What makes a comforting weeknight dinner truly unforgettable? A juicy chicken fried steak smothered in rich homemade gravy, made with tender beef and a crispy breading. This easy family favorite recipe is a quick solution for busy evenings. Save this idea for a delicious homemade meal to enjoy with your loved ones. Try it soon and make it a staple in your household. Pin for later and get ready to savor the flavors of a classic weeknight dinner.

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Introduction

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a classic comfort food dish that never goes out of style. It’s a masterclass in simplicity, using everyday ingredients to create a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The combination of a tender steak, crispy breading, and rich gravy is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy!

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This dish is all about balance. The crispy breading provides a satisfying crunch, while the tender steak and rich gravy add depth and comfort. The ingredients are also easily accessible, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
• Ease of preparation: One of the best things about Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is how easy it is to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward, making it a great option for those short on time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures is sophisticated, and the presentation is elegant, making it a great option for special occasions or dinner parties.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy are the steak, breading, and gravy. For the steak, you’ll want to use a cut that’s tender and flavorful, such as top round or top sirloin. The breading is made up of all-purpose flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, which provide a crispy exterior and a tender interior. The gravy is made with pan drippings, flour, and milk, which add a rich and creamy element to the dish. You can also use practical substitutions, such as using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs, or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for added depth.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the steak. Trim any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then, prepare the breading station by mixing together the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate dishes.
2. Step 2: Dip the steak in the flour, coating both sides evenly, then dip in the eggs, making sure to coat completely, and finally, coat in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the breaded steak. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked to desired level of doneness.
3. Step 3: While the steak is cooking, prepare the gravy. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the skillet, whisking to combine with the pan drippings. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is lightly browned and has a nutty aroma. Then, slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: To serve, place the steak on a plate and spoon the gravy over the top. You can also serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overcook the steak, as it can become tough and dry. Use a thermometer to check for internal temperature, and aim for medium-rare or medium.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices in the breading and gravy. Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are all great additions to the breading, while a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce can add depth to the gravy.
• If you’re having trouble getting the breading to stick to the steak, try dipping the steak in the eggs and then coating in the breadcrumbs, rather than coating in the flour first. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the steak.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when making Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy. You’ll want to heat the oil in the skillet to the right temperature, which is around 350°F. This will help the breading cook evenly and prevent it from burning. You’ll also want to cook the steak to the right internal temperature, which is around 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium. Use a thermometer to check for internal temperature, and adjust the heat as needed to prevent overcooking.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor is a crucial element in Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy. The breading should be crispy and golden brown, while the steak should be tender and juicy. To achieve this, make sure to not overcook the steak, and use the right type of breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a great option, as they provide a light and airy texture that won’t overpower the steak. You can also try adding a splash of acidity, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to the breading to help it crisp up.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a cast-iron skillet to make the Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy. The iron in the skillet will help to distribute the heat evenly, and the crust on the steak will be crispy and golden brown.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak. Cook in batches if necessary, to ensure that each piece of steak has enough room to cook evenly.
• Use a thermometer to check for internal temperature, and adjust the heat as needed to prevent overcooking. This will help to ensure that the steak is cooked to the right level of doneness, and that it’s tender and juicy.

Storage Tips

• Leftover Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place the steak and gravy in an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to reheat.
• To reheat, simply place the steak and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, and cook until the steak is warmed through and the gravy is hot and bubbly.
• You can also freeze the Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy for up to 2 months. Simply place the steak and gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze until ready to reheat. To reheat, simply thaw the steak and gravy overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy may not be the most obvious gift idea, it can actually be a thoughtful and delicious present for friends and family. Simply place the steak and gravy in an airtight container, and wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also add a few sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, to make the gift even more special. Consider packaging the steak and gravy in a decorative tin or container, and adding a few garnishes, such as fresh herbs or edible flowers, to make the gift even more elegant.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding different spices to the breading, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder, to give the steak a unique flavor.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding creative toppings to the steak, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to add texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Try swapping out the steak for chicken or pork, or using different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs, to change up the flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the breading is not crispy, try adjusting the heat or cooking time. If the steak is tough, try cooking it to a lower internal temperature or using a different cut of meat.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a certain ingredient, try substituting it with something else. For example, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs, or use almond milk instead of regular milk.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the steak is overcooked, it will be dry and tough. If it’s undercooked, it will be pink and juicy. Use a thermometer to check for internal temperature, and adjust the heat as needed to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy for up to 2 months. Simply place the steak and gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze until ready to reheat.
• Is it gluten-free? The breading contains gluten, but you can try using gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free. Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients by two, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that the steak is cooked to the right level of doneness.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and sure to please. With its crispy breading, tender steak, and rich gravy, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So, go ahead and give it a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to make it your own. Happy cooking!