The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak is the epitome of comfort food, offering a deliciously crispy exterior and a rich, creamy gravy that makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast or dinner, this Southern classic is sure to please your taste buds. With its tender meat and flavorful coating, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and buttermilk creates an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for more.
- Versatile Meal Option: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner—this dish works anytime!
- Hearty Comfort Food: Rich in flavor and satisfying, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that warms the soul.
- Family Favorite: Its robust flavors make it a beloved choice among family members of all ages.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet (preferably cast iron)
- Shallow bowls
- Whisk
- Metal rack or sheet pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A heavy skillet helps maintain even heat, ensuring the steaks fry perfectly without burning.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly, especially when preparing the gravy.
- Metal Rack: Allows excess oil to drain from cooked steaks, keeping them crispy without getting soggy.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 4 cube steaks (about 1/3 lb each)
– 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper, divided
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt or sea salt, divided
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– 1 ½ cups buttermilk
– 2 teaspoons TABASCO® Sauce (original)
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 tablespoons grease
– 4 tablespoons flour
– 2 to 3 cups whole milk
– ½ cup heavy whipping cream
– salt and pepper to taste
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How to Make The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the following:
1. Combine flour, one teaspoon black pepper, one teaspoon salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another shallow bowl:
1. Whisk together buttermilk, TABASCO® Sauce, and eggs. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Steaks
- Pat cube steaks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season with one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of pepper.
- Let sit for five minutes; pat dry again with a paper towel.
Step 4: Bread the Steaks
- Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture; shake off excess.
- Dip in the buttermilk mixture; let excess drip off.
- Dredge once more in the flour mixture; ensure complete coating.
- Place breaded steaks on a sheet pan or metal rack; press remaining flour mixture into them.
- Let sit for ten minutes.
Step 5: Heat Oil & Fry Steaks
- Preheat your oven to between 225°F and 250°F.
- Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until glistening but not smoking (about 320°F–340°F).
- Fry two steaks at a time for about three to four minutes on each side until golden brown—do not overcrowd the pan!
Step 6: Keep Warm in Oven
- Remove cooked steaks from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Place them in the preheated oven while you prepare the gravy.
Step 7: Make Chicken Fried Steak Gravy
- Pour remaining grease into a heat-safe bowl but do not scrape the skillet clean—keep those tasty bits!
- Return four tablespoons of grease to skillet; whisk in flour until golden brown (about two to three minutes).
- Gradually drizzle in cream and milk while whisking constantly until fully combined.
- Bring gravy to a simmer—cook until smooth and creamy (5–7 minutes). If too thick, add more milk as needed; season with salt and pepper.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your chicken fried steak hot with gravy alongside mashed potatoes and your favorite green veggies! Enjoy this satisfying meal that’s sure to delight!
How to Serve The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak is a hearty dish that deserves the perfect accompaniments. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or dinner, serving it right can elevate your meal to new heights.
Classic Southern Style
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a traditional pairing, soaking up the delicious gravy.
- Collard Greens: A side of collard greens adds a nutritious touch and balances out the richness of the steak.
- Cornbread: Fluffy cornbread complements the dish well, offering a touch of sweetness.
Breakfast Twist
- Sunny-Side-Up Eggs: Topping your chicken fried steak with a sunny-side-up egg creates a delightful breakfast experience.
- Breakfast Hash: A mix of diced potatoes and veggies adds texture and flavors that work well with the steak.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory elements of the dish.
Casual Dinner Options
- Green Beans: Steamed green beans add color and crunch, making for a balanced plate.
- Coleslaw: This cool, creamy side can help cut through the richness of the fried steak.
How to Perfect The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
To achieve an extraordinary Chicken Fried Steak, attention to detail is essential. Here are some tips to ensure perfection:
- Use Buttermilk: Soaking your steaks in buttermilk not only tenderizes them but also enhances flavor.
- Double Dredging Technique: For an extra crispy coating, dredge your steaks twice—first in flour, then in the buttermilk mixture, and finally back in flour.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping your frying oil at the right temperature (320-340°F) prevents sogginess and ensures golden-brown results.
- Let Steaks Rest: After frying, let your steaks rest on paper towels. This helps drain excess oil and keeps them crispy.
- Whisk Gravy Vigorously: When making gravy, whisking constantly prevents lumps and creates a smooth consistency.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your gravy for seasoning; adjust with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Best Side Dishes for The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
Pairing side dishes with The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and buttery, they offer comfort alongside the steak’s crunch.
- Fried Okra: Crispy fried okra adds a Southern flair and pairs beautifully with gravy.
- Biscuits and Gravy: Fluffy biscuits topped with extra gravy create an indulgent breakfast or brunch option.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Cheesy macaroni brings a creamy element that contrasts nicely with the crispy steak.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes complements savory dishes perfectly.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances out the richness of chicken fried steak while adding nutrients.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is always a crowd pleaser; grill or boil it for an easy side option.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad can lighten up your meal while adding crunch and color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak, small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
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Not drying the cube steaks: Moisture on the steaks can prevent the breading from sticking properly. Always pat them dry before seasoning and breading.
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Skipping the resting time: Letting the breaded steaks sit for 10 minutes helps the coating adhere better during frying. Don’t rush this important step.
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Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many steaks at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy breading. Fry only two steaks at a time for best results.
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Ignoring oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your steak will absorb too much grease. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s between 320-340°F before frying.
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Not whisking the gravy enough: A smooth gravy requires constant whisking as you add in the milk and cream. This avoids lumps and ensures a creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chicken Fried Steak in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
- Wrap each steak individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will stay good for about 2 months.
Reheating The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
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Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the steak on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
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Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, but be cautious of sogginess.
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Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until heated thoroughly and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
You can substitute chicken cutlets for cube steaks if you prefer poultry. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken may cook faster.
What sides go well with Chicken Fried Steak?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies!
How do I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, whisk in an extra tablespoon of flour while it’s simmering. If it’s too thick, add more milk slowly until you reach desired consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to make The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak is a delightful dish that brings comfort food to any table. Its crispy coating paired with creamy gravy makes it perfect for breakfast or dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or serve it alongside different sides to suit your taste preferences! Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak, a Southern classic that boasts a perfectly crispy exterior paired with a rich, creamy gravy. Ideal for any meal, from hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners, this dish features tender cube steaks coated in a savory blend of spices and buttermilk. Its irresistible taste is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. With straightforward preparation steps and easily accessible ingredients, you can enjoy this beloved comfort food at home any time you crave something delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks (about 1/3 lb each)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons TABASCO® Sauce
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Whole milk (for gravy)
- Heavy whipping cream (for gravy)
Instructions
- Prepare the coating by mixing flour with spices in one bowl and combining buttermilk, TABASCO® Sauce, and eggs in another.
- Dry and season the cube steaks, then dredge in flour mixture, dip in buttermilk mixture, and coat again with flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the breaded steaks until golden brown on both sides.
- Keep warm in the oven while preparing the gravy by whisking together leftover grease with flour, then slowly adding milk and cream until smooth.
- Serve hot with gravy alongside your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak (180g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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