-bought

Instructions

Prep and Season the Potatoes:

Rinse diced potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch which helps create crispy edges. Pat them dry very well with a clean towel until no moisture remains. Toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil and seasoned salt making sure each piece is evenly coated. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes stirring once or twice to ensure all sides cook evenly.

Cook the Bacon:

Put the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook until completely crispy and the fat has rendered out this should take about five to seven minutes. Remove the bacon pieces and set them aside but leave enough bacon grease in the skillet so that the vegetables and chicken do not stick while cooking.

Sauté Onions and Mushrooms:

Add diced onions and mushrooms directly to the hot bacon grease. Cook for two to three minutes stirring often so they soften and release their juices. Avoid letting them brown too much to build the best flavor base.

Cook the Chicken:

Push the sautéed veggies to one side of the skillet and add diced chicken on the other side. Sprinkle garlic powder onion powder paprika and seasoned salt evenly over the chicken. Stir to coat every piece thoroughly. Cook for seven to eight minutes stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Combine Everything:

Add the air fried potatoes back to the skillet and pour in a quarter cup of honey mustard sauce. Gently stir to combine all ingredients well. Top the mixture with shredded Colby Jack cheese and the crisped bacon pieces.

Melt the Cheese:

Place your skillet into a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for five to ten minutes to melt the cheese and heat everything through. Remove from the oven and drizzle the remaining honey mustard sauce over the top before serving.

My favorite part is pulling this skillet from the oven and seeing the cheese bubbling as the kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas. My kids always try to sneak tastes before it cools and now it is a cherished family tradition to serve the dish on a large wooden board and share it together.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Flavors deepen and improve after resting overnight. For freezing let the dish cool completely before sealing it in airtight containers. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short intervals to keep the chicken and potatoes tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Colby Jack use sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a similar melt and flavor. For bacon-free versions try turkey bacon or replace it with chopped sun dried tomatoes for umami richness. White button mushrooms can substitute Baby Bella mushrooms when unavailable. Honey mustard sauce can be made quickly by mixing equal parts honey and your favorite mustard.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served right from the skillet for a warm and rustic vibe. Pair it with a crunchy green salad or light steamed green beans for freshness. For extra flair sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. When feeding a crowd the skillet placed in the center of the table invites everyone to dig in with extra sauce served on the side.

Balancing textures from crispy potatoes and bacon to tender chicken makes this a satisfying meal. The honey mustard sauce brings everything together with a bright tang that keeps each bite exciting.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape and develop a crispy exterior when air-fried or roasted.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of Colby Jack?

Yes, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheeses can be used as substitutes, providing a similar melt and flavor.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are juicy and safe to eat.

→ Is the air fryer necessary for potatoes?

No, potatoes can be roasted in the oven at 400°F until golden and crispy if an air fryer is unavailable.

→ How is the honey mustard sauce made?

Mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard, then add a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

→ Can this meal be prepared ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated within two days without losing texture.