What makes the perfect comfort food dish? For me, it’s a juicy chicken fried steak with a crispy crust, made easy by using tenderized steak and a quick breading process, perfect! Save this idea for your next homemade weeknight dinner.

Chicken Fried Steak

Introduction

Imagine a dish that’s both comforting and impressive, made with everyday ingredients that will leave your taste buds dancing. Chicken Fried Steak is one of those magical recipes that combines ease, flavor, and creativity, all in one delicious package. This classic Southern dish is a staple for a reason – it’s a masterclass in texture and taste, with a crispy, golden-brown crust giving way to a tender, juicy interior. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen know-how. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend entertainer, Chicken Fried Steak is a recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of tender steak, crispy breading, and rich gravy is a match made in heaven, and the ingredients are all easy to find at your local grocery store.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, Chicken Fried Steak is a breeze to prepare, requiring just a few simple steps and some basic kitchen equipment.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: This dish is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals, as it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its crispy, golden-brown crust and tender, juicy interior.

Key Ingredients

The key to a great Chicken Fried Steak is in the ingredients, and fortunately, they’re all easy to find. You’ll need a good cut of steak – we recommend using top round or top sirloin – as well as some all-purpose flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. For the breading, you can use plain breadcrumbs or get creative with some seasoned breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. And don’t forget the gravy – a simple mixture of pan drippings, flour, and milk is all you need to create a rich, creamy sauce. Some practical substitutions include using panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust or swapping out the steak for chicken or pork if you prefer.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the steak into thin cutlets and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
2. Step 2: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each steak cutlet into the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly, then dip into the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the steak to help them stick.
3. Step 3: Add the breaded steak cutlets to the hot oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove the steak from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Step 4: To make the gravy, remove all but about 2 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet and add in a couple of tablespoons of flour, whisking to create a smooth paste. Cook the flour mixture for about 1 minute, then slowly add in some milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until it thickens, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the Chicken Fried Steak hot, topped with the creamy gravy and your choice of sides.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overcook the steak, as it can become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and aim for an internal temperature of about 135-140°F for medium-rare.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with the breading – try using different types of breadcrumbs or adding in some grated cheese or chopped herbs for extra flavor.
• If you’re having trouble getting the breadcrumbs to stick, try dipping the steak cutlets in the eggs and then coating them in the breadcrumbs, rather than doing it the other way around.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when making Chicken Fried Steak, as you want to get a nice crispy crust on the outside without overcooking the inside. Aim for a medium-high heat, around 350-375°F, and use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil. You can also use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the gravy, aiming for a simmer of around 180-190°F.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor is one of the best parts of Chicken Fried Steak, and it’s all about getting the right texture on the breading. To achieve a crispy crust, make sure to not overmix the breadcrumbs and use the right type of oil – we recommend using a neutral-tasting oil like canola or vegetable oil. You can also try adding some extra crispy elements, like chopped nuts or crushed crackers, to the breading for extra texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a cast-iron skillet to make the Chicken Fried Steak, as it retains heat well and can help you get a nice crispy crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet – cook the steak cutlets one or two at a time, depending on the size of your skillet, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
• Use a meat mallet to pound the steak cutlets thin, which will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming too thick and tough.

Storage Tips

• Leftover Chicken Fried Steak can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the steak overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until crispy and hot.
• Use an airtight container to store the steak, and make sure to label it with the date and contents so you can easily keep track of how long it’s been stored.
• Consider using a vacuum sealer to store the steak, as it can help prevent freezer burn and keep the meat fresh for longer.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While Chicken Fried Steak might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of gift ideas, it can actually be a really thoughtful and delicious present for friends and family. Consider packaging the steak in a cute container, like a mason jar or a gift box, and adding some extras like homemade gravy or a side of mashed potatoes. You could also include some fun toppings, like chopped herbs or grated cheese, to let the recipient customize their meal.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some dried herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the breading for a savory flavor, or use some spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the steak a kick.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some fun toppings to the steak, like chopped bacon or diced onions, to give it extra flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients – try using different types of steak, like flank steak or ribeye, or swapping out the breadcrumbs for some crushed crackers or chopped nuts.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the steak is coming out too tough or dry, try pounding it thinner or cooking it for a shorter amount of time. If the breading is not crispy, try using a higher heat or adding more oil to the skillet.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a certain ingredient, don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions. For example, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs, or swap out the milk for a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the steak as it cooks, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If the steak is overcooked, it will be dry and tough, while undercooked steak will be pink and juicy in the center.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, Chicken Fried Steak can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until crispy and hot.
• Is it gluten-free? The breading on the Chicken Fried Steak contains gluten, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or swapping out the flour for a gluten-free alternative.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, and use a larger skillet if necessary.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic recipe that’s easy to make and fun to customize. With its crispy, golden-brown crust and tender, juicy interior, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend entertainer, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, get creative with the ingredients and toppings, and enjoy the delicious taste of Chicken Fried Steak. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – after all, food is always more fun when it’s shared with the people you love.