Chicken Fried Steak is a crispy, golden delight that’s perfect for any comfort food craving. Tender breaded chicken fillets are fried to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. It can be served with mashed potatoes or a side of greens.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Despite its name, Chicken Fried Steak does not actually contain any chicken. Instead, it’s a tenderized beef steak that’s battered and fried in a manner similar to fried chicken. Traditionally, cube steak is used for this recipe, which is a cut of beef that’s been tenderized to make it softer. This dish is a Southern classic, often paired with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread, making it a staple on Southern dinner tables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef steak (cube steak, tenderized round steak, or sirloin steak)
- Flour (for the dredging process)
- Buttermilk (for marinating and adding moisture)
- Eggs (for binding the breading)
- Seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper)
- Cornstarch (optional, for extra crunch)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Gravy ingredients (butter, flour, milk, and seasonings)
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
- Tenderize Properly: Tenderizing the steak ensures a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can even ask your butcher to tenderize the meat for you.
- Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps the breading stick to the steak and also tenderizes it, giving you a much more flavorful, juicy result. If you don’t have buttermilk, a simple substitute is regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the crust will burn before the steak is cooked through. Too cold, and the breading will absorb too much oil, making it soggy. The ideal frying temperature is 350°F to 375°F.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the steaks in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pan can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy steak.
Variations of Chicken Fried Steak
- Spicy Chicken Fried Steak: Add extra heat by incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into your breading mixture or gravy.
- Country Style Chicken Fried Steak: Use sausage gravy instead of traditional white gravy. The richness of sausage gravy adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Healthy Chicken Fried Steak: For a lighter version, try baking the breaded steak in the oven instead of frying it. You can also substitute the buttermilk for a lower-fat option.
- Vegetarian Option: Try using plant-based “steaks” or mushrooms like Portobello as a meat substitute for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak is best served with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of cornbread to soak up the delicious gravy. You can also pair it with Southern sides like green beans, collard greens, or fried okra for a complete meal. For a bit of acidity and freshness, a tangy coleslaw or a side of pickles also works wonderfully to balance out the richness of the steak.
How to Store Leftovers
Chicken Fried Steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the steak crispy, reheat it in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or on a skillet over medium heat, rather than microwaving it. This will help maintain the crunchy coating.
If you plan on freezing the steak, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in a preheated oven until crispy and heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of steak for Chicken Fried Steak?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like sirloin or ribeye, but cube steak is the most common because it is tender and affordable. If using a tougher cut, make sure to tenderize it.
What is the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great options for frying because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors that won’t overpower the dish.
Can I make Chicken Fried Steak ahead of time?
You can prepare the steaks and bread them in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. However, it’s best to fry the steaks just before serving to maintain the crispy coating.
Can I make the gravy without drippings from the frying pan?
Yes! If you’re looking for a quicker option or don’t have enough drippings, simply make a roux with butter and flour, then add milk or cream. You can also season it with a bit of beef or chicken broth to enhance the flavor.
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak is a crispy, golden delight that's perfect for any comfort food craving. Tender breaded chicken fillets are fried to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. It can be served with mashed potatoes or a side of greens.
Ingredients
- 4 beef cube steaks (½ pound each)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco™)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable shortening (for frying)
- 4 cups milk
- Kosher salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
Instructions
- Place your cube steaks between two layers of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ¼-inch thickness.
- In one shallow bowl, add 2 cups of flour. In another, whisk together baking powder, baking soda, pepper, and salt. Add the buttermilk, hot sauce, egg, and garlic to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- In a deep cast-iron skillet, heat the vegetable shortening to 325°F. Place a wire rack over parchment paper to keep the steaks crispy after frying.
- Dredge each steak in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the buttermilk batter, letting any excess drip off. Press the steak back into the flour to coat both sides, then place it on the wire rack. Repeat for all steaks.
- Fry the breaded steaks in batches for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep the steaks warm by covering them with foil.
- Drain the fat from the skillet, leaving about ¼ cup of the leftover oil and any solid bits. Return the skillet to medium-low heat, add the reserved oil, and whisk in the remaining ¼ cup of flour.
- Scrape the pan to release the flavorful bits, then slowly stir in the milk. Increase the heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 6-7 minutes). Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Pour the luscious gravy over the crispy fried steaks and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 2095Total Fat 178gSaturated Fat 73gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 96gCholesterol 249mgSodium 1491mgCarbohydrates 72gFiber 2gSugar 17gProtein 48g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Steak is one of those dishes that exudes comfort and warmth with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a Sunday family dinner or an upcoming celebration, it’s a dish that always impresses. By following these steps, tips, and variations, you can recreate this Southern favorite with ease and elevate your cooking game. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, pour over some rich gravy, and savor every crispy, tender bite!
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