Chicken Fried Steak

Name: Chicken Fried Steak
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb beef round steaks (sirloin or top round); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; Vegetable or canola oil (for frying); 1 cup milk (for gravy); 4 tbsp butter; Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

By Sophie Hart – Recipes and Home Inspiration

February 9, 2025

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Have you ever craved a dish that perfectly combines comfort and flavor? Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece of Chicken Fried Steak, where the crispy coating gives way to tender meat underneath. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it cooks fills the air with anticipation and excitement. This classic Southern dish delivers not only on taste but also on nostalgia, often reminding us of family gatherings or Sunday dinners.

Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal on a chilly evening or served during special occasions, Chicken Fried Steak is a timeless favorite that never disappoints. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by juicy tenderness, all topped off with rich gravy that ties everything together. Let’s take this culinary journey together and explore how to create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Steak

Comfort Food Classic: There’s something inherently comforting about Chicken Fried Steak. It’s the kind of meal that warms the soul and brings back memories of family dinners and gatherings around the table. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, it’s sure to please everyone who tries it.

Easy to Make: Don’t let the name fool you; making Chicken Fried Steak at home is surprisingly simple! With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in no time. It’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for an easy yet impressive meal.

Versatile Serving Options: One of the joys of Chicken Fried Steak is its versatility. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic pairing or alongside fresh greens for a lighter option. You can even enjoy it as part of a brunch spread topped with eggs!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Chicken Fried Steak fits right in. Its hearty nature makes it ideal for feeding hungry guests while still being approachable enough for everyday meals.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Round Steaks: Choose tender cuts like sirloin or top round; these will provide great flavor and texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that signature crispy coating; feel free to season it with spices for extra flavor.
Eggs: These help the flour adhere to the steaks, resulting in an even crispier finish.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess; if unavailable, mix milk with lemon juice as a substitute.
Cooking Oil: Use vegetable or canola oil for frying; these oils have high smoke points which are perfect for achieving that golden brown crust.

For the Gravy:

Milk: Essential for making creamy gravy; whole milk works best but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Butter: Provides richness to the gravy; using unsalted butter allows you to control salt levels better.
Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds depth and spice to your gravy – don’t hold back!

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:

Prepare the Meat: Start by pounding the beef round steaks until they are about half an inch thick. This helps tenderize them while creating an even surface for coating.

Create Dredging Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (salt, pepper), one with beaten eggs mixed with buttermilk, and another with more seasoned flour.

Dredge Steaks: Dip each steak first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well-coated before placing them back into the flour for a second coating.

Fry Steaks: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F or175°C). Fry each steak for about three minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Gravy: In the same skillet used for frying steaks (leaving about two tablespoons of oil), melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook until golden brown. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously until thickened; season with salt and pepper.

Serve It Up!: Place fried steaks on plates and generously drizzle with warm gravy before serving alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or green beans.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Pounding Technique Matters: Don’t skip pounding your steaks! This step ensures even cooking throughout while making them more tender.

Oil Temperature Check: Use a thermometer to check oil temperature before frying. If it’s too hot, your crust may burn before cooking through; too cool will result in soggy steaks.

Double Dredging Advantage: For an extra crunchy texture, double dredge your steaks by repeating the flour-egg-flour process before frying.

Gravy Consistency Control: Adjust thickness by adding more milk if necessary when making gravy; whisk continuously to avoid lumps forming.

Sauce Variations Are Fun!: Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or cayenne pepper to your gravy for added flavor variations!

With these tips in hand, you’re ready to create an unforgettable Chicken Fried Steak experience that will delight your family and friends!

Mistakes to avoid

Using Low-Quality Meat

Selecting the right cut of meat is crucial for making Chicken Fried Steak. Choose a tender cut, such as round steak or sirloin, to ensure a juicy and flavorful result. Avoid using tough cuts, as they may not tenderize properly during cooking, leading to an unpleasant texture. Additionally, be sure to pound the meat evenly; this step helps break down the fibers and allows the steak to cook uniformly. Investing in quality meat can significantly elevate your dish and impress anyone who tries it.

Skipping the Marinade

Marinating Chicken Fried Steak can enhance its flavor and tenderness. Don’t skip this important step! Use a simple mixture of buttermilk, salt, and pepper; let the meat soak for at least one hour or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat while also tenderizing it. Skipping this step might leave you with bland or rubbery steak. Proper marination transforms your dish into something truly special that everyone will enjoy.

Overcrowding the Pan

When frying Chicken Fried Steak, avoid overcrowding your pan! If you add too many pieces at once, it lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy rather than crispy fried steaks. Instead, fry them in batches to maintain consistent heat throughout the cooking process. Aim for a temperature of 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. This ensures each piece gets that perfect golden-brown crust while remaining moist inside. Proper frying techniques make all the difference in achieving restaurant-quality results at home.

Not Monitoring Oil Temperature

Failing to monitor oil temperature can lead to disaster when making Chicken Fried Steak. If your oil is too hot, it will burn the breading before cooking the meat through; if it’s too cool, you’ll end up with greasy steaks instead of crispy ones. Use a thermometer to check that your oil stays around 350°F (175°C). Adjust heat as needed during cooking for consistent frying results. This attention to detail ensures that every bite delivers that delicious crunch without sacrificing flavor or texture.

FAQs

What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern classic dish made from tenderized beef steak that is breaded and fried until golden brown. It’s often served with creamy gravy on top, making it a comfort food favorite.

How do I make Chicken Fried Steak crispy?

To achieve a crispy Chicken Fried Steak, ensure you properly coat the meat with seasoned flour and keep your frying oil hot enough—around 350°F (175°C). Fry each piece in batches without overcrowding for even cooking.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for Chicken Fried Steak?

While traditional Chicken Fried Steak uses beef, you can certainly experiment by using chicken breast fillets instead. Just follow similar preparation methods by tenderizing and breading before frying.

What sides pair well with Chicken Fried Steak?

Classic sides that complement Chicken Fried Steak include mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, coleslaw, or cornbread. These sides enhance your meal’s comfort food appeal and create a hearty dining experience.

How do I store leftovers from Chicken Fried Steak?

Store any leftover Chicken Fried Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for best texture recovery.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Fried Steak is versatile and pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes. The buttery texture of the potatoes complements the crispy, savory steak beautifully. For an added touch, drizzle some homemade gravy over both the steak and potatoes for a delicious combination.

Another great side is collard greens. Their slight bitterness balances the richness of the Chicken Fried Steak, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Cooked with smoked ham hocks or bacon, these greens bring a Southern flair that enhances the overall meal experience.

Consider serving it with cornbread. This sweet and moist bread adds a delightful contrast to the savory chicken fried steak. A slice of warm cornbread, perhaps topped with honey butter, makes for an irresistible combination that rounds out your plate beautifully.

Don’t forget about pickled vegetables. They provide a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the fried steak. Whether you choose pickled cucumbers or jalapeños, they add a zesty finish that elevates your meal to new heights.

FAQs

What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish made from tenderized beef steak, coated in seasoned flour, and deep-fried until golden brown. It’s typically served with gravy poured over the top for extra flavor and richness. This dish combines elements of comfort food with Southern cooking traditions.

How do I make Chicken Fried Steak crispy?

To achieve a crispy Chicken Fried Steak, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying—around 350°F (175°C) works best. Coat the meat in seasoned flour thoroughly and let it rest before frying to help develop a crust. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature.

Can Chicken Fried Steak be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken Fried Steak ahead of time. Cooked steaks can be refrigerated for up to three days before reheating them in an oven at 350°F (175°C). This method helps maintain their crispy texture while ensuring they are heated through properly.

What can I serve with Chicken Fried Steak?

You can serve Chicken Fried Steak with various sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread. These dishes complement the rich flavors of the steak perfectly and enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Don’t forget to include gravy for added moisture and taste!

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Fried Steak is a delightful dish that brings together tenderized beef and crispy coating for an unforgettable dining experience. Pair it with sides like creamy mashed potatoes or collard greens to balance its richness, while cornbread adds comforting sweetness to your plate. You can also explore different options like pickled vegetables for added zing. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, following these suggestions will elevate your meal and impress your guests. Enjoy every bite of this Southern classic!

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