The sizzling sound of chicken frying fills the air, and you can almost taste the crispy coating before it even hits your plate. That’s the magic of Summer Chicken Fried Steak, a dish that brings together comfort, crunch, and a whole lot of flavor. Picture tender chicken enveloped in a golden crust, smothered in creamy gravy that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Now, this isn’t just any meal it’s a delightful reminder of summer barbecues and family gatherings where laughter mingles with the aroma of fried goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to invite over your friends for an impromptu feast and share stories while devouring every delicious bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Summer Chicken Fried Steak is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers
- The flavors are out of this world, with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior that will wow your taste buds
- Its visual appeal will have everyone reaching for their phones to snap a picture before diving in
- Truly versatile, it pairs wonderfully with everything from mashed potatoes to fresh salads
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family. My little brother took one bite and declared it “the best thing ever” Talk about pressure now I have to recreate that magic every time.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work perfectly for feeding a small crowd or hungry family.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for creating that crispy coating I find organic flour gives better results.
- Buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken beautifully and adds great flavor don’t skip this step
- Eggs: Just two eggs will help bind everything together into a delicious crust.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): A dash of paprika adds an extra kick adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying choose a high smoke point oil for best results.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for the gravy it helps control the saltiness without compromising flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for making the gravy rich and luscious trust me on this one
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Get ready to embark on this delicious journey Follow these steps closely, and you’ll soon be enjoying your very own Summer Chicken Fried Steak.
Prep Your Chicken: Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them gently until they’re about half an inch thick this ensures even cooking.
Create Your Buttermilk Bath: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt, pepper, and paprika. This mixture will infuse flavor into your chicken while keeping it juicy.
Dredge Like a Pro: Take each piece of chicken from the buttermilk bath and dredge it thoroughly in flour. Shake off any excess flour we want a nice even coat
Heat Things Up: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom. Heat until shimmering but not smoking this usually takes about 5 minutes.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully add your chicken to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides about 4-5 minutes per side should do the trick.
Create Your Creamy Gravy: Once all chicken is cooked and resting on paper towels, drain excess oil from the pan. Add flour to create a roux before gradually whisking in chicken broth followed by heavy cream until smooth.
And there you go Once you’ve plated up your gorgeous Summer Chicken Fried Steak accompanied by that decadent gravy, prepare yourself for compliments galore
Now gather around the table because nothing beats sharing food made with love unless it’s food made with love served with laughter Enjoy
You Must Know
- The Summer Chicken Fried Steak is a delightful twist on a classic
- Juicy, crispy, and perfect for summer gatherings, this dish will impress your friends and family
- Pair it with a zesty salad for the ultimate summer meal that brings everyone together
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the chicken with spices, then pan-fry until golden brown before finishing in the oven. This ensures perfectly cooked meat with a crispy exterior.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or add your favorite herbs for extra flavor. A dash of hot sauce can give it a delightful kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness without drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, always let the meat rest after cooking to keep it juicy
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of frying
- Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning it makes all the difference
Cooking this dish reminds me of summer barbecues with my family where laughter and good food created unforgettable memories.
FAQ
What sides pair well with Summer Chicken Fried Steak?
Fresh salads or seasonal vegetables complement this dish beautifully and lighten up your meal.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Thawing chicken beforehand ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture during frying.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for coating without sacrificing taste or texture.
Summer Chicken Fried Steak
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible taste of Summer Chicken Fried Steak, where tender chicken meets a crisp, golden crust and creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, evoking the warmth of summer barbecues with every bite. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, it’s bound to impress your guests and become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Flatten chicken breasts to about half an inch thick between plastic wrap for even cooking.
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour after soaking in the buttermilk mixture; shake off excess flour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- In the same pan, add flour to create a roux; slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream to make gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with gravy (150g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
