If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting chicken fried steak, you know why this Southern classic is loved by many. Whether you’re in the heart of Texas or enjoying a meal at a local diner, chicken fried steak holds a special place on many restaurant menus.
But what exactly is chicken steak? Today, we’ll dive deep into the history of this dish, explain how to make chicken fried steak, and share some of the best chicken fried steak recipes to try at home. Whether you’re making a simple fried steak recipe or searching for the best chicken fried steak near me, this guide has everything you need.
What is Steak?
steak is a Southern staple that combines tender beef steak with a crispy, seasoned breading, similar to fried chicken. Despite its name, it is made from beef, not chicken. The steak is usually a round steak or cube steak, which is tenderized and coated in a seasoned flour mixture. After that, it’s pan-fried until golden and crispy, often served with gravy—usually cream gravy—on top.
It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. It’s typically served alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a full, hearty meal. Many people enjoy making chicken fried steak recipes at home because it’s delicious, affordable, and can easily be customized to suit personal tastes.
The History of Chicken
The origin of chicken fried steak is often debated, but it’s widely believed to have come from early settlers in Texas and other parts of the American South. It’s an adaptation of Wiener Schnitzel, an Austrian dish made from breaded and fried veal. European immigrants brought this recipe to the United States, where it evolved with local ingredients like beef.
Over the years, the dish became known as chicken fried steak, reflecting the technique of frying the steak in a manner similar to fried chicken. It’s now considered a beloved comfort food in the South and has spread across the country, with various restaurants offering their own take on this classic dish.
How to Make A Simple Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Now that we know what chicken fried steak is and its history, let’s dive into how to make chicken fried steak. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this simple chicken fried steak recipe will walk you through the process step by step.
Ingredients:
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4 pieces of cube steak or round steak (about 1 inch thick)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 large eggs
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½ cup buttermilk
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2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Steak: Begin by tenderizing the cube steak or round steak with a meat mallet. This will help break down the fibers and make the meat more tender. Once tenderized, pat the steak dry with paper towels.
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Make the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
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Coat the Steak: Dip each piece of steak into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Then dredge the steak in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the meat to ensure it’s evenly coated.
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Fry the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded steaks. Fry the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F for safe consumption. Once fried, remove the steaks and set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
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Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Place the crispy chicken fried steak on a plate and generously pour the gravy over the top. Serve with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.
Variations of Chicken Fried Steak Recipes
Although the basic method for making chicken fried steak remains the same, there are several variations you can try to mix things up.
KFC Chicken Fried Steak
If you love the crispy texture of KFC chicken, you can use a similar breading technique for your chicken fried steak. Simply add a few more spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, or ground mustard to the flour mixture to replicate that signature KFC flavor. Fry the steak until golden and crispy, and pair with the same creamy gravy.
Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich
For a fun twist, try turning your chicken fried steak into a sandwich. After frying the steak, place it on a soft bun with some lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a drizzle of gravy. This chicken fried steak sandwich is a perfect meal for those who love comfort food on the go.
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Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Everyone has their own version of the best chicken fried steak recipe, and it’s often a personal preference. Some people like to add hot sauce or mustard to their breading mix, while others might use cornstarch for an even crispier coating. Experiment with the seasoning to find your favorite flavor.
Where to Find the Best Chicken Fried Steak Near Me
If you’re not in the mood to cook and want to enjoy chicken fried steak near you, many restaurants offer this Southern classic. From local diners to chain restaurants like Cracker Barrel or Waffle House, you can easily find a delicious plate of chicken fried steak.
If you’re searching for the best chicken fried steak near me, look for restaurants with a reputation for serving hearty Southern comfort food. A well-made chicken fried steak should have a crispy coating, tender meat, and plenty of savory gravy.
FAQ About Chicken Fried Steak
Q1: What is chicken fried steak?
A1: Chicken fried steak is a Southern dish made by breading and frying steak (usually cube steak or round steak) in a similar manner to fried chicken. It is often served with a creamy gravy on top.
Q2: How do you make chicken fried steak at home?
A2: To make steak, tenderize the meat, coat it in seasoned flour and egg mixture, then fry it until crispy. You can also make a simple recipe by adding your favorite seasonings to the breading and making homemade gravy.
Q3: Is chicken fried steak healthy?
A3: While chicken is a delicious comfort food, it is not considered a health food due to its high calorie and fat content. However, you can make healthier versions by using leaner cuts of steak, baking the steak instead of frying, or using a lighter gravy.
Conclusion
Chicken has evolved from its European roots into a beloved Southern comfort food, treasured for its crispy, flavorful breading and tender meat. Its origins, influenced by Wiener Schnitzel, reflect the adaptability of the dish as it journeyed across the United States. The Southern adaptation, combined with its ability to satisfy and comfort, has made it a staple in many households and restaurants.
As it spread in popularity, became a symbol of Southern hospitality, often served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, and other hearty sides. Today, it continues to delight taste buds across the country, with countless variations and modern twists on the classic recipe. Whether enjoyed in a chicken fried sandwich or as a standalone dish, its enduring legacy speaks to the timeless appeal of good, satisfying comfort food.
From its humble beginnings to its place in modern cuisine, chicken fried steak remains an iconic dish in American food culture, embodying the essence of Southern cooking: simple, hearty, and full of flavor.
