3 Healthy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes For A Lighter Meal

healthy chicken fried steak

3 Healthy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes for a Lighter Meal Healthy,Chicken,Fried,Steak,Recipes,Lighter,MealChicken Fried Steak Recipes

Hey there, food lovers! Do you love chicken fried steak, but feel guilty about the calories? You’re not alone. We all know that traditional chicken fried steak can be a culinary masterpiece, but it’s not exactly a health food. But what if we told you there were ways to enjoy your favorite dish without sacrificing your waistline?

Keep reading, and we’ll show you three mouthwatering chicken fried steak recipes that are light on calories but big on flavor! Let’s get started!

3 Healthy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes for a Lighter Meal

Chicken fried steak, a Southern classic, is known for its crispy, flavorful crust and juicy, tender steak. However, the traditional dish can be quite heavy and loaded with unhealthy fats. But fear not, you can still enjoy this delicious comfort food without sacrificing your health! This article provides 3 healthy chicken fried steak recipes that are lighter on the calories and fat, while still delivering that classic taste you crave.

Why Choose Healthy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes?

Traditional chicken fried steak often involves dredging the meat in flour, then dipping it in egg batter before frying it in oil. This process can leave you with a dish packed with saturated fat and calories. Opting for healthier alternatives like whole wheat bread crumbs, Greek yogurt, and baked or air-fried cooking methods can help you enjoy your favorite dish without the guilt.

Let's Get Started: 3 Healthy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes

1. Air-Fried Chicken Fried Steak with Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dredging station: Combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the whisked eggs, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Air-fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Brush the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve: Serve the air-fried chicken fried steak with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, or a green salad.

2. Oven-Baked Chicken Fried Steak with Greek Yogurt Batter

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dredging station: Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the Greek yogurt mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush a baking sheet with olive oil and place the chicken breasts on it. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve: Serve the oven-baked chicken fried steak with your favorite sides, such as mashed sweet potatoes, gravy, or steamed vegetables.

3. Skillet-Fried Chicken Fried Steak with Almond Flour

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dredging station: Combine the almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg and almond milk mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the almond flour mixture.
3. Fry: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Serve: Serve the skillet-fried chicken fried steak with your favorite sides, such as cauliflower mash, gravy, or a green salad.

Tips for Making the Best Healthy Chicken Fried Steak:

• Pound it thin: Pound the chicken breasts thin to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
• Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken fried steak is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Experiment with seasonings: Don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings! Paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and herbs like thyme and rosemary can add delicious flavor and depth to your chicken fried steak.
• Serve with healthy sides: Pair your healthy chicken fried steak with sides that are low in fat and calories, such as steamed vegetables, salads, or mashed cauliflower.
• Skip the gravy: While gravy can add a lot of flavor, it can also be high in calories and fat. If you want to enjoy gravy, consider making a light version with low-sodium broth and a cornstarch slurry.

FAQs about Healthy Chicken Fried Steak

Q: Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour?

A: While you can use regular flour, substituting it with whole wheat flour provides more fiber and nutrients. You can also try a blend of both flours for a lighter texture.

Q: Can I use a different milk alternative instead of almond milk?

A: Yes, you can experiment with other milk alternatives such as soy milk, oat milk, or rice milk depending on your dietary preferences.

Q: Is there a way to make the chicken fried steak even healthier?

A: You can make the chicken fried steak even healthier by skipping the breading altogether and using a simple seasoning blend like salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Conclusion

Indulge in the deliciousness of chicken fried steak without the guilt! These healthy recipes offer a lighter, flavorful, and satisfying alternative to the traditional version. By using whole wheat breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt batter, and almond flour, and opting for air-frying, baking, or skillet frying, you can enjoy this Southern classic while staying true to your health goals. So grab your favorite sides, get creative with your seasonings, and enjoy your healthier version of this beloved comfort food!

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There you have it, three delicious and healthier chicken fried steak recipes that are perfect for a lighter meal. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile and a satisfying crunch, without the guilt of heavy, greasy cooking methods. Remember, you can easily customize them to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Try swapping out the breading for gluten-free options, experimenting with different herbs and spices, or even using a dairy-free milk alternative. These recipes are just a starting point, so get creative and have fun in the kitchen!

Eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. These lighter versions of the classic comfort food allow you to enjoy your favorite dish while taking care of your health. Plus, they're incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve them with various side dishes, from fluffy mashed potatoes and creamy gravy to fresh salads and roasted vegetables. No matter what you choose, these chicken fried steaks are guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.

So, go ahead and try one of these recipes this week. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy these lighter versions of the classic comfort food. And remember, healthy cooking doesn't have to be complicated. With these easy-to-follow recipes, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Enjoy!

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