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Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Large skillet or frying pan: For frying the steak.
- Large pot: To cook the potatoes.
- Whisk and mixing bowls: For the egg wash and dredging station.
- Masher or hand mixer: For smooth and creamy mashed potatoes.
- Tongs: To handle the steak while frying.
How to Make Classic Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the peeled, chopped potatoes. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, heavy cream (or milk), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste. Cover and keep warm while you prepare the steak and gravy.
Step 2: Bread the Steaks
- Set up a dredging station with two shallow bowls. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. In the other bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
- Dip each steak into the flour mixture, coating both sides, then dip into the egg mixture. Let the excess drip off before dipping it back into the flour mixture for a second coating. Press the flour onto the steak to ensure it adheres well.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles when it hits the pan.
- Fry the breaded steaks in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- Once all the steaks are fried, pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons behind, along with any crispy bits.
- Over medium heat, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant, making a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk (and broth, if using), stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
- To serve, place a fried steak on a plate alongside a generous portion of mashed potatoes. Ladle the creamy gravy over both the steak and the potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
Use Cube Steak for Best Results: Cube steak is the go-to cut for chicken fried steak because it’s tenderized and cooks quickly. If you can’t find cube steak, you can use top round or sirloin and pound it thin with a meat mallet.
Double Dredging is Key: The secret to getting that perfect crispy crust is dredging the steaks twice in the flour mixture. This gives them a thick, crunchy coating.
Gravy Adjustments: If you like your gravy extra thick, you can reduce the amount of milk slightly. For a thinner gravy, add a little more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add more cayenne pepper or even some hot sauce to the egg mixture. You can also sprinkle a little paprika or cayenne into the gravy for an extra kick.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Fridge: Store any leftover chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gravy can also be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat the steaks and mashed potatoes, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. The gravy can be reheated on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezer: You can freeze the fried steaks for up to 2 months. To freeze, let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the oven until crisp and heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Fried Steak pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Buttermilk biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are a perfect addition to this Southern meal.
- Green beans or collard greens: Add a side of sautéed or steamed greens for a little balance.
- Cornbread: Another traditional Southern side that complements the rich flavors of this dish.
- Iced tea or lemonade: Cool, refreshing drinks are perfect to wash down this hearty meal.
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