Chili’s Awesome Blossom Petals Easy Copycat Recipe

Skip the restaurant wait and bring Chili’s legendary Awesome Blossom Petals straight to your kitchen! These irresistibly crispy onion petals feature a perfectly seasoned, light and flaky breading that creates the ideal contrast between sweet caramelized onion and savory spices. Served with a zesty ranch-style dipping sauce, this appetizer delivers all the flavor of the famous blooming onion without the complicated presentation. Perfect for game day gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you’re craving that distinctive Chili’s taste.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What Are Awesome Blossom Petals?

Chili’s Awesome Blossom Petals has replaced the Awesome Blossom. Instead of the onion in full bloom, Awesome Blossom Petals serves up the onion as separate petals.

The fried onion petals have a light, flaky breading. The sweetness of the onion and a hint of seasoned salt create a wonderful contrast. The petals are served with Awesome Blossom dipping sauce, similar to a ranch-style dressing.

The petals are so much easier to make, especially for home cooks.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to perfect onion petals is understanding the science of frying and breading. The double-coating method creates an extra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy even as the onion steams inside its coating. Using buttermilk in the batter adds tanginess and helps the breading adhere better, creating a more tender texture. The seasoning blend mimics Chili’s signature flavor profile, combining familiar spices in proportions that enhance rather than overpower the sweet onion flavor.

Ingredients

For the Awesome Blossom Dipping Sauce:

• Sour cream – Creates a creamy base that balances the spicy elements
• Ketchup – Adds sweetness and tomato depth to complement the ranch flavors
• McCormick Seasoned Salt – Provides the signature flavor blend that defines the sauce
• Cayenne pepper – Delivers the perfect amount of heat without overwhelming
• Prepared horseradish – Adds sharp, clean heat that cuts through the richness

For the Onion Petals:

• Large sweet onions – Choose firm, fresh onions that separate easily into distinct layers
• All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the seasoned coating mixture
• Ground black pepper – Adds aromatic heat and complexity to the breading
• Garlic powder – Contributes savory depth without the moisture of fresh garlic
• Onion powder – Intensifies the natural onion flavor in the coating
• Paprika – Provides color and a mild smoky flavor to the breading
• McCormick Seasoned Salt – Ensures consistent seasoning throughout the coating
• Buttermilk – Creates tender, tangy coating that adheres perfectly to onions
• Vegetable oil – Maintains stable high heat for perfect frying results

How to Make Onion Petals and Dipping Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, ketchup, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, and horseradish. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Peel the onion.
3. Cut the stem of the onion off and place the onion stem side down on the cutting board.
4. Cut the onion in half diagonally, then horizontally, making four pieces. The slices should be about 1/2-inch thick.
5. Pull apart the layers of the onion pieces to make the petals.
6. Prepare the breading station.
7. Pour buttermilk into a bowl.
8. Combine flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in another bowl.
9. Bread the onions by first putting them in the flour, then dipping them into the buttermilk and back into the flour. Then, rest the onions on a wire rack.
10. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Add the onions in small batches.
11. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until they are golden.
12. Remove onion petals from oil and drain them on a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover onion petals in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Note that fried foods lose crispiness when refrigerated.
• Reheating Method: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore some crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.
• Sauce Storage: Dipping sauce keeps in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Not recommended for fried onion petals as they become soggy when thawed.

Love Chilis? Try these copycat recipes!

• Southwest Egg Rolls
• Big Mouth Bites
• Chicken Crispers
• Monterey Chicken
• Chili Con Queso Slow Cooker
• High and Mighty Pie

More Recipes for Game Day

• Clam Dip
• Cowboy Candy
• Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies with Brown Sugar
• Dried Beef Cheese Ball
• Homemade Boneless Wings
• Garlic Chicken Wings
• Fried Lemon Pepper Wings

Be sure to check out more game day recipes and easy appetizer recipes right here on CopyKat.com!