The aroma of crispy chicken fried steak wafts through the kitchen like a warm embrace. Imagine golden-brown breading giving way to juicy, tender meat; it’s a dish that promises to transport you straight to comfort food heaven.
This delightful dish is not just about taste; it’s a nostalgic journey back to family gatherings where laughter mingled with the scent of savory delights. Whether it’s Sunday brunch or a cozy weeknight dinner, this chicken fried steak will have your taste buds dancing in delight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet impressively delicious.
- The marriage of crunchy coating and tender chicken creates an irresistible flavor bomb.
- It’s visually stunning, making every plate a feast for the eyes.
- Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone leaves happy!
Nothing beats the time my cousin tried to outdo my mom’s recipe at our family cook-off—spoiler alert: he didn’t stand a chance!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh breasts for juiciness; aim for around 3-4 pieces depending on your crowd.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps create that lovely crunchy coating; don’t skimp on seasoning!
- Buttermilk: For marinating; it tenderizes the meat and adds tangy flavor—absolutely essential!
- Eggs: These act as a binder to help the flour stick; two large eggs should do nicely.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Bring depth and flavor; feel free to experiment with spices that tickle your taste buds.
- Vegetable Oil: This is for frying; choose oils with high smoke points like canola or peanut oil.
- Soy Sauce: A dash in the marinade elevates flavor without overpowering; use low-sodium for control.
- Milk Gravy Ingredients (Butter, Flour, Milk): Essential for that creamy sauce that brings everything together!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare your taste buds because we are about to dive into some serious cooking magic!
Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating your boneless chicken breasts in buttermilk mixed with soy sauce. Let them soak for at least one hour—this ensures tenderness and flavor.
Set Up Your Dredging Station: Create an assembly line with three bowls—one for seasoned flour, one for beaten eggs, and another for more seasoned flour. This will make coating a breeze.
Dredge the Chicken: Take each marinated breast and first dip it into the seasoned flour. Then plunge it into the egg wash before coating it again in flour—double trouble means extra crunch!
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour vegetable oil until it reaches about half an inch deep. Heat until shimmering but not smoking; you want golden perfection!
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place each coated breast into the hot oil. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and cooked through—the sizzling sound is music to your ears!
Create Your Creamy Gravy: Remove the fried steaks and set them aside on paper towels. In the same skillet with leftover oil, add butter and allow it to melt before whisking in flour until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk until thickened—season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy every delectable bite of your homemade chicken fried steak topped generously with creamy gravy!
This dish is perfect served alongside mashed potatoes or roasted veggies—but honestly? It shines all on its own!
You Must Know
- Use buttermilk for marinating the chicken to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Always season your flour mixture generously to create a flavorful crust.
- Let the chicken rest after frying to maintain its juiciness.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken fried steak, start by marinating the meat in buttermilk, then dredge in seasoned flour before frying. This order ensures maximum flavor absorption and crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to your flour mix. You can also swap regular flour for gluten-free alternatives if needed, making it suitable for everyone.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring it stays crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For top-notch chicken fried steak, use a meat mallet to tenderize before marinating.
- Always keep oil temperature consistent around 350°F while frying to avoid sogginess.
- Serve with creamy gravy for an indulgent finish.
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we devoured crispy bites of chicken fried steak together!
FAQ
What is the best cut of meat for chicken fried steak?
Round steak or cube steak works best due to its tenderness and flavor.
Can I make chicken fried steak in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze the breaded steaks before frying them fresh later.
How do I achieve extra crispy coating?
Double-dipping in egg and flour creates an ultra-crunchy crust that’s hard to resist!
Delicious Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Savor this crispy chicken fried steak, perfectly seasoned and smothered in creamy gravy for a comforting meal that will make your taste buds sing.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- For the gravy: 4 tbsp butter, ¼ cup flour, 2 cups milk
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk mixed with soy sauce for at least one hour.
- 2. Set up a dredging station with seasoned flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and more seasoned flour in a third bowl.
- 3. Dredge each marinated chicken breast first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg wash, and coat again in flour.
- 4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 5. Fry each coated breast for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- 6. For the gravy, remove fried steaks and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually stir in milk until thickened; season with salt and pepper.
- 7. Serve the chicken fried steak topped generously with creamy gravy.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider double-dipping the chicken in egg and flour.
- Feel free to add spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Use gluten-free flour if needed for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken fried steak (200g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
