The sun is shining, and the aroma of sizzling chicken wafts through the air. Picture golden-brown chicken fried steak, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with a rich gravy that practically begs you to dive in. This Summer Chicken Fried Steak will transport your taste buds straight to a backyard barbecue, where laughter and good food mingle like old friends.
Summer gatherings are incomplete without this dish on the table. Memories of family reunions and lazy afternoons spent devouring this classic recipe flood my mind. Each bite encapsulates warmth and joy, making it an ideal centerpiece for any occasion whether it’s a festive gathering or a casual dinner at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Summer Chicken Fried Steak is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it perfect for any skill level
- Its savory flavor profile combines crispy textures with creamy gravy that pleases everyone
- Visually, the golden-brown color makes it incredibly appetizing on any plate
- Versatile enough to serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, it’s always a crowd-pleaser
I vividly remember my aunt’s eyes lighting up when she first served this dish at our family picnic everyone couldn’t get enough of it
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that perfect crispy coating don’t skimp on this one.
- Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tenderness to the chicken feel free to use homemade buttermilk for extra flavor.
- Paprika: A pinch adds color and depth I prefer smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Salt and Pepper: You can never go wrong with these staples season generously for maximum flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve that crispy texture.
- Chicken Broth: Used in the gravy homemade broth elevates the overall taste significantly.
- Heavy Cream: This creates a rich, velvety gravy that’s simply irresistible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Chicken: Begin by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them until they’re about half an inch thick this step ensures they cook evenly.
Create Your Buttermilk Mixture: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk with paprika, salt, and pepper. Submerge each chicken breast in this mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Dredge in Flour: Remove each breast from the buttermilk and allow excess liquid to drip off. Dredge them in flour until thoroughly coated this step is crucial for achieving that crunchy crust we all love.
Heat Up Your Oil: In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about half an inch. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering this indicates it’s ready for frying.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully add the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. They should sizzle delightfully as they fry.
Make Your Gravy: Once your chicken has cooked perfectly, set them aside on paper towels to drain excess oil. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add flour to create a roux cook until golden before adding chicken broth gradually while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in heavy cream until you achieve your desired gravy consistency.
Serve your Summer Chicken Fried Steak hot with that luscious gravy drizzled generously over it while savoring every bite
Now you are equipped with everything you need for an unforgettable meal Enjoy
You Must Know
- Summer Chicken Fried Steak is not just a meal it’s an experience bursting with flavor and nostalgia
- The crispy texture combined with a rich gravy makes it irresistible
- Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish will surely impress anyone at the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by tenderizing the chicken first to ensure juicy meat, then coat it in seasoned flour before frying. This sequence maximizes flavor and keeps things efficient in the kitchen.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your gravy with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even add some spicy jalapeños for a kick. You can also swap chicken for pork if you’re feeling adventurous
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, ensuring crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy chicken, do not overcrowd the frying pan it leads to soggy results
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and juiciness
- Don’t skip seasoning your flour it adds depth of flavor to every bite
Sometimes my friends claim they can’t fry chicken as well as their moms did, but after serving them this recipe, they changed their tune
FAQ
What is Summer Chicken Fried Steak?
Summer Chicken Fried Steak is a crispy fried chicken dish served with creamy gravy.
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or turkey for delicious variations.
How do I make my gravy thicker?
To thicken gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot mixture gradually.
Summer Chicken Fried Steak
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Summer Chicken Fried Steak is a delightful dish that brings the joys of summer gatherings to your table. With golden-brown, crispy chicken coated in seasoned flour and served with a rich, creamy gravy, this recipe is perfect for family reunions or cozy dinners. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests and evoke fond memories of backyard barbecues.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Tenderize chicken breasts by placing them between plastic wrap and pounding to about half an inch thick.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Dredge marinated chicken in flour until well-coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- For gravy, lower heat and add flour to the skillet to make a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with gravy (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
