Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Have you ever tasted a dish that makes your taste buds dance with joy? Picture a perfectly golden-brown Chicken Fried Steak, its crisp coating giving way to tender meat with each bite. This Southern classic doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it offers an experience rich in flavor, texture, and warmth. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will beckon everyone to the table.

At family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, Chicken Fried Steak is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting reminder of home-cooked goodness. Drenched in creamy gravy and served alongside mashed potatoes or green beans, this dish brings together loved ones to share stories and create memories. Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight that promises not just satisfaction but also a deep connection to cherished moments spent around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Steak

• Flavor Explosion: Each bite of this Chicken Fried Steak delivers a delightful crunch followed by juicy tenderness. The seasoned batter enhances the meat’s natural flavors while the accompanying gravy adds richness that elevates the entire dish.
• Comfort Food Classic: This recipe embodies everything we love about comfort food. It’s hearty and filling and evokes feelings of nostalgia that remind us of family meals shared over laughter.
• Simple Preparation: You don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up this delicious dish. With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can master this recipe in their own kitchen.

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak

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

• Round Steak: About 1 pound of round steak works best; it’s affordable and tender when cooked properly.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use flour not only for coating but also as a base for the gravy; it helps achieve that desired crispiness.
• Buttermilk: Marinating the steak in buttermilk gives it flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Eggs: Two eggs are needed for the breading process; they help the flour adhere better to the steak.
• Cooking Oil: Choose vegetable oil or canola oil for frying; these oils have high smoke points ideal for frying.

For the Gravy:

• Milk: Whole milk is recommended for creating a rich and creamy gravy; it enhances flavor and texture.
• Chicken Broth: Adding chicken broth provides depth to your gravy’s flavor profile.

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 the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk with salt and pepper. Submerge the round steak in this mixture and let it marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

On one plate, add all-purpose flour mixed with salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat two eggs until well combined. This setup will help you efficiently coat your steaks.

Step 3: Coat the Steaks

Remove each piece of marinated steak from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dip each piece first into the flour mixture, then into beaten eggs, before returning it back into the flour for an extra coating.

Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying

In a large skillet, heat about half an inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F or175°C). To test if it’s ready, drop a small amount of flour into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go.

Step 5: Fry the Steaks

Carefully place each coated steak into the hot oil without crowding them. Fry until golden brown on both sides—about three to four minutes per side—then transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet with leftover drippings over medium heat, whisk together some flour with milk until smooth. Stir continuously until thickened. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with gravy for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

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

• Resting Time Matters: Allowing marinated steaks to rest after frying helps retain moisture inside.
• Oil Temperature is Key: Ensure your oil isn’t too hot or too cool; adjust heat as necessary during frying for optimal results.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper in your flour mix for added flavor!

Mistakes to avoid

• Not Tenderizing the Meat: One common mistake when preparing Chicken Fried Steak is skipping the tenderizing step. Properly tenderizing the meat ensures that it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the steak to about half an inch thick. This not only helps to break down tough fibers but also makes for a juicier, more flavorful dish. Skipping this step can lead to a chewy and tough final product that fails to impress.
• Using the Wrong Oil: Choosing the right oil for frying is crucial in making Chicken Fried Steak. Many cooks opt for oils with low smoke points, which can result in burnt flavors and greasy textures. Instead, select an oil with a high smoke point such as canola or peanut oil. These oils allow for high-temperature frying without imparting unwanted flavors to your dish. Using the wrong oil can easily ruin an otherwise perfect meal.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Overcrowding your frying pan is another mistake often made when cooking Chicken Fried Steak. When too many pieces are added at once, it lowers the oil temperature significantly, leading to soggy and unevenly cooked steaks instead of that desirable golden crust. Fry in batches, allowing enough room between each piece for proper heat circulation. This simple trick will enhance the overall texture and flavor of your dish.

Ingredients

To make a delicious Chicken Fried Steak, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 pieces of cube steak

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 large eggs

– 1 cup buttermilk

– teaspoon garlic powder

–  teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken Fried Steak:

Begin by tenderizing the cube steak using a meat mallet. This helps to break down the fibers, making it more flavorful.

In one bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs and combine them with the buttermilk.

Dip each piece of steak into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure to cover both sides evenly.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated steaks into the skillet. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.

After frying, transfer the Chicken Fried Steak onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Fried Steak is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement this dish beautifully.
• Gravy: A rich country gravy adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Green beans: Freshly steamed green beans provide a delightful crunch.

FAQs

What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern classic made from tenderized beef steak that is breaded and fried until crispy. Despite its name, it does not involve chicken; instead, it refers to how the dish is prepared—similar to fried chicken. The result is a crunchy exterior with juicy meat inside, often served with gravy.

How do I make Chicken Fried Steak crispy?

To achieve that perfect crispiness when preparing Chicken Fried Steak, ensure that your oil is hot enough before adding the steaks. Coat your meat thoroughly in flour and let it rest for a few minutes before frying. This allows the coating to set and results in a crunchier texture.

Can I use other types of meat for Chicken Fried Steak?

While traditional Chicken Fried Steak uses beef cube steak, you can experiment with other meats such as pork or chicken breast. Just remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your meat choice.

What should I serve with Chicken Fried Steak?

This dish pairs well with various sides like mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, coleslaw for some crunch, or even cornbread for a Southern touch. Feel free to get creative with your sides!

Conclusion for Chicken Fried Steak

In summary, Chicken Fried Steak offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to many palates. This recipe involves simple ingredients and straightforward instructions that make it accessible for home cooks at any skill level. By following these steps and serving suggestions, you can create a meal that brings comfort and joy to your table. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with tasty sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, this dish will surely be a hit among family and friends!