Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken

Here’s a recipe to make Outback Steakhouse’s Bloomin’ Fried Chicken at home. This dish combines the flavors of their famous Bloomin’ Onion with crispy fried chicken.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bloomin’ Onion Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Bloomin’ Onion Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, paprika, salt, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

Prepare the Breading:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
4. Place the coated chicken on a plate or wire rack and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to set the breading.

Fry the Chicken:

1. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
3. Fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

1. Serve the Bloomin’ Fried Chicken hot with the Bloomin’ Onion sauce on the side.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs or a lemon wedge if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Bloomin’ Fried Chicken!