What makes a comforting weeknight dinner truly unforgettable? A classic chicken fried steak with a rich homemade gravy, made easy with tenderized steak and a simple pan-frying method. Save this idea for a quick and satisfying family favorite meal to enjoy any night of the week, perfect for a homemade dinner that is sure to please. Try it soon and make it a staple in your household. Pin for later and get ready to delight your family and friends with this delicious dish.

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of a home-cooked meal with the excitement of a culinary adventure. Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is just that – a classic dish that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. This recipe uses everyday ingredients to create a mouth-watering meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to delight. With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and rich, savory gravy, Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is the perfect comfort food to warm your heart and fill your belly.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavors, with a combination of spices, herbs, and seasonings that complement the steak and gravy perfectly. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find and affordable, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive results, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. With a few simple steps and some basic kitchen tools, you can have a delicious Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy on the table in no time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: This recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals, as it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. And the best part? It requires minimal effort and time, making it a great option for busy home cooks.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the steak. You’ll need a 1-2 pound top round or top sirloin steak, which you can find at most grocery stores. In addition to the steak, you’ll need some basic pantry staples, including all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For the gravy, you’ll need some chicken broth, milk, and butter or oil. You can also customize the recipe to your taste with additional ingredients, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. If you don’t have any of these ingredients on hand, you can easily substitute them with others. For example, you can use beef broth instead of chicken broth, or add some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy for extra flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the steak. Trim any excess fat and cut the steak into a uniform thickness, about 1/4 inch. Season the steak with salt, black pepper, and your favorite seasonings. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat.
2. Step 2: Next, prepare the breading station. In one shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Dip the steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly. Then, dip the steak in the eggs, making sure to coat it completely. Finally, dip the steak in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs gently onto the steak to help them stick.
4. Step 4: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded steak and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
5. Step 5: To make the gravy, reduce the heat to medium and add a tablespoon or two of butter or oil to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of flour into the skillet and whisk it into the fat to make a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned and has a nutty aroma. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook it for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s thickened to your liking. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
6. Step 6: To serve, slice the steak against the grain and place it on a plate or platter. Spoon the gravy over the top of the steak and serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overcook the steak, as it can become tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to give the steak and gravy your own unique flavor. Some options might include dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
• If you’re having trouble getting the breadcrumbs to stick to the steak, try dipping the steak in the eggs and then rolling it in the breadcrumbs to help them adhere.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when cooking the steak and making the gravy. For the steak, you’ll want to heat the oil in the skillet to about 350°F, or until it reaches the smoking point. This will help the breadcrumbs brown evenly and prevent the steak from absorbing too much oil. For the gravy, you’ll want to reduce the heat to medium and cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned and has a nutty aroma. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook it for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s thickened to your liking.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor is all about the breadcrumbs, which provide a satisfying crunch to the steak. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overcook the steak, as this can cause the breadcrumbs to become soggy and lose their texture. Also, be sure to press the breadcrumbs gently onto the steak to help them stick, and don’t be afraid to add a little extra crunch with some chopped nuts or seeds.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a cast-iron skillet to cook the steak, as this will help retain heat and provide a crispy crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the steak to steam instead of sear. Cook the steak in batches if necessary, to ensure it has enough room to cook evenly.
• Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing, as this will help the juices redistribute and the steak to retain its tenderness.

Storage Tips

• Leftover steak and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen steak and gravy overnight in the refrigerator, or reheat it in the microwave or oven until hot and steaming.
• When storing leftover steak and gravy, be sure to keep it in a covered container to prevent it from drying out. You can also add a little extra gravy to the container to keep the steak moist and flavorful.
• Consider using a vacuum sealer to store leftover steak and gravy, as this will help preserve the flavors and textures and prevent the formation of ice crystals.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy might not be the most obvious gift idea, it can actually be a thoughtful and delicious present for friends and family. Consider packaging the steak and gravy in a decorative tin or container, along with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. You could also include a few extra goodies, such as a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad, to round out the meal. Whatever you choose, be sure to include a personalized note or card to make the gift extra special.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the steak and gravy, or using a spicy seasoning blend to give it a kick.
• Creative toppings: Think beyond the usual gravy and consider topping the steak with some sautéed mushrooms, a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Ingredient swaps: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of steak, such as flank steak or ribeye, or using different types of milk or broth to change up the flavor of the gravy.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the steak is tough or dry, it may be overcooked. Try cooking it to a lower internal temperature, or using a meat tenderizer to help break down the fibers.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have any of the ingredients on hand, don’t be afraid to substitute them with others. For example, you can use beef broth instead of chicken broth, or add some dried herbs to the gravy for extra flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the steak while it’s cooking, and remove it from the heat when it reaches your desired level of doneness. If it’s undercooked, it will be pink and juicy in the center, while overcooked steak will be dry and gray.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the steak and gravy for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or reheat it in the microwave or oven until hot and steaming.
• Is it gluten-free? The steak and gravy recipe is gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredients of any store-bought broths or seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the steak and gravy in batches if necessary, to ensure it has enough room to cook evenly.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and sure to please. With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and rich, savory gravy, it’s the perfect meal for a special occasion or everyday dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy!