Chicken fried steak is a beloved comfort food that combines the satisfying crunch of fried chicken with the tender, savory bite of steak. This Southern classic is a hearty dish that's perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or simply indulging in a bit of nostalgia. Despite its name, there's no chicken involved — it’s called "chicken fried" because the steak is prepared using the same breading and frying technique as fried chicken. So, if you're craving something crispy, juicy, and downright delicious, here’s an easy way to make a classic chicken fried steak.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Before diving into the recipe, it’s helpful to know what makes chicken fried steak stand out. The dish traditionally uses a cut of beef that’s tenderized (often a cube steak or round steak), then coated in seasoned flour and fried to a golden-brown perfection. The final flourish is a creamy white gravy poured generously over the steak, making it a savory, indulgent meal. It’s often served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits to complete the Southern dining experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a delicious chicken fried steak, you don’t need a long list of ingredients, but each component plays a crucial role in achieving that crispy, tender, and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Steak:
4 cube steaks (about 4 to 6 ounces each)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk or buttermilk
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Gravy:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients gathered, let’s walk through the simple steps to prepare a delicious chicken fried steak.
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Start by prepping your cube steaks. Cube steaks are often already tenderized, but if you're using another cut like round steak, you may need to pound the meat to break down the fibers. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently flattening each steak until it's about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides of each steak with salt and black pepper, setting them aside while you prepare the breading.
Step 2: Create the Dredging Stations
Set up two shallow bowls or dishes for dredging. In the first dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined.
Step 3: Dredge the Steaks
Take each steak and dredge it first in the flour mixture, ensuring it's coated thoroughly. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before dredging it again in the flour mixture. The double dredging is what gives chicken fried steak its crispy coating. Once breaded, place the steaks on a plate or wire rack and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This rest time helps the breading adhere better during frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or cast-iron pan so that the oil is about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. You can test the oil by dropping a small pinch of flour into it; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Step 5: Fry the Steaks
Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each steak for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a pair of tongs to flip the steaks, ensuring even cooking on both sides. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
Once all the steaks are fried, it’s time to make the gravy. Drain all but about 2 tablespoons of oil from the skillet, leaving behind the browned bits — these add incredible flavor to the gravy. Over medium heat, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour turns a light golden color. Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking, whisking frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, place each chicken fried steak on a plate and generously ladle the gravy over the top. Pair the dish with creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a warm biscuit for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
While the process for making chicken fried steak is straightforward, a few tips can help you elevate your dish to the next level.
Use Cube Steak for Tenderness: Cube steak is a pre-tenderized cut, which makes it ideal for this dish. If you can’t find it, you can use round steak, but be sure to tenderize it with a mallet to achieve the desired texture.
Don’t Skip the Double Dredge: The double dip in the flour mixture ensures that your steak gets that signature crispy crust. It might seem tedious, but this step makes all the difference.
Resting Time Matters: After dredging, let the steaks rest for a few minutes. This gives the breading time to adhere and prevents it from falling off during frying.
Control Your Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at a consistent 350°F is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy crust without burning the breading or leaving the steak greasy.
Season the Gravy Well: A good gravy can make or break chicken fried steak. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper when making the gravy — it should be rich and flavorful.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While the classic recipe is hard to beat, there are several ways you can tweak chicken fried steak to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Spicy Chicken Fried Steak: Add a bit of hot sauce to the egg mixture or more cayenne pepper to the flour for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your milk is also gluten-free.
Baked Chicken Fried Steak: For a healthier version, you can bake the steaks instead of frying them. Coat the steaks as usual, then place them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Chicken fried steak is the ultimate comfort food that brings a taste of Southern tradition to your kitchen. By following these simple steps, you can easily whip up a delicious batch of crispy, tender chicken fried steaks topped with creamy gravy. Whether you serve it for a special weekend dinner or as part of a family feast, this classic dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
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