Aussie Chicken

Aussie Chicken Recipe - Delicious Chicken Dish from Australia

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Aussie Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the savory taste of seasoned chicken breasts with the sweet and tangy flavors of honey mustard sauce, all topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a hearty meal with a unique blend of flavors. It's a versatile dish that can be served on various occasions, from a casual family dinner to a more formal gathering.

History

The Aussie Chicken recipe is inspired by Australian cuisine, which is known for its diverse and flavorful dishes. This particular recipe, however, has been adapted and popularized in many countries, especially in the United States. It combines elements of American comfort food with Australian flavor influences, making it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, pounded to 0.5 inch thickness
2 tsp seasoning salt
6 slices bacon, cut in half
0.5 cup prepared mustard
0.5 cup honey
0.25 cup light corn syrup
0.25 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp dried onion flakes
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cup shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Rub the chicken breasts with the seasoning salt, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet.
Cook over medium-high heat until crisp.
Set it aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the mustard, honey, corn syrup, mayonnaise, and dried onion flakes.
Remove half of the sauce, cover, and refrigerate to serve later.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Place the breasts in the skillet and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Apply the honey mustard sauce to each breast, then layer each breast with mushrooms and bacon.
Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken juices run clear.
Garnish with parsley and serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce.

Variations

For a healthier version, use turkey bacon and low-fat cheese.
Add a spicy kick by mixing in some hot sauce or chili flakes into the honey mustard sauce.
Substitute the chicken breasts with thigh fillets for a juicier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly.

- Letting the chicken marinate with seasoning salt enhances its flavor.

- Cooking the bacon until crisp before adding it to the dish adds a delightful crunch.

- Using fresh mushrooms instead of canned ones offers a better texture and flavor.

- For a richer sauce, consider using full-fat mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

Aussie Chicken can be served with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes to make a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it over a bed of mixed greens.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the chicken before baking ensures a golden and crispy exterior. Baking then allows the flavors to meld together while the cheese melts perfectly over the top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise for a healthier sauce.

- Maple syrup can substitute for corn syrup for a different flavor profile.

- Any type of melting cheese can be used in place of the specified cheese for variation.

Make Ahead Tips

The chicken can be marinated and the sauce prepared a day ahead. Assemble the dish just before baking to save time on busy days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Aussie Chicken on a platter garnished with extra parsley and a drizzle of the reserved honey mustard sauce. A side of colorful vegetables adds to the visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the flavors of this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade complements the tangy and sweet notes of the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Aussie Chicken contains approximately 400-500 calories, making it a relatively high-calorie dish. This is due to the combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates

This dish contains carbohydrates primarily from the honey, corn syrup, and light mayonnaise. Each serving has approximately 20-30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a moderate carbohydrate dish.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the bacon, mayonnaise, cheese, and vegetable oil. Each serving contains about 20-25 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Aussie Chicken is rich in proteins, thanks to the chicken breasts and cheese. Each serving provides approximately 30-35 grams of protein, making it an excellent source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A from the cheese, Vitamin D from the chicken, and several B vitamins from both the chicken and bacon. It also contains minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (cheese and mayonnaise) and gluten (from any breaded chicken or if served with bread). Individuals with allergies should modify the recipe accordingly.

Summary

Overall, Aussie Chicken is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is relatively high in calories and contains common allergens.

Summary

Aussie Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best of savory, sweet, and tangy tastes. With its rich protein content and delightful combination of textures, it's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, Aussie Chicken is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Aussie Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through a vintage cookbook store in the quaint little town of Melbourne. As I was leaving, an elderly woman approached me and handed me a worn, tattered recipe card. She explained that it was a family recipe for a dish called Aussie Chicken, and that it had been passed down through generations.

Intrigued, I thanked the woman and carefully tucked the recipe card into my purse. When I returned home, I immediately set to work in my kitchen, gathering the ingredients and following the instructions to a tee. The aromas that filled my home as the chicken roasted in the oven were simply mouthwatering.

As I took my first bite of the tender, flavorful chicken, I knew that this recipe was something special. The combination of herbs and spices, along with the tangy mustard and sweet honey, created a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't wait to share this delicious dish with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made Aussie Chicken countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have served it at family gatherings, dinner parties, and even on quiet evenings at home. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that serendipitous day in Melbourne when I was given the gift of this treasured recipe.

As I reflect on my culinary journey, I realize that Aussie Chicken is just one of many recipes that I have collected and cherished over the years. From my grandmother's secret meatball recipe to my neighbor's famous chocolate cake, each dish tells a story and holds a special place in my heart.

I am grateful for the countless hours spent in the kitchen, experimenting with ingredients and techniques, honing my skills and expanding my repertoire. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express creativity and love through food.

I am also grateful for the people who have shared their recipes with me, passing down their culinary wisdom from one generation to the next. These recipes are not just a collection of ingredients and instructions; they are a connection to the past, a link to my heritage and a source of comfort and joy.

As I grow older, I find solace in the act of cooking, in the familiar rituals of chopping, stirring, and tasting. It is a way for me to slow down, to savor the moment, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, as I continue to explore new recipes and flavors, I will always hold dear the memory of that fateful day in Melbourne when I discovered the recipe for Aussie Chicken. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to feed the spirit as well as the body. And for that, I am truly grateful.