There’s nothing quite like the crunch of a perfectly fried steak, golden brown and sizzling in a pan. The aroma wafts through the air, coaxing even the pickiest eaters to the table. This Chicken Fried Steak is all about comfort food at its finest—crispy, juicy, and smothered in creamy gravy that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s an experience you don’t just eat; you celebrate it with every bite. For more inspiration, check out this Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf recipe.
Now, let me tell you about the first time I attempted to make this dish. Picture me, a wide-eyed novice in the kitchen armed with little more than determination and an outdated cookbook. I ended up with a kitchen disaster that could rival any sitcom plot! But after countless trials and errors (and a few take-out dinners), I finally nailed it. Trust me when I say that Chicken Fried Steak is perfect for family gatherings, lazy Sunday brunches, or any occasion when you need a hug in food form.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Fried Steak recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for dinner guests.
- The flavors are rich and comforting, making everyone feel at home.
- Its crispy exterior paired with creamy gravy creates an irresistible texture combination.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with mashed potatoes or a crisp salad!
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Beef Round Steak: Look for tender cuts that can easily be pounded flat; this will ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for breading; it gives the steak that iconic crunch we all love.
- Eggs: These will help the flour adhere to the steak and add richness to your breading.
- Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess; it enhances both flavor and gravy texture.
For the Gravy:
- Butter: This adds richness to your gravy; always use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
- Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water elevates the flavor of your gravy significantly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools: a meat mallet (or rolling pin if you’re feeling creative), shallow dishes for breading, and a heavy skillet for frying.
Step 2: Flatten The Steak
Place your beef round steak between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using your meat mallet, pound it until it’s about half an inch thick—this helps tenderize the meat while ensuring it cooks evenly.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and any additional spices like paprika or garlic powder if you want extra flavor. In another dish, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
Step 4: Bread The Steaks
Dip each piece of flattened steak into the egg mixture first, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it thoroughly with flour. Repeat this process until all steaks are well-breaded.
Step 5: Fry To Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (a drop of water should sizzle), carefully place each breaded steak into the skillet. Fry until golden brown on each side—about four minutes per side—then transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make The Gravy
In the same skillet (with some leftover oil), melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in more flour to create a roux; gradually stir in chicken broth while scraping up those tasty brown bits from frying. Cook until thickened and season with salt and pepper.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with gravy for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every last bite of your homemade Chicken Fried Steak—it’s an experience worth savoring!
You Must Know
- This classic Chicken Fried Steak is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
- With its crispy coating and tender meat, it transforms any ordinary dinner into a celebration.
- Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish will make your taste buds dance.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by tenderizing the steak with a mallet for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Next, bread and fry until golden brown. While the steak cooks, whip up some creamy gravy that will take your dish to another level.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out beef for chicken or pork to suit your cravings. Experiment with spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick. You can even add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for added flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring the coating stays crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy Chicken Fried Steak, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; test with a small piece of batter.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain optimal frying temperature.
- Lastly, let your steak rest after frying to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Cooking this Chicken Fried Steak takes me back to family reunions where laughter filled the air and everyone gathered around the table, eagerly devouring every last bite while sharing stories and good cheer.
FAQs:
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken Fried Steak is a popular Southern dish that features a breaded and fried beef steak, typically served with creamy gravy. The dish gets its name from the method of cooking, which resembles frying chicken. garlic cheese biscuits Traditionally made with cube steak, it’s coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being pan-fried until golden brown. This comfort food is often enjoyed with mashed potatoes or biscuits. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Amish Country Casserole recipe.
How do I make the best Chicken Fried Steak?
To make the best Chicken Fried Steak, start by tenderizing your cube steak and seasoning it well. Create a dredging station with flour mixed with spices like paprika and pepper. Coat the steak in the flour, dip it in egg wash, and then coat again in flour for extra crunch. Fry in hot oil until crispy and serve with homemade cream gravy for an authentic experience.
Can I use chicken instead of beef for Chicken Fried Steak?
While traditional Chicken Fried Steak uses beef, you can certainly adapt the recipe by using chicken breast instead. Simply pound the chicken to an even thickness, then follow the same breading and frying process. slow cooker chicken recipe The result will be a deliciously crispy chicken dish that still pays homage to its namesake while offering a different flavor profile. delicious corn casserole.
What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken Fried Steak pairs beautifully with several sides that complement its rich flavors. Classic choices include creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy, buttery biscuits, or collard greens. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside coleslaw or sautéed green beans to balance out the meal’s richness.
Conclusion for Chicken Fried Steak:
Chicken Fried Steak is a delightful comfort food that embodies Southern culinary traditions. This dish features tenderized beef coated in seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection. Serving it with creamy gravy enhances its appeal further. bacon cheeseburger soup Whether you choose classic sides like mashed potatoes or opt for variations using chicken, this recipe guarantees satisfaction at any meal. Enjoy this hearty dish as a family favorite!
Chicken Fried Steak
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Fried Steak is a quintessential Southern comfort food that features juicy, tender beef coated in a golden, crunchy breading and generously smothered in rich, creamy gravy. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings back cherished memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef round steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for gravy)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Tenderize the beef round steak using a meat mallet until about half an inch thick.
- Set up your breading station: In one bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper; in another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Coat each flattened steak first in the egg mixture, then dredge in flour for even coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry each breaded steak for about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- For the gravy, melt butter in the same skillet, whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add chicken broth while stirring until thickened.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (170g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
