The Bloomin' Fried Chicken Sandwich from Outback Steakhouse features a juicy, crispy fried chicken breast topped with melted cheese, Outback's signature Bloomin' Onion petals, fresh lettuce, tomato, and mayo, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun, delivering a flavorful crunch with each bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Meat tenderizer (optional)
- Tongs
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
- Cheese slicer or grater (if using block cheese)
- Toaster or grill (for buns)
- Plate/platter
- Spatula
- Kitchen thermometer
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 slices American or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for onion coating)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for onion coating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for onion coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for onion coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for onion coating)
- 2 brioche buns
- Mayonnaise
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts and soak them in buttermilk to ensure tenderness and better coating adhesion. The combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates an extra crispy texture when frying. When slicing the sweet onion for the Bloomin' Onion petals, aim for uniform, thin slices to achieve even cooking and crunch. Choose a good quality brioche bun and toast it lightly to prevent sogginess from the mayo and vegetables. Your Bloomin' Fried Chicken Sandwich will closely replicate Outback Steakhouse's signature flavor by balancing the spicy seasoning blend with fresh toppings and melted cheese.
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (optional).
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Slice onion into rings; separate petals for topping.
- Prepare seasoned flour mixture: mix 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, shake off excess.
- Heat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Place fried chicken on a wire rack over baking sheet; drain excess oil.
- Lay cheese slice on each hot chicken breast to melt.
- Prepare onion petals: soak in milk, dredge in separate seasoned flour (1 cup flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp salt).
- Fry onion petals until crispy and golden; drain on paper towels.
- Toast brioche buns on grill or toaster until golden.
- Spread mayo on bottom and/or top buns.
- Add lettuce and sliced tomato to bottom bun.
- Place cheesy fried chicken breast onto bun.
- Top with fried Bloomin’ Onion petals.
- Cover with top bun.
- Plate and serve immediately.
Substitution
This Bloomin' Fried Chicken Sandwich copycat recipe from Outback Steakhouse can be customized by substituting the brioche buns with whole wheat or gluten-free buns to suit dietary preferences. If you lack buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as an effective alternative for tenderizing the chicken. When frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF using your kitchen thermometer to ensure a crispy exterior without greasiness. For your convenience, you can swap American or Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack varieties for a different flavor profile. Using paper towels to drain excess oil after frying will keep your sandwich crispy and less oily for optimal enjoyment.
Tips
Ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350degF (175degC) to achieve the perfect crispy crust without undercooking or burning the chicken. Use a kitchen thermometer to verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. Drain the fried chicken and onion petals on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to prevent sogginess and maintain crunchiness. Toast your brioche buns lightly to enhance flavor and avoid becoming soggy when adding mayo and toppings.
Nutritions
The Bloomin' Fried Chicken Sandwich provides a hearty serving of protein from two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each coated in a crispy seasoned flour blend enriched with paprika, garlic, and cayenne spices. The presence of melted American or Monterey Jack cheese adds calcium and fats, while the brioche bun contributes carbohydrates and a slight sweetness. Outback's signature crispy Bloomin' Onion petals, prepared with seasoned flour and deep-fried, add texture but increase the sandwich's calorie and fat content. Fresh lettuce and tomato deliver fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, balancing some of the sandwich's indulgent elements for your overall nutritional intake.
Storage
Store leftover Bloomin' Fried Chicken Sandwich components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor; keep fried chicken and Bloomin' Onion petals in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toasted brioche buns, lettuce, and tomato should be stored in separate containers or wrapped individually to prevent sogginess. When reheating, use a convection oven or air fryer to restore crispiness to the chicken and onion petals, while fresh vegetables and buns should be added just before serving to retain their freshness for your meal.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting Monterey Jack cheese with pepper jack for a spicier kick that complements the cayenne in the coating. Replace the sweet onion with red onion to add a sharper, tangier flavor to your Bloomin' Onion petals. Instead of frying, bake the chicken at 400degF for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway, to reduce oil but retain crispiness. You can also swap mayonnaise for a chipotle aioli to add smoky depth to your sandwich experience.
Allergies
You should be aware that the Bloomin' Fried Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as dairy from the buttermilk, milk, cheese, and mayonnaise, as well as gluten from all-purpose flour in both the chicken and onion coatings and the brioche buns. The sandwich also includes eggs if the mayonnaise contains them, and potential cross-contamination with vegetable oil used for frying can pose risks. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution or consult with the restaurant before consuming this item.
Why this recipe?
The Bloomin' Fried Chicken Sandwich from Outback Steakhouse is popular for its crispy, hand-battered chicken breast topped with signature Bloomin' Onion petals and zesty spicy mayo, delivering a unique flavor experience. Its combination of bold spices and crunchy texture sets it apart from typical fried chicken sandwiches, making it a favorite among customers. You can recreate this winning taste at home by mastering the crispy coating and flavorful sauce, providing a delicious and cost-effective alternative to dining out. Perfect for fans of comfort food with a twist, this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy Outback's signature indulgence anytime.