Hey there, food lovers! Are you tired of the same old chicken dinner routine? Do you ever crave something crispy, juicy, and utterly satisfying? Then you're in for a treat!
We're about to dive into the world of chicken fried steak, and trust me, you'll be saying "YUM!" before you even finish reading.
Get ready to discover three easy recipes that will have you mastering this classic dish in no time. Who needs fancy restaurants when you can whip up a masterpiece in your own kitchen?
So, grab your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let's get cookin'! Keep reading to the end and you'll be ready to wow your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food.
3 Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipes | YouTube
Craving a hearty, crispy, and undeniably delicious meal? Look no further than Chicken Fried Steak! This iconic American dish is a true comfort food classic, and it's surprisingly easy to prepare at home. No need to spend hours in the kitchen - we've got you covered with three simple recipes that will satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds. Get ready to learn the secrets to juicy, tender, and perfectly golden-brown Chicken Fried Steak, all while enjoying a fun cooking experience!
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken Fried Steak, often shortened to CFS, is a popular dish in the Southern and Southwestern United States. It's essentially a breaded and pan-fried cut of beef tenderized with a mallet, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior.
The History of Chicken Fried Steak
While its name might suggest otherwise, Chicken Fried Steak doesn't actually contain any chicken! It's believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century in Texas, where German immigrants brought a similar dish called "Wiener Schnitzel." This dish was then adapted to American ingredients and preferences, leading to the creation of Chicken Fried Steak.
Why You Should Try Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak offers a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion. Here's why you should give it a try:
- Versatile: You can customize your Chicken Fried Steak with various sauces, toppings, and sides to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: It's a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone can enjoy.
- Easy to Make: Despite being a classic, Chicken Fried Steak is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
- Full of Flavor: The crispy exterior and juicy interior create a delicious flavor combination that's sure to satisfy.
Recipe #1: Classic Chicken Fried Steak
This recipe follows the traditional method, resulting in a perfectly crisp and tender Chicken Fried Steak.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds beef tenderloin (cut into 1-inch thick pieces)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Tenderize: Using a meat mallet, tenderize each piece of beef to an even thickness.
- Bread: In one bowl, whisk together the eggs. In another bowl, combine the flour, seasoned bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip each piece of beef in the egg mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded steak pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve your Chicken Fried Steak immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans.
Tips:
- To ensure even cooking, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the steak.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak (it should reach at least 145°F).
- You can also use a cast-iron skillet for frying to achieve a crispier exterior.
Recipe #2: Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Elevate your Chicken Fried Steak with a rich and flavorful mushroom gravy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Bread: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture.
- Fry: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Gravy: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the white wine (if using) and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and remaining flour. Gradually whisk this mixture into the simmering broth, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Spoon the mushroom gravy over the Chicken Fried Steak and enjoy!
Tips:
- Use a combination of different mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, for a more flavorful gravy.
- To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary to the gravy.
Recipe #3: Chicken Fried Steak with Spicy Ranch Dip
Looking for a twist on the classic? Try this recipe featuring a spicy ranch dip for a delicious and unique flavor combination.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon jalapeno peppers, finely chopped (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the chicken thighs to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Bread: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Dip each piece of chicken in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture.
- Fry: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Dip: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, jalapeno peppers, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Fried Steak with the spicy ranch dip for dipping.
Tips:
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a smoky flavor.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to your desired level of spiciness.
Tips for Frying Chicken Fried Steak
- Heat the Oil Properly: Frying the chicken in hot oil ensures it cooks quickly and develops a crispy crust. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil (it should be between 350°F and 375°F).
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Give the chicken pieces enough space in the pan to cook evenly. If the pan is too crowded, the temperature of the oil will drop, and the chicken will become greasy.
- Don't Overcook: Frying Chicken Fried Steak is a balancing act between crispy exterior and tender interior. Keep a close eye on the cooking time to ensure it doesn't become dry.
- Rest the Chicken: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier Chicken Fried Steak.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Tenderizing the Meat: Chicken Fried Steak is at its best when the meat is tender. Tenderizing it before breading is essential for a soft and juicy result.
- Over-Breading: Too much breading can lead to a thick crust that becomes soggy during cooking. Use a light coating of bread crumbs for the best results.
- Not Cooking the Chicken Through: Chicken Fried Steak needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F for safety. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it is fully cooked.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other cuts of beef for Chicken Fried Steak? A: While tenderloin is the traditional choice, you can use other cuts like cubed steak or even sirloin. However, make sure to tenderize the meat properly before breading.
Q: What are some good sides for Chicken Fried Steak? A: Chicken Fried Steak pairs well with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and coleslaw. You can also enjoy it with rice, sweet potatoes, or a simple salad.
Q: Can I make Chicken Fried Steak ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bread the Chicken Fried Steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to fry it.
Q: What if my Chicken Fried Steak comes out soggy? A: This often happens if the oil isn't hot enough or if the chicken is overcooked. Ensure your oil is at the right temperature and watch the cooking time carefully.
Conclusion
Chicken Fried Steak is a delicious and versatile dish that's easy to master at home. With these three simple recipes, you can satisfy your cravings for crispy, juicy, and flavorful comfort food. So grab your meat mallet, bread crumbs, and your favorite sides, and get ready to enjoy this classic American treat!
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Well, there you have it! Three super easy chicken fried steak recipes, each with its own unique spin. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes are designed to be accessible and delicious. You'll learn how to create a crispy, flavorful coating, how to achieve that perfect golden-brown color, and how to cook your steak to tender perfection. These recipes are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, or even a family gathering.
Now that you've learned the basics, it's time to explore your own culinary creativity. Try adding different seasonings to your batter, using different types of milk, or experimenting with various dipping sauces. The possibilities are endless! Be sure to share your creations with us in the comments below – we love seeing your versions of these classic recipes. And if you're looking for more inspiration, check out our other YouTube videos for more easy and delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
As always, we appreciate you taking the time to read our blog and watch our videos. We hope you found these recipes helpful and inspiring. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more delicious recipes and tips. We're also active on social media, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more culinary adventures. We can't wait to see what you create! Until next time, happy cooking!
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