When it comes to chicken fried steak, you might think you know what to expect, but there's so much more than the classic version. You'll find variations that raise this beloved dish, from a hearty country-style recipe to a spicy twist that adds an unexpected kick. If you're looking for a lighter option, there are even baked recipes that don't compromise on flavor. Curious about how these different styles can improve your meals? Let's investigate the five best chicken fried steak recipes that promise to impress your taste buds.
Classic Chicken Fried Steak
Classic Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved Southern dish that combines tenderized beef steak coated in a crispy, golden crust and smothered in creamy country gravy. This dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is often served with mashed potatoes or biscuits on the side.
The key to a successful chicken fried steak lies in the quality of the meat, the seasoning of the breading, and the richness of the gravy, making it a comfort food favorite that's sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients:
- 2 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons butter (for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 1 cup milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)
Instructions:
Begin by tenderizing the cube steaks using a meat mallet, ensuring they're about 1/2 inch thick.
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Dredge each steak first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally back in the flour mixture to create a thick coating.
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated steaks and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Remove the steaks and let them drain on paper towels.
In the same skillet, melt butter for the gravy, then whisk in flour and cook for a minute before slowly adding milk, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Extra Tips:
To achieve the crispiest chicken fried steak, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the steaks; you can test this by dropping a small piece of the breading into the oil—if it sizzles, it's ready.
For an extra flavor boost, try marinating the cube steaks in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor.
Finally, serve your chicken fried steak with plenty of gravy, and don't forget to prepare some sides like collard greens or cornbread to complete this classic Southern meal!
Country-Style Chicken Fried Steak
Country-style chicken fried steak is a classic Southern comfort food that brings warmth and heartiness to any table. This dish features tenderized beef steak, usually round or cube steak, that's coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried until golden brown, and served with a creamy white gravy.
Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this recipe captures the essence of country cooking, providing a satisfying meal that's certain to please everyone.
Ingredients:
- 4 (6-ounce) cube steaks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 2 cups milk (for gravy)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Begin by tenderizing the cube steaks if they aren't already.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Dip each steak in the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour, guaranteeing they're well-coated.
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated steaks and fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through.
Remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels.
For the gravy, use the same skillet, leaving a few tablespoons of oil and drippings.
Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour, cooking for a minute to form a roux. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken fried steak hot, topped generously with the creamy gravy.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let the oil heat up properly before adding the steak; this guarantees a crispy coating.
You can also experiment with the spices in the flour mixture to suit your taste. If you prefer a richer gravy, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream.
Don't forget to serve the chicken fried steak with sides like mashed potatoes or collard greens for a true Southern feast!
Spicy Chicken Fried Steak
Spicy Chicken Fried Steak is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food that adds a kick to the traditional recipe. This dish features tenderized cubes of steak that are coated in a spicy seasoned batter, fried to golden perfection, and served with a zesty gravy. Perfect for a hearty dinner or a weekend feast, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its flavor and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 2 beef cube steaks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the cube steaks in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the steaks from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to stick.
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated steaks and fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they're golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the steaks and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add butter, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, then gradually add chicken broth, stirring until thickened.
Serve the spicy chicken fried steaks topped with gravy and a splash of hot sauce if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to the gravy for a spicier kick.
Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the steaks; if the oil isn't hot enough, the batter may not crisp up properly.
Additionally, feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper.
Serve your spicy chicken fried steak with sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw to complete the meal!
Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak
Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish that combines tenderized beef steak, marinated in rich buttermilk, with a crispy, golden-brown coating. This dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast or dinner, served with creamy gravy and your favorite sides. The buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also improves the flavor, giving it a delightful tang that pairs perfectly with the crunchy crust.
Ingredients:
- 2 tenderized beef steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup milk (for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- Additional salt and pepper for gravy
Instructions:
Begin by soaking the tenderized beef steaks in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness and flavor.
After marinating, remove the steaks from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, pressing the flour onto the surface to create a thick crust.
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated steaks and fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the steaks and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For the gravy, melt butter in a separate saucepan, whisk in the flour to create a roux, and slowly add milk while whisking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, confirm your oil is hot enough before adding the steaks; you can test this by dropping a small amount of flour into the oil—if it sizzles, it's ready.
Don't overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy steaks. For added flavor, you can experiment with different spices in the flour mixture.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the breaded steaks in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Serve your Chicken Fried Steak with a generous drizzle of the homemade gravy for a truly delightful meal!
Healthy Baked Chicken Fried Steak
If you're craving the comfort of chicken fried steak but want to keep it healthy, this baked version is the perfect solution. By swapping out the frying for baking, you can enjoy this classic dish with fewer calories and less fat while still retaining that deliciously crispy coating.
With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can serve up a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of lean beef steak (e.g., sirloin or round)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole grain)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Begin by tenderizing the steak with a meat mallet, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one for the whole wheat flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Dredge each piece of steak in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to stick.
Place the breaded steaks on the prepared baking sheet and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the steak is cooked through and the coating is golden brown, flipping once halfway through.
Extra Tips:
For an even healthier twist, consider using a mixture of panko and crushed oats for the breadcrumb coating to add more fiber and texture.
You can also serve the baked chicken fried steak with a homemade gravy made from low-fat milk and a bit of whole wheat flour, keeping the flavor rich without piling on extra calories.
Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that still feels indulgent!