Oh, chicken fried steak—where do I even start? This comfort food staple brings all the homey vibes of Southern cuisine right to your dinner table, mixing the down-home goodness of country cooking with a nod to the Wiener Schnitzel, thanks to German immigrants who brought their culinary skills to America. Why whip up this dish, you ask? Well, it’s about transforming a simple cut of beef into a crispy, golden delight—like getting a warm hug on your plate after a long day.
And when it comes to serving, chicken fried steak just cries out for some creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that rich, hearty gravy. Add a side of lightly buttered green beans or a sweet corn on the cob for a pop of color and freshness. Want to go all out? A flaky biscuit on the side is never a bad idea for sopping up that extra gravy!
Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
Ingredients:
For the steak:
4 tenderized cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
Vegetable oil for frying
For the gravy:
2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Prep the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk for your wet dip.
Coat the Steaks: Dip each steak in the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour mixture for a glorious double coating that promises maximum crispiness.
Fry the Steaks: Heat a good amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a sprinkle of flour sizzles without burning. Fry each steak until they’re irresistibly golden, about 4 minutes on each side. Don’t crowd the pan! Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, keep about 2 tablespoons of the drippings. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring until golden (about 2 minutes). Gradually whisk in the milk, watching the magic happen as your gravy thickens beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Place those gorgeous steaks on plates, smother them in gravy, and watch them disappear!
Variations & Tips:
Add a Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper in the flour adds a lovely heat.
Chicken Variation: Swap out the beef for chicken breasts for a delightful twist.
Meal Prep: These beauties reheat well. Store extras and pop them in the oven on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
Balance it Out: Pair with a light salad to cut through the richness.
There you have it—a no-fuss chicken fried steak that’s sure to please. Whether it’s a laid-back family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish will bring the Southern charm right to your table. Enjoy, y’all!