Chicken fried steak is an American classic – Southern comfort food that is crispy, tender, and absolutely delicious. It is a classic Southern dish loved by many. It’s crispy texture and savory flavor make it a favorite for any occasion.
While the main dish itself is always a crowd-pleaser, the sides you choose to serve with it can make or break the meal.
The right sides can balance the flavors and textures of the dish, while the wrong ones can leave your diners feeling unsatisfied. So, what to serve with chicken fried steak?
As an experienced cook, I’ve tasted and tested dozens of side dishes to find the perfect ones to serve with chicken fried steak. These sides are sure to make your taste buds dance with delight!
What is chicken fried steak? What does chicken fried steak taste like?
Chicken fried steak is an ideal classic American dish made by coating a cut of beef in flour, eggs and breadcrumbs, then frying it like chicken.
It tastes savory and crunchy on the outside, with succulent meat inside. The flavor is enhanced with a creamy gravy poured over the top.
Many people serve chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes or collard greens as side dishes to complement its comforting flavor.
12 Best Sides to serve with chicken fried steak
1. Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing better than creamy potatoes to complement the crispy texture of the chicken fried steak.
Mashed potatoes are a classic and easy-to-prepare side dish that everyone loves. Top them with gravy, and they’re irresistible!
2. Cornbread
Cornbread is a fantastic choice as it adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
It’s perfect for sopping up the leftover gravy on your plate. You can also make your cornbread sweeter or spicier, depending on your preference.
Discover More: Delicious Recipes to Serve with French Bread
3. Green Beans
Green beans are a healthy and delicious way to add a vegetable to your meal.
They are easy to cook, full of nutrients, and pair perfectly with chicken fried steak.
4. Fried Okra
Fried okra is another Southern classic that is perfect with chicken fried steak.
Its crispy exterior and soft inside provides a nice contrast to the steak’s texture.
5. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is another classic that pairs well with chicken fried steak. It’s a kid-friendly option that adults love too.
6. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a tasty and creamy side that’s perfect for unifying the entire meal. It’s a great way to add a touch of sweetness to the meal.
7. Biscuits
Biscuits are a must-have for any Southern meal. The soft texture pairs nicely with the crispy steak. You can also use them to make mini sandwiches topped with the leftover steak.
Explore More: What to Serve with Biscuits|Creative Pairings You Need to Try
8. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables is a perfectly easy and nutritious way to enjoy some veggies with your meal. Bake them in the cookstove with some olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a super tasty side.
9. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy addition to any meal. Its tanginess is a great contrast to the hearty chicken fried steak.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a twist on a classic French fry that is both tasty and healthy. Pair them with some spicy ketchup for an extra kick.
11. Corn on the Cob
A summertime staple, corn on the cob is an ideal side dish to serve with chicken fried steak. It’s sweet and juicy, providing a nice contrast to the crispy texture of the steak.
Find Out More: Best Side Dishes to Serve with Corn on the Cob
12. French Fries
If you’re looking for a more casual side dish, French fries are always a crowd-pleaser.
They’re crispy and salty and go well with just about anything, including chicken fried steak.
What type of gravy goes with chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern comfort food that is often served with a creamy, flavorful gravy to finish.
Here are five types of delicious gravies that pair perfectly with this savory dish:
1. Peppered Milk Gravy
Peppered Milk Gravy is a Southern staple that features milk, butter, and flour simmered together with cracked black pepper for an extra punch of flavor.
A pinch of sugar also helps to balance out the saltiness.
2. Cream Gravy
Often referred to as cream gravy, this type of sauce combines cream and roux (a combination of butter and flour) until smooth and creamy.
It’s often flavored with diced onions or bacon bits for added depth.
3. White Wine Gravy
If you’re looking to add a bit of sophistication to your chicken fried steak, try white wine gravy! (Recipe)
It’s made by combining white wine with roux and seasonings like garlic powder and thyme. Add in sautéed mushrooms for a gourmet twist on the classic gravy.
4. Mushrooms & Onion Gravy
Mushrooms & Onion is a hearty gravy that is perfect for cold nights when you need something warm and comforting.
Made up of flavorful sautéed mushrooms, onions, flour, seasonings, and beef broth, it brings the classic flavors of chicken fried steak up a notch or two!
5. Country Sausage Gravy
For those who like their gravies on the heartier side, country sausage gravy fits the bill perfectly!
Start by cooking breakfast sausage until it is nice and crumbly, then mix in some flour, milk, salt and pepper until it forms a thick blend that coats the back of a spoon well—just like traditional Southern-style gravy should!
What sauce goes with chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is a classic and beloved dish, and the perfect accompaniment to it can really make the meal complete.
Here are five of the best sauces for chicken fried steak:
1. Creamy Peppercorn Sauce
Creamy Peppercorn Sauce is a velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with chicken fried steak due to its whipped texture and a subtle hint of spice.
The combination of butter, cream, and freshly ground peppercorns creates a rich flavor that makes this sauce stand out from other options.
2. Country Gravy
Country gravy is a classic topping for chicken fried steak. It has a smooth texture and mild flavor that complements the crunchy batter on the chicken fried steak wonderfully.
This gravy is typically made with sausage drippings or bacon grease, which gives it an added depth of savoriness.
3. Mustard Sauce
If you’re looking for something tangy to top off your chicken fried steak, mustard sauce is an excellent choice.
You can make this sauce quickly by combining Dijon mustard with butter and some herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. It provides just enough zing without overpowering the flavors of the steak itself.
4. Mushroom Gravy
Mushroom gravy is another popular accompaniment for chicken fried steak that adds an earthy flavor to the dish.
It’s usually made with mushrooms, shallots, garlic, butter, and cream, which all come together to create a unique savory taste that enhances the overall flavor of the meal significantly.
5. Béarnaise Sauce
Last but not least, béarnaise sauce makes a delicious addition to any plate featuring chicken fried steak!
This traditional French sauce combines egg yolks, clarified butter, white wine vinegar, tarragon leaves, chervil leaves and fresh lemon juice into one heavenly concoction that adds an unparalleled level of richness to your meal.
What are the best flavors to go with chicken fried steak?
Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern favorite, and its flavor pairs perfectly with complementary sides.
A few of the best flavors to serve alongside chicken fried steak include savory mashed potatoes, buttery buttermilk biscuits, crispy fried okra, sweet cornbread, tangy coleslaw and creamy gravy.
To really up the flavor ante, consider adding garden-fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the mashed potatoes or buttermilk biscuit dough.
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with a Southern-style macaroni and cheese that includes bacon or ham for added smokiness.
Finally, don’t forget about the condiments – a dollop of homemade garlic mayo or Sriracha on the side adds a delicious kick to this hearty dish.
Learn More: 14 Quick and Amazing Side Dishes to Serve with Salisbury Steak
How do you jazz up chicken fried steak?
To jazz up chicken fried steak, you can try including a variety of herbs and spices in the coating or marinade. For example, adding chili powder and garlic powder to the coating gives it a little extra flavor.
You can also add chopped fresh parsley or other herbs into the coating for an extra herby kick.
Another way to make this classic dish more exciting is by serving it with flavorful sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese or even coleslaw.
Lastly, don’t forget about sauces! A dairy-free gravy or spicy tomato sauce makes a great accompaniment to chicken fried steak.
How do you display chicken fried steak on a platter?
Chicken fried steak is best served on a platter to showcase the golden-brown crust and juicy interior.
To create a memorable presentation, start by lining the platter with crisp lettuce or other fresh greens.
Arrange the steaks in an overlapping pattern, beginning from one end of the platter and working your way around in a clockwise fashion.
If desired, place thin slices of lemon on top of each steak for a bright citrus pop.
Finally, complete the look by garnishing with sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or tarragon for an elegant finish.
Wrap Up on what to serve with chicken fried steak.
In conclusion, choosing the right-side dishes to serve with chicken fried steak can be a challenge, but with these dishes, you can’t go wrong.
These amazing side dishes are sure to add flavor and variety to your chicken fried steak meal. They are all easy to prepare and customizable to your liking.
Next time you serve up this comfort food favorite, try out some of these great sides to complete the meal. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
How much chicken fried steak per person?
The amount of chicken fried steak per person depends on many factors, such as the size of the piece of chicken, the appetite of the individual, and how much is being served in total.
Generally speaking, a serving size for one person is 6-8 ounces of chicken fried steak.
If you’re serving a large group, it’s best to calculate about 3/4 pounds per person.
When preparing chicken fried steak, be sure to season lightly with salt and pepper prior to cooking so that each piece has plenty of flavor.
Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying so that each piece gets enough time to cook evenly.
Lastly, serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese to make the meal complete!
What kind of wine pair with chicken fried steak?
A great wine to pairwith chicken fried steak is a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.
The intense tannins and deep fruit flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon will complement the salty, crunchy texture of the steak.
You could also opt for a bold Merlot, which adds notes of dark cherry and licorice that go well with the savory flavor of fried chicken.
If you’d like to try something unique, try a Malbec or Zinfandel – these robust reds offer robust flavors of blackberry and clove that pair nicely with the crunchy coating on your steak.
What dessert goes with chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is a classic southern comfort food dish that pairs perfectly with sweet desserts like peach cobbler, pecan pie, or banana pudding.
All of these options have a unique sweetness that compliments the savory flavors of the chicken fried steak.
Peach cobbler can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness, while pecan pie adds crunchy nuttiness to the meal.
Banana pudding is another popular dessert choice that contrasts nicely with the heartiness of chicken fried steak.
What goes with country-fried steak and gravy?
Country-fried steak and gravy is a classic Southern dish, and it’s often served with sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, cornbread, and biscuits.
When it comes to drinks, iced tea or lemonade are the perfect accompaniments for this savory meal.
With a crunchy coating of seasoned flour and rich gravy over top of tender cutlets of meat, country-fried steak and gravy are sure to please any palate.
