Bookmark
Alice Springs Chicken and Potatoes brings together juicy chicken breast, crispy bacon, golden potatoes, and savory Baby Bella mushrooms in one satisfying skillet meal. The potatoes get extra crispy thanks to a quick air fry before they mingle with sautéed onions and mushrooms. The chicken is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika then cooked until tender and coated in a tangy honey mustard sauce. Topped with melting Colby Jack cheese and crispy bacon, this dish is an easy way to serve hearty dinner with bold flavors and textures all on one pan.
I first cooked this on a busy weeknight and watched my family fall delightfully quiet with each bite. Now it’s a goto for cozy weekends and family gatherings when I want something effortless but special.
Ingredients
- Peeled and diced potatoes: Look for firm ones with thin skin to hold their shape and soak up sauce well
- Olive oil extra virgin: Gives richer flavor and helps crisp up potatoes and chicken
- Seasoned salt: Brings balanced savory notes to both vegetables and meat choose one with herbs for added depth
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Fresh or thawed diced evenly for tenderness and even cooking
- Baby Bella mushrooms: Firm caps give earthy richness avoid slimy ones to ensure freshness
- Yellow onion: Sweet onions caramelize easily creating mellow base flavor
- Bacon thick slices: Add smoky crunch dice evenly for the best texture
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory notes select a pungent smelling brand
- Onion powder: Deepens flavor use fine powder for uniform seasoning
- Paprika: Smoked or sweet adds warmth and appealing color
- Colby Jack cheese: Fresh grated melts best and balances bold flavors Colby Jack is my favorite cheese for this recipe because it melts smoothly and complements the tangy honey mustard perfectly
- Honey mustard sauce: Tangy kick choose homemade or good quality storebought for authenticity
Instructions
- Prep and Season the Potatoes:
- Rinse diced potatoes under cold water thoroughly to remove extra starch. Pat completely dry with a clean towel to ensure crispiness. Toss in a bowl with olive oil and seasoned salt until all pieces look shiny and well coated. Air fry at four hundred degrees for twenty minutes tossing once or twice for even cooking and crisp edges.
- Cook the Bacon:
- Place diced bacon in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook until completely crispy and most fat is rendered about five to seven minutes. Remove bacon bits and set aside but keep some of the bacon grease in the skillet to prevent sticking and add flavor to the veggies and chicken.
- Sauté Onions and Mushrooms:
- Add diced yellow onions and Baby Bella mushrooms to the hot bacon grease in skillet. Sauté for two to three minutes stirring often. The goal is softening and releasing moisture without browning too much to preserve sweet and savory base flavors.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Push onions and mushrooms to one side of the skillet and add diced chicken. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and seasoned salt evenly over the chicken. Toss everything together to coat the chicken fully. Cook about seven to eight minutes stirring occasionally until chicken is golden and reaches one hundred sixty five degrees internally.
- Combine Everything:
- Add air fried potatoes back into the skillet and pour in a quarter cup of honey mustard sauce. Gently stir to combine all ingredients well. Top with shredded Colby Jack cheese and sprinkled crispy bacon bits.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Place the entire skillet in a three hundred fiftydegree oven for five to ten minutes until the cheese melts and everything is heated through. Remove from oven and drizzle remaining honey mustard over the top before serving.
My favorite moment with this dish is pulling it from the oven and seeing the bubbly, golden cheese while mouthwatering aromas fill the kitchen. My kids always try to sneak bites before it cools so it has become a family tradition to serve it on a large wooden board and dive in together.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Flavors deepen and blend nicely overnight. If freezing cool completely before sealing tightly in freezer safe containers. To reheat warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short intervals to preserve tenderness.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have Colby Jack cheese use cheddar or Monterey Jack as suitable alternatives that melt well. For a bacon free version swap diced turkey bacon or chopped sundried tomatoes for smoky notes. White button mushrooms can replace Baby Bella mushrooms with milder flavor. Homemade honey mustard is easy by mixing equal parts honey and mustard with a splash of lemon juice for balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for freshness. For an extra touch sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions on top. When serving a crowd bring the skillet to the table with extra honey mustard sauce on the side for everyone to enjoy.
This Alice Springs Chicken and Potatoes is a comforting one pan meal that comes together quickly and pleases a crowd. Serve hot with extra honey mustard and a simple green side.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What potatoes are best for this dish?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well as they develop a crisp exterior when air-fried or roasted.
- → Can I substitute the cheese with something else?
Yes, cheddar or Monterey Jack are great alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors.
- → How do I know when the chicken is cooked thoroughly?
Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally to be juicy and safe to eat.
- → Is an air fryer necessary for the potatoes?
No, roasting the potatoes at 400°F in the oven until golden and crispy works well too.
- → How is the honey mustard sauce made?
Mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard with a splash of lemon juice for a balanced tangy sauce.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, though leftovers can be stored refrigerated and reheated within two days.