Copycat Outback Grilled Chicken on the Barbie
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating) Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 servings
Outback’s Grilled Chicken on the Barbie is one of the most popular items on their menu for people who aren’t in a steak mood. It’s a simple concept executed well — chicken breasts marinated in a honey-mustard glaze, then grilled until you get those beautiful char marks and caramelized edges. The Dijon mustard provides tang, the honey caramelizes on the grill, and the soy sauce adds umami depth.
The name “on the Barbie” references Australian barbecue culture, which is fitting since Outback is themed around the Australian Outback. The cooking technique is straightforward — the marinade does all the heavy lifting.
Grilled Chicken Perfection
- Pound the chicken even. Uneven chicken breasts cook unevenly — thin parts dry out while thick parts stay undercooked. Pounding to 3/4 inch gives you consistently juicy chicken across the entire breast.
- Medium-high heat, not blazing. The honey in the marinade will burn over high heat. Medium-high gives you nice char without charcoal.
- Baste at the end only. Basting with the reserved marinade during the last 2 minutes adds a fresh layer of flavor and glaze without the risk of cross-contamination from raw chicken.
Outback at Home
Grilled Chicken on the Barbie costs about $16-18 at Outback Steakhouse with two sides. Four chicken breasts with this marinade cost about $8-10. Add a $3 side salad and $2 worth of mashed potatoes and you’ve got the same dinner for four at home for about $15 total.
