Alice Springs chicken is a classic Australian dish that is well-loved for its unique combination of flavors and tender juicy meat. But what exactly is the nutritional breakdown of this iconic Aussie meal? In this article, we will analyze the nutrition facts of Alice Springs chicken to find out what’s really in this tasty dish.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs chicken, also sometimes called chicken Alice Springs, is a popular chicken dish that originated from the town of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory. It typically consists of chicken breasts or thighs that are seasoned, pan-fried or grilled, then topped with bacon, mushrooms, onions, and cheese.
The cheese is often a combination of cheddar and parmesan, adding a wonderful salty, nutty flavor. The mushrooms provide an earthy element while the bacon lends a smoky, salty crunch. The onions caramelize and sweeten during cooking. Sometimes the dish may also contain barbecue or sweet chili sauce for even more bold, sticky sweetness.
The end result is a meal with a wonderful blend of flavors – savory, salty, sweet – and a pleasing mix of textures from the tender chicken, crispy bacon, meaty mushrooms and gooey melted cheese. It’s an iconic Australian dish that is popularly served in pubs but also often made at home.
Nutrition Facts of Alice Springs Chicken
Now let’s analyze the nutrition information in a typical serving of Alice Springs chicken made with chicken breast, bacon, onion, mushrooms and cheddar cheese. We’ll look at the calories, protein, carbs, fat, vitamins and minerals.
Calories
One serving of Alice Springs chicken containing around 120g (4oz) of chicken breast, 30g bacon, 30g onion, 80g mushrooms and 30g cheddar cheese provides approximately:
- 545 calories
The majority of calories come from the protein-rich chicken breast and fat-rich bacon. The mushrooms, onions and cheese contribute smaller amounts of calories.
Macronutrients
The macronutrient breakdown for one serving of Alice Springs chicken is approximately:
- Protein: 63g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
Again, the chicken breast provides the majority of protein. The bacon is the main source of fat. The onion, mushrooms and cheese provide most of the carbohydrates.
Vitamins & Minerals
Alice Springs chicken contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including:
- Thiamin: 12% DV
- Niacin: 43% DV
- Vitamin B6: 27% DV
- Folate: 7% DV
- Vitamin B12: 31% DV
- Zinc: 16% DV
- Selenium: 44% DV
- Phosphorus: 32% DV
The chicken supplies a good amount of B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, B6, folate and B12. Zinc and selenium also come primarily from the chicken. The cheese provides calcium.
Benefits of Alice Springs Chicken Nutrition
Based on its nutrition profile, some of the benefits of Alice Springs chicken include:
High in Protein
The chicken breast provides a significant amount of protein – around 63g per serving. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function and keeping you feeling full.
Contains Important Vitamins & Minerals
Alice Springs chicken delivers a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals. These support overall health, metabolism, bone strength, immune function, DNA synthesis and more.
Relatively Low Carb
With only around 12g net carbs per serving, this dish can fit into low carb and keto diets. The small amount of carbs comes from the onion, mushrooms and cheese.
Potential Concerns
While Alice Springs chicken provides beneficial nutrition, there are also some potential downsides to consider:
High in Saturated Fat
The bacon can make this dish high in saturated fat, around 11g per serving. Eating too much saturated fat may raise cholesterol levels.
High in Sodium
Between the bacon, cheese, and any additional salt or sauce, Alice Springs chicken can end up high in sodium. This may be concerning for those limiting sodium intake.
May trigger Food Allergies
Alice Springs chicken contains common food allergens like chicken, cheese and mushrooms. Those with food allergies need to avoid the ingredients they are allergic to.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken Healthier
There are several simple tips that can boost the nutrition in your Alice Springs chicken recipe:
- Use extra lean chicken breast to reduce saturated fat.
- Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon.
- Increase the mushrooms and onions for more fiber and nutrients.
- Use reduced-fat cheese or smaller amounts of regular cheese.
- Skip salt or sauces high in sodium.
- Serve with a side salad or non-starchy veggies.
Conclusion
Alice Springs chicken is a tasty Australian favorite that is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. It provides benefits like giving you energy, supporting muscle growth and containing important nutrients.However, the high amounts of saturated fat and sodium can be drawbacks for some. Enjoy this delicious dish in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.