Cooktop Cove: While My Spouse Loves This Dish, I'm Usually Rushed. This Recipe Is My Reliable Time-Saver!
By Morgan Reed
Chicken fried steak is a beloved comfort food with roots in Southern cuisine, often thought to be inspired by the German dish, schnitzel. This dish is perfect for those who crave a hearty, satisfying meal that combines the crispy texture of fried steak with the creamy richness of country gravy. Cooking it in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meat tender and juicy. It's a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia, making it a wonderful choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Chicken fried steak pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious country gravy. You might also consider serving it with green beans or a fresh garden salad to add some color and balance to the meal. For a true Southern experience, add a side of buttery biscuits or cornbread to complete the feast.
Slow Cooker Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 pieces of tenderized beef steak (cube steak)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
3. Dredge each piece of steak in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and coat again with the flour mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the steaks on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Place the browned steaks in the slow cooker.
6. In the same skillet, add beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Pour the broth over the steaks in the slow cooker.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the steaks are tender.
9. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together heavy cream, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
10. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
11. Serve the chicken fried steak over mashed potatoes, topped with the country gravy and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Variations & Tips
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You can also use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangier flavor in the batter. If you prefer a lighter gravy, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the steaks.
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