What makes the perfect comfort food dish? A juicy chicken fried steak smothered in creamy gravy, made with tender beef and a rich homemade sauce, is a family favorite for a quick weeknight dinner, save this idea for a delicious easy meal to try soon

Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

Introduction

Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy is a classic comfort food dish that never fails to impress. With its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend entertainer, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So why not give it a try and see just how delicious homemade Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy can be?

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, savory flavors and everyday ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy on the table in no time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this dish is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters with its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe are cubed steak, all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, and cream. You’ll also need some basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, and paprika. For the gravy, you’ll need some chicken broth and heavy cream. If you want to get fancy, you can add some sautéed onions or mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor. As for substitutions, you can use beef broth instead of chicken broth, or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly to avoid a too-thin or too-thick gravy.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the steak. Cut it into thin cutlets and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Then, dredge the cutlets in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Step 2: Next, dip the floured cutlets in a mixture of eggs and milk, making sure they’re fully coated. Then, roll the cutlets in a plate of flour, pressing the coating onto the meat to ensure it adheres.
3. Step 3: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the cutlets and fry until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain the cutlets on paper towels and set them aside to keep warm.
4. Step 4: To make the gravy, pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet. Then, add a tablespoon of flour and whisk it into the oil to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, then serve it over the fried steak.

Handy Tips

• Make sure the oil is hot before adding the cutlets. This will help the coating adhere to the meat and prevent it from absorbing too much oil.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry the cutlets in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.
• If you’re having trouble getting the coating to stick to the meat, try dipping the cutlets in the egg mixture first, then rolling them in flour.

Heat Control

When frying the cutlets, it’s essential to maintain a medium-high heat. This will help the coating cook evenly and prevent it from absorbing too much oil. If the heat is too low, the coating may become greasy and soggy. On the other hand, if the heat is too high, the coating may burn before the meat is fully cooked. To check for doneness, cut into one of the cutlets. It should be cooked through and the internal temperature should reach 160°F.

Crunch Factor

The crunchy coating on the fried steak is one of its best features. To achieve this, make sure the oil is hot before adding the cutlets, and don’t overcrowd the skillet. You can also try adding some extra ingredients to the coating, like panko breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese, to give it extra crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the perfect temperature. This will help the coating cook evenly and prevent it from absorbing too much oil.
• Don’t stir the cutlets too much. This can cause the coating to fall off and the meat to become tough.
• Let the cutlets rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and the meat to stay tender.

Storage Tips

• Leftover Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• It’s also possible to freeze the dish, although the coating may become soggy when thawed. To freeze, place the cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put it in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the cutlets to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• When reheating frozen Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure food safety.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy may not be the most obvious gift idea, it’s actually a great option for a comforting, homemade meal. Consider packaging it in a cute container, like a mason jar or a cast-iron skillet, and adding some garnishes like fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. You could also include some sides, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, to make it a complete meal.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some dried herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the coating for extra flavor. You could also add some spicy seasonings, like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, for a kick.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some sautéed onions or mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor. You could also top the steak with some diced bell peppers or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
• Ingredient swaps: If you don’t have cubed steak, you could try using chicken breasts or pork cutlets instead. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the coating is too soggy or greasy, try adjusting the heat or the amount of oil in the skillet. You could also try adding some extra ingredients to the coating, like panko breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese, to give it extra crunch.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have some of the ingredients, like heavy cream or chicken broth, you could try substituting them with other ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly to avoid a too-thin or too-thick gravy.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the steak is overcooked, it may become tough and dry. On the other hand, if it’s undercooked, it may not be safe to eat. To check for doneness, cut into one of the cutlets. It should be cooked through and the internal temperature should reach 160°F.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy, although the coating may become soggy when thawed. To freeze, place the cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put it in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the cutlets to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free, as it contains wheat flour. However, you could try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative, like almond flour or coconut flour.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, although you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Just be sure to use a large enough skillet to accommodate all the cutlets, and don’t overcrowd it.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy is a delicious and comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior, it’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend entertainer, this recipe is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see just how delicious homemade Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy can be? Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor variations to make the dish your own. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – after all, cooking is all about sharing love and joy with the people around us.