Perfect Copycat Outback Bloomin Fried Chicken with Signature Bloomin Sauce

If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you know that the Bloomin’ Onion is a must-try. But did you know that you can recreate that experience right in your own kitchen with the Perfect Copycat Outback Bloomin Fried Chicken with Signature Bloomin Sauce? This recipe combines tender, juicy fried chicken with a delicious dipping sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it captures the essence of Outback’s famous flavors while ensuring that each element shines on its own. The chicken is pounded to the perfect thickness, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. The crispy coating, made with a blend of spices and flour, creates a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy, zesty Bloomin sauce. Plus, the recipe is simple enough for home cooks of all levels to master, making it an accessible yet impressive dish.

Shopping List

• 1 pound chicken breast (pounded to 1/2 inch thick)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons horseradish
• 4 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for the sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the sauce)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (for the sauce)
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano (for the sauce)
• 1 dash ground black pepper (for the sauce)
• 1 dash cayenne pepper (for the sauce)
• 1/2 cup water

Tools of the Trade

• Meat mallet: For pounding the chicken to the perfect thickness.
• Mixing bowls: To prepare the dredging station and sauce.
• Deep fryer or large pot: Essential for frying the chicken to achieve that crispy texture.
• Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
• Cooking thermometer: To ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.

Perfect Copycat Outback Bloomin Fried Chicken with Signature Bloomin Sauce: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken until it is about 1/2 inch thick. This will ensure even cooking and tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Dredging Station

In one mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of paprika, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk and add 1/2 cup of water.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Dip each piece of pounded chicken into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken thoroughly with the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Set aside on a plate while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a cooking thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Prepare the Signature Bloomin Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon of dried oregano, a dash of ground black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust the horseradish to your taste for that perfect kick!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is fried, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with the Signature Bloomin Sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Perfect Copycat Outback Bloomin Fried Chicken with Signature Bloomin Sauce!

International Equivalents

• Buttermilk: In many countries, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
• All-purpose flour: This is commonly used worldwide, but in some countries, you may find it labeled as plain flour.
• Horseradish: Fresh horseradish is available, but prepared horseradish or horseradish sauce can also be found in most supermarkets.
• Cayenne pepper: This can be replaced with red chili powder for a similar heat level.

Cook’s Commentary

• This recipe is versatile; feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just coat the chicken as directed and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
• For an extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by repeating the dredging process before frying.
• This dish is perfect for meal prepping; just store the fried chicken and sauce separately until ready to eat!

Storage Pro Tips

To store leftover Perfect Copycat Outback Bloomin Fried Chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispiness. The Signature Bloomin Sauce can be stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Always give the sauce a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why is my fried chicken not crispy?

If your chicken isn’t crispy, it may be due to insufficient oil temperature. Ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier and more flavorful result. Just make sure they are pounded to the appropriate thickness for even cooking.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

To add more heat to the Signature Bloomin Sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and even coat it in flour, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to fry. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before frying for even cooking.

Desserts to Finish

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Healthy Chocolate Chickpea Brownies
• Easy Vegan Cheesecake
• Lemon Blueberry Bread

Let’s Eat

Now that you have the recipe for the Perfect Copycat Outback Bloomin Fried Chicken with Signature Bloomin Sauce, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This dish is sure to impress anyone at your table, and the homemade sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that you won’t want to miss. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and don’t forget to share your results with family and friends!

Perfect Copycat Outback Bloomin Fried Chicken with Signature Bloomin Sauce

This Bloomin Fried Chicken is a mouthwatering delight! Crispy, juicy, and served with a zesty dipping sauce, it's a family favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken breast (pounded to 1/2 inch thick)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Signature Bloomin Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons horseradish
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for the sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the sauce)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (for the sauce)
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano (for the sauce)
• 1 dash ground black pepper (for the sauce)
• 1 dash cayenne pepper (for the sauce)
• 1/2 cup water

Equipment

• Meat mallet
• Mixing Bowls
• Deep fryer or large pot
• Whisk
• Cooking thermometer

Method

 

Preparation Steps:

1. Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken until it is about 1/2 inch thick.
2. In one mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of paprika, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk and add 1/2 cup of water.
3. Dip each piece of pounded chicken into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken thoroughly with the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
4. In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
5. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon of dried oregano, a dash of ground black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
7. Once the chicken is fried, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with the Signature Bloomin Sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Adjust the spice levels in the sauce to suit your taste.
• For a healthier option, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes instead of frying.
• Double-dip the chicken for an extra crunchy coating!
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat fried chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.