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
Scale
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.
