5 Top-Rated Chicken Fried Steak Recipes: Find The Best

what is the best chicken fried steak recipe

5 Top-Rated Chicken Fried Steak Recipes: Find the Best TopRated,Chicken,Fried,Steak,Recipes,Find,BestChicken Fried Steak Recipes

Hey there, food lovers! Are you craving a hearty, home-style meal that's sure to satisfy? Look no further than chicken fried steak! This beloved dish is a true American classic, and with good reason. But with so many variations out there, how do you find the best chicken fried steak recipe?

Don't worry, we've got you covered! We've compiled a list of 5 top-rated chicken fried steak recipes that are guaranteed to impress. From crispy, golden-brown crusts to juicy, flavorful steaks, these recipes have it all. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into the world of deliciousness. Keep reading to the end to find out which recipe reigns supreme!

5 Top-Rated Chicken Fried Steak Recipes: Find the Best

Craving a hearty, comforting meal that's sure to satisfy? Look no further than chicken fried steak! This beloved American dish combines a crispy, golden-brown crust with tender, juicy steak, creating a flavor explosion that's impossible to resist. But with so many variations out there, finding the perfect chicken fried steak recipe can be tricky.

This article will guide you through the world of chicken fried steak recipes, highlighting five top-rated options that cater to diverse cooking styles and preferences. From classic comfort food to innovative twists, we've got you covered. Get ready to elevate your culinary game and impress your taste buds with these delicious recipes!

1. Classic Chicken Fried Steak: A Time-Tested Favorite

This recipe is a true classic, embodying the essence of chicken fried steak. It emphasizes simplicity and relies on tried-and-true techniques for delivering a perfect, crispy result.

Key Ingredients:

• Steak: Choose a tender cut like cube steak or round steak.
• Flour: This is the base of the crispy breading.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, helping the breading adhere to the steak.
• Milk: Adds moisture and flavor to the batter.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are the essential trio for enhancing the flavor profile.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Tenderize the steak: Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to tenderize the steak, ensuring it cooks evenly and becomes incredibly soft.
2. Prepare the dredging station: In three separate bowls, set up your dry ingredients (flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder), egg mixture (beaten eggs and milk), and dry ingredients again.
3. Bread the steak properly: Dip each piece of steak in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally back in the flour, ensuring a thick, even coating.
4. Fry the steak: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded steak in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Cook until golden brown: Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve with your favorite sides: Enjoy your classic chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, gravy, and your favorite vegetables.

2. Southern-Inspired Chicken Fried Steak: Embrace the Flavorful South

This recipe captures the essence of Southern cuisine, incorporating iconic flavors and techniques that create a truly memorable dining experience.

Key Ingredients:

• Buttermilk: A Southern staple, buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and enhances the tenderness of the steak.
• Hot Sauce: A touch of heat elevates the overall flavor profile, adding a zestful kick.
• Black Pepper: A generous amount of freshly ground black pepper creates a bold and aromatic flavor.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Marinate the steak: Marinate the steak in buttermilk, hot sauce, and black pepper for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
2. Bread the steak: Follow the same dredging process as in the classic recipe, ensuring a thick, even coating.
3. Pan-fry or deep-fry: For a truly crispy crust, consider deep-frying the steak in hot vegetable oil. Alternatively, pan-frying in a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat will also yield excellent results.
4. Serve with Southern sides: Complement your Southern-inspired chicken fried steak with creamy grits, collard greens, and a side of cornbread.

3. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Fried Steak: A Flavorful Twist

This recipe takes a classic dish and elevates it with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity.

Key Ingredients:

• Mushrooms: Choose hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello for a more pronounced flavor and texture.
• Heavy Cream: A key ingredient in creating a luscious and creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth to the sauce.
• White Wine: Deglazing the pan with white wine adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the steak: Follow the instructions for either the classic or Southern-inspired recipe.
2. Make the mushroom sauce: While the steak is cooking, sauté chopped mushrooms in butter until tender. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and cook until thickened.
3. Serve the steak with mushroom sauce: Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the cooked steak, and enjoy with mashed potatoes or your favorite side.

4. Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy: A Hearty Comfort Meal

This recipe embraces the classic pairing of chicken fried steak with creamy country gravy, creating a dish that's both comforting and satisfying.

Key Ingredients:

• Pan drippings: The foundation of the gravy comes from the flavorful drippings left in the pan after cooking the steak.
• Flour: Thickens the gravy, creating a velvety smooth texture.
• Milk: A key ingredient in creating a creamy gravy.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder enhance the flavor profile.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the steak: Prepare the steak using the classic or Southern-inspired method.
2. Make the country gravy: After removing the steak from the pan, add flour to the pan drippings, whisking constantly until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until the desired consistency is reached. Add seasonings to taste and cook until thickened.
3. Serve the steak with gravy: Pour the creamy country gravy over the cooked steak and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

5. Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak: A Healthier Option

This recipe utilizes an air fryer to create a crispy, flavorful chicken fried steak without the guilt of deep-frying.

Key Ingredients:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a light and crispy crust when air-fried.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a delicious savory and cheesy flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the steak: Tenderize the steak and marinate it in buttermilk if desired.
2. Prepare the breading: Mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
3. Bread the steak: Coat the steak in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Air fry: Place the breaded steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it doesn't overlap. Air-fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve with your favorite sides: Enjoy your air-fried chicken fried steak with your favorite sides.

Tips For Cooking Chicken Fried Steak

• Tenderize the steak: Tenderizing the steak is crucial for ensuring a tender and juicy result. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to evenly tenderize the steak before breading.
• Bread the steak properly: A thick and even coating of breading is key to achieving a crispy, golden-brown crust. Ensure the breading adheres to the steak before cooking.
• Cook at the right temperature: Cooking the steak over medium-high heat ensures a crispy crust without overcooking the interior.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan: Overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in a soggy, greasy crust. Cook the steak in batches if necessary.
• Serve immediately: Chicken fried steak is best served immediately after cooking, as the crust softens as it sits.

FAQ: Chicken Fried Steak

Q: What cut of meat is best for chicken fried steak?

A: Tender cuts like cube steak, round steak, or even a thin-cut sirloin are ideal. Avoid tough cuts like chuck steak or flank steak, as they will require longer cooking times and may become dry.

Q: Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the steak by breading it and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before frying.

Q: How do I know when chicken fried steak is cooked through?

A: The steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Culinary Game with Chicken Fried Steak

Mastering the art of chicken fried steak is a culinary achievement that will impress your family and friends. From classic comfort food to innovative twists, these top-rated recipes offer a range of options to suit every palate and cooking style. Remember to tenderize the steak, bread it properly, and cook it over medium-high heat for a crispy, golden-brown crust. Serve your chicken fried steak with your favorite sides and enjoy this iconic American dish!

Ready to embark on your chicken fried steak culinary adventure? Get started with one of these top-rated recipes and share your delicious creations with the world!

There you have it – five fantastic recipes for chicken-fried steak. Whether you prefer a crispy, golden batter or a more delicate coating, there's a recipe on this list that will satisfy your cravings. Remember, the beauty of cooking is in experimenting and finding what works best for you. So don't be afraid to adjust the recipes to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or try using a different type of milk in the batter for a richer flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Now that you've got some inspiration, it's time to head to the kitchen and get cookin'! Don't forget to share your culinary creations with us on social media – we’d love to see your delicious chicken-fried steak masterpieces. And if you're feeling adventurous, try pairing your dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, savory gravy, or a refreshing green salad. The combination will make for a truly satisfying meal.

Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect chicken-fried steak recipe is to try them all! So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure. You might just discover your new favorite dish. Happy cooking!

.Craving chicken fried steak? 🤤 Discover 5 top-rated recipes for crispy, juicy perfection! Find the best recipe for your next dinner.