Kickin' Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

Alright, let's dive into this absolute classic! Ever crave that down home comfort? I'm talking about a dish that just hugs you from the inside out? Well, you're in the right place! Today, we're making Chicken Fried Steak , and honestly, it's easier than you think!

What's the Big Deal About Chicken Fried Steak?

This isn't just any ol' dinner food in usa . it's a beloved dish with serious southern dinner recipes soul food roots.

Think of it as a schnitzel's american cousin. it's all about tenderized steak, breaded and fried to crispy, golden perfection.

Legend has it that it came from german immigrants to texas and oklahoma.

It isn't hard to prepare it, but takes about 45 minutes to make. This cottage meals summer can feed about four people.

Why You'll Obsess Over This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Chicken fried steak is a dish that hits all the right notes. first of all you are getting a good portion of protein.

But also this dish is perfect for a weekend treat or whenever you're feeling homesick. the best part? it's not just dinner; it's an experience.

It is a steak with gravy like no other.

This recipe is special because it combines that crispy texture with a creamy, peppery gravy that'll make you wanna lick the plate.

Seriously! you might have seen pioneer woman chicken fried steak recipes. but this is our take on that home style goodness.

Gathering Your Supplies: Ingredients for Success

You'll need cube steaks, flour, and some basic seasonings. eggs and milk are key for that perfect breading. and don't forget the vegetable oil for frying! for the gravy, you'll need the leftover oil, more flour, and plenty of milk, salt, and peppered gravy .

Trust me, the gravy is where the magic really happens!

Alright, y'all, let's dive into what you need to make chicken fried steak that'll have you sayin', "oh my gosh!".

This isn't just a chicken fried steak recipe pioneer woman would be proud of. it's next level comfort. we're talking about turning humble ingredients into a southern dinner recipes soul food kinda masterpiece.

Ingredients & Equipment

You wanna make sure you have the right stuff. It makes all the difference, honestly.

Main Ingredients

Let's gather our bounty!

• Beef Cube Steaks: You'll need 4 of these beauties, around 4-6 oz each. Look for steaks that are already tenderized. If not, don't worry. I’ll tell you how to fix it.
• All-Purpose Flour: Get ready for 1 cup (that's 120g ). This is your crispy coating base.
• Kosher Salt: A crucial 2 teaspoons ( 10g ) for seasoning. Don't skimp!
• Black Pepper: Can't forget 1 teaspoon ( 5g ) of freshly ground pepper. It makes a big difference.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: Half a teaspoon ( 2.5g ) of each gives it that extra somethin'.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch ( 1/4 teaspoon , which is like 1.25g ) if you want some heat.
• Eggs: You need 2 big ones. Give 'em a good whisk.
• Milk: Half a cup ( 120ml ) for the egg wash.
• Vegetable Oil: About 2-3 cups ( 500-750ml ) for frying.

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens.

• Essential Spice Combination: Salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder are your foundation. Don't leave 'em out!
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: A little cayenne pepper adds a kick. Nutmeg in the gravy? Trust me, it's amazing.
• Quick Substitution Options: Don't have garlic powder? A clove of minced garlic works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy here.

• Shallow Dishes: For breading. Pie plates work great.
• Cast Iron Skillet: This is essential for even heat and perfect browning. A heavy bottomed pan will do if you don't have one.
• Meat Mallet: Optional , but helps tenderize the steak with gravy even more. You can use a rolling pin if you don't have a mallet.
• Tongs: For flipping the Pioneer Woman Chicken .
• Wire Rack: For draining. Paper towels work too.

Honestly, making chicken fried steak feels like a warm hug. it's dinner food in usa that reminds me of cottage meals summer evenings spent with family.

You know? just good food and good company.

Alright, let's dive into making some chicken fried steak . honestly, is there anything more comforting? it's like a warm hug on a plate, especially perfect for those cottage meals in the summer.

This isn't just food; it's a journey back to grandma's kitchen. i can still smell it now! let's get cooking.

Prep Like a Pro for Amazing Southern Dinner Recipes

First things first, mise en place , peeps. get everything chopped, measured, and ready to rock. trust me, it'll save you a headache later.

For this chicken fried steak recipe pioneer woman would approve of, cube steaks need to be ready. also, make your breading station.

Finally, have all your gravy ingredients measured out.

Time Saving Organization

Honestly, pre-measuring spices into a little bowl is my secret weapon. plus, having your eggs and milk already mixed? game changer.

I like to prep the night before when i'm making for friends. this trick really helps when the dinner food in usa is about to start.

Cooking Method: Kickin' Chicken Fried Steak

So, here's the nitty gritty. This recipe is one of the most famous Pioneer Woman Recipes Dinner .

1. Tenderize: Gently pound those cube steaks if they seem thick. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Breading Station: Flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder. Egg wash with milk.
3. Breading Time: Dip each steak in flour, then egg, then back in flour. Make sure it is properly coated.
4. Fry It Up: Heat your vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .
5. Golden Brown: Fry steaks for about 3- 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Check the internal temperature reach 145° F ( 63° C) .
6. Drain: Place steaks on a wire rack to drain. This is critical for crispiness.
7. Creamy Gravy: Pour off excess oil, leaving about 4 tablespoons.

Pro Tips for Steak With Gravy Perfection

Honestly, don't overcrowd the pan when frying. this lowers the oil temp and leads to soggy steak. aim for that golden crisp! you can make the peppered gravy in advance.

Peppered gravy can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. just reheat it gently before serving.

This pioneer woman chicken fried steak recipe is a total winner! making chicken fried steak can seem intimidating, but honestly, it’s easier than you think.

This soul food meal has that homemade touch with the best ingredients. enjoy!

Alright y'all, let's talk shop about this crazy good chicken fried steak recipe pioneer woman would be proud of! i’ve made it a lot , so i've got some pointers to help you nail it.

Plus, it’s the perfect southern dinner recipes soul food kind of meal.

Recipe Notes: Let's Get Real

Honestly, making chicken fried steak can seem a little intimidating at first. but trust me, it's way easier than it looks! you just need to keep a few things in mind.

Don't be afraid to experiment.

Serving It Up Right: Plating and Presentation

Now, listen up! this ain't just dinner food in usa , it's an experience. think diner vibes. i love serving this steak with gravy alongside a big pile of mashed potatoes gotta have something to soak up that gorgeous gravy! a side of green beans adds a pop of color, or maybe a classic creamy coleslaw.

Don't forget the sweet tea! it's a cottage meals summer dream.

Storage Secrets: Keeping It Fresh

So, you've got leftovers? first off, good for you for having self control! store the chicken fried steak separately from the peppered gravy in airtight containers in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3-4 days. honestly though, it never lasts that long in my house! i wouldn't recommend freezing the fried steak, as it tends to get a bit soggy.

Reheat the steak in a skillet with a little oil, or in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through.

Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until warmed through.

Remixing the Classics: Variations on a Theme

Want to mix it up? I got you covered!

• Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Easy peasy.
• Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, try adding some sauteed mushrooms to your gravy for a delicious earthy twist, making it closer to Pioneer Woman Recipes Dinner . Think comforting vibes and flavors!

The Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's talk numbers for a sec. this chicken fried steak is a hearty meal, so keep that in mind.

Expect roughly 650 calories per serving. but hey, it's about balance, right? it's packed with protein (45g) and plenty of flavor.

And honestly, sometimes you just need a bit of comfort food. i bet even the pioneer woman chicken would love this.

And there you have it! don't sweat the small stuff. get in the kitchen and give it a go. you might even feel like the chicken fried steak recipe pioneer woman herself.

Remember, this is all about having fun and creating delicious memories. this pioneer woman chicken fried steak inspired recipe makes the perfect steak with gravy .

You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is chicken fried steak? Is there actually chicken in it?

That's a fair question! Chicken fried steak is actually beef usually cube steak that's been breaded and fried in a way that's similar to how you'd fry chicken. Think of it as steak doing its best impression of fried chicken, but with that hearty beefy flavor we all crave.

So, no chickens were harmed (or used) in the making of this dish.

How do I keep my chicken fried steak from being tough?

Tough steak is a right travesty, isn't it? The key is in the tenderizing! Use a meat mallet to pound the cube steak to an even thickness before breading. Also, don't overcook it! Aim for medium (145°F/63°C) and let it rest for a few minutes after frying to let the juices redistribute.

Think of it like letting a good cuppa steep patience is a virtue.

My gravy is always lumpy! How do I make a smooth cream gravy for my chicken fried steak?

Lumpy gravy can be a real bother. The secret is in the roux. Make sure your oil is hot before adding the flour, and whisk constantly while cooking the roux until it's a light golden brown. Then, add the milk gradually, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. If lumps do appear, don't panic!

A quick blitz with an immersion blender will sort them right out.

Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time? And how do I store leftovers?

While chicken fried steak is best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. Bread the steaks and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying. For leftovers, store the steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat the steak in the oven to maintain crispness, and gently warm the gravy on the stovetop, adding a little milk if needed to thin it out.

What are some tasty side dishes to serve with chicken fried steak besides mashed potatoes?

Mashed potatoes are a classic, but there's a whole world of deliciousness out there! Think Southern staples like collard greens, green beans (maybe with some bacon!), or creamy coleslaw to cut through the richness. Biscuits are always a good shout to soak up all that lovely gravy.

And for a touch of sweetness, a side of creamed corn is always a winner. It's like a proper Sunday roast, but fried!

Is chicken fried steak bad for me? What are the nutritional considerations?

Let's be honest, chicken fried steak isn't exactly a health food it's a treat! It's high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, everything in moderation, right? You can make it a bit healthier by using leaner cube steak, baking instead of frying (though it won't be quite the same!), and using skimmed milk for the gravy.

And be sure to balance your meal with plenty of veggies on the side. A little bit of what you fancy does you good, as they say!