Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. This dish features crispy, tender chicken paired with a rich blooming sauce that elevates the meal to new heights. Its unique flavor profile and satisfying crunch make it a standout dish for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade bloom sauce perfectly complements the crispy chicken, adding a zesty kick.
- Crispy Texture: Double dredging in seasoned flour ensures an irresistible crunch in every bite.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course, on a salad, or in a sandwich for varied meal options.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its familiar flavors.
- Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools makes cooking enjoyable and efficient. Below are the essential tools needed for this recipe.
Essential Tools
- Deep skillet or frying pan
- Two pie plates
- Wire rack
- Small bowl for sauce
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
Why These Tools Matter
- Deep skillet or frying pan: Allows for even frying and helps maintain the temperature of the oil.
- Wire rack: Keeps the chicken crispy by allowing excess oil to drain while cooling.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin: Ensures even cooking by pounding the chicken to a consistent thickness.
Ingredients for Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken
For the Bloom Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 dash ground black pepper
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
For the Chicken
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 pound chicken breast, pounded to 1/2 inch thick
How to Make Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Bloom Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until fully combined. Refrigerate the sauce until you are ready to serve.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In one pie plate, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another pie plate, combine buttermilk and water. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breast to a uniform thickness of 1/2 inch.
Step 3: Dredge and Bread the Chicken
Start by dredging the chicken in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, dip it in the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken again in the seasoned flour. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil. Fry the chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, drain the chicken on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
Drizzle the prepared bloom sauce over the fried chicken and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken, perfect for any meal.
This recipe not only delivers on taste but also offers a fun cooking experience that you can share with family and friends.
How to Serve Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken
This dish is versatile and can be served in various creative ways to enhance your dining experience.
Serve with a Fresh Salad
Pair your Bloomin Fried Chicken with a crisp garden salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the fried chicken.
Create a Chicken Sandwich
Transform your fried chicken into a delicious sandwich. Use a toasted bun and add fresh lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of the bloom sauce for a satisfying meal.
Accompany with Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Serve the fried chicken alongside loaded mashed potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, and chives. The creaminess of the potatoes complements the chicken’s crunch.
Pro Tips for the Best Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken
For optimal results, consider the following tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality spices to enhance flavors.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the frying oil remains at 350°F to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken.
- Double Dredging Technique: For extra crunch, double dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Rest After Frying: Allow the fried chicken to rest on a wire rack to retain its crispiness and prevent sogginess.
- Customize the Bloom Sauce: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the bloom sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Best Side Dishes and Pairings
To complement your Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken, consider these delightful options.
- Coleslaw: The crunchy texture and tangy flavor of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the fried chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob adds a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
- French Fries: Crispy, golden French fries are a classic side that enhances the comfort food experience.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers a rich, indulgent pairing that is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries balances the savory flavors of the fried chicken.
- Beer: A cold beer, particularly a lager or pale ale, complements the richness of the fried chicken and enhances the overall meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Pounding the Chicken: Failing to pound the chicken to the correct thickness can result in uneven cooking and a less tender texture.
- Skipping the Bloom Sauce: Neglecting to prepare the bloom sauce can lead to a lack of flavor; it’s essential for achieving that signature Outback taste.
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Frying too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy, greasy chicken instead of a crispy crust.
- Inadequate Oil Temperature: Cooking at the wrong oil temperature can cause the chicken to cook unevenly, affecting both texture and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store any leftover Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken in airtight containers. It will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, freeze the breaded but uncooked chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frying.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key to crispy Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken?
The key to achieving a crispy exterior is the double dredging process. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in seasoned flour, dip it in the buttermilk mixture, and coat it again in flour before frying.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will add more flavor and remain juicy, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How can I make Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider baking the chicken instead of frying. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrition.
Can I prepare the bloom sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The bloom sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. Your feedback can help others enjoy this delicious creation!
Dinner
PrintOutback Steakhouse Bloomin Fried Chicken
This delicious fried chicken recipe features a crispy coating and a zesty bloom sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal. The chicken is tender and juicy, making it a favorite for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 dash ground black pepper
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 pound chicken breast, pounded to 1/2 inch thick
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well, then refrigerate until serving.
- Place flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a pie plate. Stir to combine. In another pie plate, combine buttermilk and water. Pound chicken breast to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, then dip in buttermilk mixture, and dredge again in seasoned flour. Place breaded chicken on a wire rack.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack.
- Drizzle bloom sauce over fried chicken and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg