Bloomin' Chicken from Outback Steakhouse features a juicy, hand-battered chicken breast topped with the restaurant's signature Bloomin' Onion seasoning, fried to golden perfection, and served with a tangy, zesty dipping sauce, delivering a flavorful and crispy dining experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Wire rack or cooling rack
- Baking sheet
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Meat tenderizer (optional)
- Plate for dredging
- Paper towels
- Sauce bowl or ramekin
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons Bloomin’ Onion seasoning (or copycat blend: paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Kosher salt
- For the dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons creamy horseradish sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Your chicken breasts should be evenly pounded to ensure consistent cooking and a juicy texture. Using a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the breading mixture helps achieve a crispier, golden crust. The Bloomin' Onion seasoning blend is key to replicating the bold, savory flavor, so careful measurement of the spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper is important. Fry the chicken in vegetable oil at the correct temperature to prevent greasiness and maintain a crunchy exterior. The Bloomin' Chicken from Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe offers a perfect balance of flavorful seasoning and crispy texture for a satisfying homemade version.
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (optional).
- Mix buttermilk and eggs in a bowl.
- Place chicken in buttermilk mixture; marinate 30 minutes.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, Bloomin’ Onion seasoning, and baking powder in another bowl.
- Preheat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture; dredge thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture.
- Dip chicken back into buttermilk mixture, then dredge again in seasoned flour.
- Carefully place coated chicken in hot oil with tongs.
- Fry until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes), turning as needed.
- Remove chicken to wire rack or paper towels to drain.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt while hot.
- Mix all dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve fried chicken with dipping sauce.
Substitution
This Bloomin' Chicken copycat from Outback Steakhouse requires hand-battering and frying the chicken breast to achieve its signature crunchy texture. You can substitute vegetable oil with peanut or canola oil for frying if you prefer a higher smoke point and a neutral flavor. If buttermilk is unavailable, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a suitable acidic soak. Using a meat tenderizer on the chicken breasts before marinating can result in a juicier, more tender bite. Adjust the Bloomin' Onion seasoning blend according to your preferred heat level, balancing cayenne and paprika to suit your taste.
Tips
Ensure your chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to promote uniform cooking and juiciness. When dredging, double dip the chicken in the buttermilk and seasoned flour mixture to achieve the signature crispy crust that defines Bloomin' Chicken. Maintain the oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to avoid greasy chicken while ensuring it cooks thoroughly in 6 to 8 minutes. After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess and preserve the crisp texture before serving with your zesty dipping sauce.
Nutritions
Bloomin' Chicken from Outback Steakhouse contains a significant amount of protein from the chicken breast, with added calories and fats due to the deep-frying process in vegetable oil. The breading, combining all-purpose flour and cornstarch, contributes carbohydrates and some extra calories, while the seasoning mix offers minimal sodium. The buttermilk marinade adds moisture and a small amount of calcium, whereas the dipping sauce combines mayonnaise and horseradish sauce, contributing fats and sodium. Your meal delivers a balance of macronutrients but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its fried preparation and sodium content.
Storage
Store Bloomin' Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its crispiness and flavor for up to 3 days. Reheat using an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) to restore the crunchy texture, avoiding microwaves that can make the coating soggy. Your best results come from cooling the chicken on a wire rack before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the Bloomin' Onion seasoning with Cajun or Creole spice blends for a different flavor profile. For a lighter option, bake the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of deep frying. If preferred, use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for marinating to add a tangy richness and tenderize the chicken. Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the seasoned flour mixture to enhance the aromatic complexity.
Allergies
The Bloomin' Chicken contains common allergens such as eggs, found in the batter, and dairy from the buttermilk and mayonnaise in the dipping sauce. Wheat allergens are present due to the all-purpose flour used in the breading process. Your meal may also pose a risk for those sensitive to spices such as paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper included in the seasoning and sauce.
Why this recipe?
Bloomin' Chicken from Outback Steakhouse is beloved for its perfectly seasoned, hand-breaded chicken breast paired with a tangy Bloomin' Onion sauce that enhances every bite. This dish offers a unique combination of crispy texture and bold flavors that keep customers coming back. Recreating this recipe at home allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality taste with fresh ingredients and personalized seasoning adjustments. Your homemade version can capture the essence of Outback's signature menu item while adding your own twist for an unforgettable meal.