Barbecue Chicken Fried Steak – Easy Oven-Caramelized Recipe

Try a new twist on the Southern classic with our Barbecue Chicken Fried Steak recipe. This oven-baked version is healthier than deep-frying but still packs the same great taste. It uses tender cube steak, a seasoned flour mix, and a special breading for a crispy, flavorful crust.

Key Takeaways

• Unique barbecue-infused twist on the classic Southern chicken fried steak
• Oven-baked for a healthier alternative to deep-frying
• Crispy, flavorful crust with a tender, juicy interior
• Cube steak as the traditional choice, with tips on tenderizing techniques
• Seasoned flour mixture and special breading process for optimal texture

Understanding the Southern Classic with a BBQ Twist

The southern fried chicken steak is a favorite in Texas and the American South. It started in the mid-1800s with German immigrants in Texas. They made a dish similar to the German wiener schnitzel using local beef. Over time, the bbq chicken fried steak recipe has changed, with different versions popping up in Texas.

Origins of Chicken Fried Steak

The story of Texas-style chicken fried steak starting in Lamesa, Texas, in 1911 is not true. But, the dish’s roots go back to the mid-1800s. German immigrants brought their schnitzel-making skills to Texas, influencing the creation of chicken fried steak.

The BBQ Innovation

This BBQ version of the southern fried chicken steak adds smoky flavors. It uses oven-baking instead of deep-frying. This makes the dish healthier but still crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this bbq chicken fried steak recipe is the mix of traditional breading and oven-baking. It creates a crispy, caramelized crust and keeps the meat tender. This gives a healthier twist to the classic Texas-style chicken fried steak.

“Chicken fried steak is a quintessential part of Texas cuisine, and this barbecue-inspired version takes the classic to new heights.”

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

To make the perfect Barbecue Chicken Fried Steak, you need a few key things. At the heart of this dish is the cube steak. It gives the steak the right texture for this Southern classic. Adding seasoned bread crumbs, egg whites, milk, and chicken gravy makes the flavors and textures irresistible.

You also need the right tools. A sturdy baking sheet is key for oven-frying the steak. Mixing bowls are also important for making the perfect breading. For the best results, line your baking sheet with a non-stick silicone mat or spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

Ingredients	Equipment
Cube steak (Certified Angus Beef recommended) Flour Seasoned bread crumbs Egg whites Milk Chicken gravy	Baking sheet Mixing bowls Non-stick silicone mat or non-stick cooking spray

With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious Barbecue Chicken Fried Steak. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Selecting and Preparing the Perfect Cut of Meat

Choosing the right meat is crucial for a great chicken fried steak. The top picks are cube steak, top round, top sirloin, or eye of round. If you’re not using cube steak, make sure to tenderize the meat well.

Tenderizing Techniques

Use a kitchen mallet or meat tenderizer to pound the steaks. This makes them almost double in size. It breaks down tough fibers, making the steak tender and tasty. Cut the steaks to about 3/4 inch thick before tenderizing for the best texture.

Seasoning Tips

1. Season the steaks well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before breading.
2. The seasoning for chicken fried steak should bring out the meat’s natural flavors. This creates a balanced taste in the final dish.
3. Try adding spices like paprika, onion powder, or a bit of cayenne for extra flavor.

Cut of Meat	Characteristics
Cube Steak	Pre-tenderized, ideal for chicken fried steak
Top Round	Lean, flavorful, and benefits from tenderization
Top Sirloin	Tender, with a slightly more robust flavor
Eye of Round	Economical, requires thorough tenderizing

“The key to the perfect chicken fried steak is all in the preparation of the meat. Take the time to tenderize and season it properly, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly mouthwatering dish.”

The Secret to Perfect Breading

To get the ultimate crispy chicken fried steak, focus on the breading. Use a double-dipping method for a crunchy crust that stays on during cooking.

Start with a breading station. It should have seasoned flour and an egg-buttermilk mix. First, coat the cube steaks in flour, then in the egg-buttermilk, and finally in flour again. This double-dip is key for a perfectly crispy breading that won’t fall off.

After breading, chill the steaks in the fridge for 20 minutes. This step helps the coating stick to the meat. It ensures a crisp texture in every bite.

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1 1/2 cups
Freshly ground black pepper	2 teaspoons
Kosher salt	2 teaspoons
Buttermilk	1 1/2 cups
TABASCO® Sauce	2 teaspoons
Eggs	2

By using this breading technique, you’ll get a perfectly crispy chicken fried steak. It will have a crunchy outside and a juicy inside.

Barbecue Chicken Fried Steak: The Main Event

Elevate the classic chicken fried steak with a flavorful bbq-infused breading. The secret is infusing barbecue flavors into the breading. Add your favorite barbecue seasoning to the flour for a savory oven-baked chicken fried steak.

Creating the BBQ Infusion

To make the bbq-infused breading, mix barbecue seasoning into the flour. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of seasoning for every 1 1/2 cups of flour. Whisk well to spread the flavors evenly.

Cooking Temperature Guide

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. Place the breaded oven-baked chicken fried steak on a baking sheet. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5-10 minutes. The breading should be golden, and the steak should reach 145°F (63°C) for safety.

Metric	Value
Servings	4
Calories per Serving	1201
Protein per Serving	65g
Carbohydrates per Serving	57g
Fat per Serving	78g
Sodium per Serving	675mg

Making the Signature Gravy

Take your Barbecue Chicken Fried Steak to the next level with a creamy chicken gravy. The secret to a perfect creamy white gravy or country gravy is evaporated milk. It adds a rich, buttery flavor that’s different from regular milk-based gravies.

Season the gravy with garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of lemon juice. This will give it a bright, balanced taste. The evaporated milk makes the gravy richer and more flavorful.

If you’re frying your Barbecue Chicken Fried Steak, use the pan drippings. They make the gravy golden and add a savory layer of flavor.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	1615 kcal
Carbohydrates	60g
Protein	47g
Total Fat	132g
Saturated Fat	26g
Polyunsaturated Fat	64g
Monounsaturated Fat	34g
Trans Fat	1g
Cholesterol	211mg
Sodium	4374mg
Potassium	795mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g
Vitamin A	369IU
Vitamin C	11mg
Calcium	138mg
Iron	6mg

The Texas Restaurant Association says about 800,000 Chicken-Fried Steaks are eaten in Texas every day. This shows how beloved and important this dish is in Texas’s food scene.

Oven-Caramelization Process

To get the perfect crispy exterior on your Barbecue Chicken Fried Steak, focus on the oven-caramelization. Control the temperature and timing well. This way, you’ll get a golden-brown crust that keeps the meat juicy.

Temperature Control

Keep your oven at a steady 400°F (200°C) for the best caramelization. This heat makes the outside crispy and the inside tender and juicy.

Timing Guidelines

• Place the breaded steaks on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
• Flip the steaks and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, until they are a deep, golden-brown.

Watch the steaks closely to get the perfect crispy exterior. The high heat creates the signature crust while keeping the inside moist.

Attribute	Value
Servings	8
Prep Time	10 min
Cook Time	20 min
Calories	496 kcal
Carbs	13g
Protein	39g
Fat	31g
Sat. Fat	11g
Cholesterol	157mg
Sodium	580mg
Potassium	687mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	4g
Vitamin A	352 IU
Vitamin C	1mg
Calcium	124mg
Iron	3mg

Side Dish Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Looking for the perfect side dish for your barbecue chicken fried steak? Classic choices like mashed potatoes, green beans, and Texas toast are always a winner. But why not try something new?

For a different take on mashed potatoes, try sweet potatoes or cheesy garlic mashed potatoes. For veggies, steam broccoli, sauté collard greens, or grill asparagus.

Remember, serving the chicken fried steak with its rich gravy is key. It adds a comforting touch that elevates the dish.

Side Dish Ideas:

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Cheesy garlic mashed potatoes
• Rustic potato cake
• Steamed broccoli
• Sautéed collard greens
• Grilled asparagus

Side Dish	Hands-On Time	Rating
Red Skin Mashed Potatoes	10 minutes	5 out of 89 votes
Cheddar Chive Muffins	15 minutes	5 out of 47 votes
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots	20 minutes	5 out of 170 votes
Lemon Garlic Green Beans	10 minutes	N/A

With so many tasty side dishes to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect match for your barbecue chicken fried steak. Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors and textures to make your meal unforgettable.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Enjoying your homemade barbecue chicken fried steak leftovers is easy with the right storage and reheating. Here are some simple tips to keep your chicken fried steak delicious:

Put the leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To avoid soggy breading, don’t use the microwave. Instead, use the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.

1. Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F to 375°F. Place the leftover chicken fried steak on a baking sheet. Reheat for 20-30 minutes, or until it’s 165°F inside.
2. Air Fryer Reheating: Set your air fryer to 350°F. Reheat the chicken fried steak for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until it’s hot.

For the best results, let the chicken fried steak come to room temperature before reheating. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes. This ensures it heats evenly.

Remember to reheat the gravy separately. Add a bit of milk if it’s too thick. Serve the reheated chicken fried steak with the warm gravy. Enjoy the flavors all over again!

Conclusion

This barbecue chicken fried steak recipe is a tasty twist on a Southern favorite. It combines traditional cooking with the bold tastes of barbecue and the ease of oven-baking. This makes it a healthier yet just as satisfying dish.

The dish has German and Austrian roots in Texas from the 19th century. The term “chicken-fried steak” was first used in the early 1950s. Now, it’s a key part of Texan food culture, celebrated on Chicken Fried Steak Day, October 26.

If you love Southern food or want to try something new, this recipe is perfect. It offers rich flavors and comforting textures. Share it with your family for a memorable meal.

FAQ

What is the unique twist on traditional chicken fried steak in this recipe?

This recipe adds a BBQ twist to the classic Southern dish. It gives a new, tasty flavor to the traditional chicken fried steak.

How does the oven-baked method differ from deep-frying?

Baking in the oven is healthier than deep-frying. It makes the outside crispy and the inside juicy. You still get all the great flavors and textures.

What are the key ingredients and essential equipment needed for this recipe?

You’ll need cube steak, flour, seasoned bread crumbs, egg whites, milk, and chicken gravy. You’ll also need a baking sheet, mixing bowls, and an oven.

What are the best cuts of meat to use for chicken fried steak?

Use cube steak, top round, top sirloin, or eye of round. If you’re not using pre-tenderized cube steak, tenderize it with a mallet.

How do you achieve the perfect crispy coating on the chicken fried steak?

For a crispy crust, use a double-dipping technique. First, flour, then an egg mixture, and finally flour again. Letting the steaks rest in the fridge for 20 minutes helps the coating stick well.

How do you infuse barbecue flavors into the breading?

Add barbecue seasoning to the flour for breading. This will give the breading a BBQ flavor.

What is the secret ingredient for the creamy, rich gravy?

Evaporated milk is the secret for a creamy, rich gravy. It tastes better than regular milk or cream.

What is the recommended oven temperature and cooking time for the oven-caramelized chicken fried steak?

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the steaks for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for 5-10 more minutes. This will make the breading crispy and the meat cooked through.

What are some recommended side dish pairings for the barbecue chicken fried steak?

Try mashed potatoes, green beans, and Texas toast. You can also enjoy mashed sweet potatoes, cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, or a rustic potato cake. Pair it with steamed broccoli, collard greens, or grilled asparagus for a different taste.

How should you store and reheat leftover chicken fried steak?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep the breading crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent the breading from getting soggy.