If you have been dreaming of a dish that perfectly balances crunch, spice, and juicy tenderness, then the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite obsession. This recipe takes that iconic bloom of crispy, flavorful perfection and transforms it into a juicy fried chicken that’s bursting with smoky paprika, a hint of cayenne, and a perfectly seasoned crust. Rich but not heavy, crisp but with a tender heart—each bite promises a celebration of textures and hints of bold spices, making it an irresistible meal you’ll want to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right balance in this Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken Recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients. Each component plays a role—whether it’s the seasoning blending warmth and spice or the flour and cornstarch creating that unbeatable crunch that takes this fried chicken to the next level.
- 1 lb. Boneless Chicken Breast: Sliced and pounded thin for even cooking and maximum tenderness, the star of the dish.
- 2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt: Adds a layer of savory magic to the chicken, enhancing every bite with a well-rounded flavor.
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crispy crust that you’ll love biting into.
- ½ cup Cornstarch: Crucial for that extra crunchy texture that makes this recipe stand out as a true crowd-pleaser.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Lends a beautiful smoky undertone that deepens the flavor profile without overpowering the chicken’s natural taste.
- 1 ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper: Brings a lively kick of heat that perfectly balances the richness of the fried crust.
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity to the spice blend, rounding out the flavors elegantly.
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle garlic notes that harmonize beautifully with the other spices.
- ¼ teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper: Offers a mild spicy punch that complements and finishes off the seasoning.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as the crucial binding agent that keeps your breading intact and perfectly even.
- 1 cup Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken while lending a creamy tang that elevates overall flavor and juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon Oil: Use a high smoke point oil like canola or peanut for frying, ensuring crispy, golden perfection.
How to Make Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season with Love
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with seasoned salt, letting the flavors soak in for a few minutes. This simple step creates a tasty foundation for everything that follows, ensuring that every bite bursts with seasoned goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Buttermilk Egg Dip
Whisk together the egg and buttermilk in a small bowl until smooth. This creamy mixture is key to helping the flour coating stick to the chicken and keeps the meat wonderfully moist.
Step 3: Mix the Perfect Breading Blend
Combine the flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk everything thoroughly so that your flavorful breading blend is evenly distributed.
Step 4: First Dredge in Flour Mixture
Coat each piece of seasoned chicken evenly with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This first layer starts building that irresistible crispy texture that defines the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Dip in Egg and Buttermilk
Next, dip the flour-coated chicken into your creamy egg and buttermilk mix, making sure every bit is covered well. This helps create a moist, flavorful layer under the crust.
Step 6: Double Coat for Extra Crunch
Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating. Let the pieces rest briefly so the breading sets perfectly, which will make frying easier and crunchier.
Step 7: Heat the Oil and Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the oil in a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the chicken pieces carefully, giving them enough space to cook evenly without overcrowding. Fry for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy, with that beautiful aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 8: Drain and Serve Warm
Remove the cooked chicken and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve the warm, crunchy chicken alongside a creamy Bloomin onion sauce or your favorite dips for maximum indulgence.
How to Serve Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a fresh brightness that contrasts the fried chicken’s savory depth. A sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top also enhances the smoky flavor and makes every plate look professionally prepared.
Side Dishes
The brilliance of this recipe shines even more when paired with classic sides like crisp coleslaw, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light garden salad. These sides balance out the richness and bring harmony to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the fried chicken pieces on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy aioli or horseradish cream to wow your guests. Adding lemon wedges for squeezing brings a citrus zing that brightens every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken Recipe pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, though the crunch will be best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save your fried chicken for longer, freeze the cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps them from sticking together and preserves their texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For a crispy reheating experience, avoid microwaving. Instead, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain that coveted crunchy exterior while warming the juicy interior.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a richer flavor, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
What oil is best for frying the chicken?
Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. These oils tolerate high heat well, ensuring your chicken crisps without burning or becoming greasy.
How can I make the chicken less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper from the flour mixture for a milder flavor. The smoked paprika still provides depth without the heat, making this recipe perfect for all palates.
Is buttermilk necessary, or can I substitute it?
Buttermilk tenderizes and adds tanginess that’s hard to replicate exactly, but you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if needed. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a buttermilk substitute.
What’s the secret to getting the breading super crispy?
The double-dip method—flour, then egg mixture, then flour again—is the magic here. Also, using cornstarch in the breading helps increase crunch, and frying in the right amount of hot oil without overcrowding the pan ensures even, crispy results.
Final Thoughts
This Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken Recipe is an absolute game changer in homemade fried chicken. It’s gratifying to see simple ingredients come together to create something so memorable and crave-worthy. If you want to impress family or just treat yourself to a satisfying, crunchy, and flavorful meal, don’t wait to try this recipe—you’ll arrive at fried chicken bliss in every crisp, spicy bite.
Print
Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the crispy, flavorful Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken made with tenderized boneless chicken breasts double-dipped in a spicy, smoky flour and buttermilk mixture, then perfectly pan-fried to golden perfection. This quick and easy skillet-fried chicken recipe delivers a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, ideal for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb. Boneless Chicken Breast (Slice and pound for even cooking and maximum tenderness)
Seasoning and Breading Mixture
- 2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt (Enhances flavor and brings out the natural taste of the chicken)
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (Creates a crispy exterior when fried)
- ½ cup Cornstarch (Increases the crunchiness of the fried chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Adds a smoky depth to the flavor profile)
- 1 ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Delivers a kick of heat that balances the richness)
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin (Introduces an earthiness that complements the spices)
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder (Infuses a subtle garlic essence into the breading)
- ¼ teaspoon Cracked Black Pepper (Offers a mild spice that rounds out the flavor)
Egg Wash
- 1 large Egg (Binds the breading together for a better coating)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (Tenderizes the chicken while adding a creamy tang)
Frying
- 1 tablespoon Oil (Choose a high smoke point oil for frying for optimal crispiness)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Prepare your chicken by slicing and pounding boneless breasts evenly to ensure maximum tenderness and even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle seasoned salt evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts and let them sit for a few minutes so the flavors can penetrate deeply.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until well combined, creating a creamy mixture that helps the breading stick perfectly to the chicken.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to blend all spices evenly.
- First Dredge: Coat each piece of seasoned chicken evenly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess to avoid clumping and ensure a light, crispy crust.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Immerse the flour-coated chicken in the egg and buttermilk mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface for a moist, flavorful bite.
- Second Dredge: Return the chicken to the flour and spice mixture and coat thoroughly again, then set aside for a few minutes to let the breading adhere and develop extra crispiness.
- Heat the Oil: Warm the oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, spacing them sufficiently to prevent overcrowding. Fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken becomes golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm paired with creamy Bloomin onion sauce for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, ensure oil temperature is medium heat—not too hot to burn the crust and not too cool to make the chicken greasy.
- Letting the breaded chicken rest before frying helps the coating stick better during cooking.
- Use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for optimal frying results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- To make it gluten free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check that cornstarch is certified gluten free.
