Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak Recipe for Home Cooks

Delving into the heart of American comfort food, the chicken fried steak stands out as a delectable choice for those looking to impress at a dinner or satisfy their cravings for crispy, flavorful goodness. This blog post unveils an ultimate chicken fried steak recipe tailored for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort of your kitchen.

Understanding Chicken Fried Steak

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore what makes chicken fried steak so special:

• Origins: Despite its name, this dish has no relation to chicken. It hails from the German settlers in Texas, where they coined the phrase “chicken fried” to describe the breading style of the steak.
• Preparation: It involves taking a beef cutlet, pounding it thin, breading it in a seasoned flour and egg mixture, and then deep frying until it’s golden brown and crisp.

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak

• 4 beef cube steaks (about ¹⁄₂ pound each)
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

The Perfect Recipe Steps

Preparing the Steaks

1. Pound the steaks to tenderize them to about ¹⁄₄ inch thick using a meat mallet or the edge of a plate.
2. Season each steak generously with salt and pepper.

Breading the Steaks

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
   • Dish 1: Flour seasoned with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   • Dish 2: Eggs beaten with buttermilk.
   • Dish 3: Additional seasoned flour for coating.
2. Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, and finally coat again in the flour mix.

Frying the Steaks

1. Heat about ¹⁄₄ inch of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil. Fry them until they turn a deep golden brown, around 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
3. Remove the steaks, letting them drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep them crispy.

The Gravy (Optional)

What’s chicken fried steak without a side of creamy, peppery gravy?

1. After frying the steaks, reduce the heat, and keep about 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the pan.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the drippings, whisking to form a roux.
3. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook until the gravy thickens. If it’s too thick, add more milk; if too thin, let it reduce a bit longer.

🔥 Note: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought chicken gravy, but homemade is undoubtedly richer in flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

• Even Cooking: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to cook steaks evenly without burning the breading.
• Crispy Breading: For extra crunch, you can double bread the steaks by repeating the dredging and dipping process.
• Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the breading and gravy, as this can significantly affect the dish’s overall flavor profile.

🍲 Note: Chicken fried steak is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, but it's versatile enough to pair with any side you prefer.

With this ultimate chicken fried steak recipe, you've ventured into the realm of classic Southern cuisine, mastering the balance between tender steak and crispy, flavorful breading. From the meticulous preparation to the careful frying, every step contributes to a meal that's both comforting and impressive. You've learned not only to make the dish but also how to appreciate the simplicity and tradition behind it. Now, armed with this knowledge, you're ready to bring the warmth and richness of Southern cooking to your dining table, delighting your family or guests with a taste of true home comfort.

Can I use another type of meat for chicken fried steak?

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Yes, while traditional chicken fried steak uses cube steak, you can use chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian take. The breading and frying method remain the same.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken fried steak?

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To maintain crispness, reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid using a microwave as it will make the breading soggy.

How do I store and keep chicken fried steak fresh?

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Let the fried steak cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container or wrap tightly with foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it, wrapped well, for up to 2 months.

Can chicken fried steak be baked instead of fried?

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Yes, for a healthier alternative, you can bread the steaks and then bake them in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Use a light spray of cooking oil to get the breading crisp.