Summer Chicken Fried Steak is the kind of dish that makes you want to throw on your favorite apron and dance around the kitchen. Picture perfectly breaded, golden brown steaks, crisp on the outside yet tender inside, all smothered in a creamy, dreamy gravy that pulls you in for another bite. The smell wafting through the air is enough to make anyone weak in the knees, and let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to dive into this plate of pure comfort?

This recipe doesn’t just taste incredible; it brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter fills the room and the food steals the show. Whether it’s a sunny Sunday brunch or a cozy evening dinner, Summer Chicken Fried Steak is perfect for any occasion. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Summer Chicken Fried Steak offers an easy preparation process that even novice cooks can master
- The flavor profile combines savory and creamy elements that create a mouthwatering experience
- Visually, the golden crust and rich gravy make it irresistible on any table setting
- It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts with friends
There’s nothing quite like watching my family’s eyes light up when I serve them this dish—it’s pure joy wrapped in crispy chicken goodness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 chicken breasts, adjusting based on your crowd size.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for that golden breading; sift it to keep it light and airy.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch! They add an amazing texture that’s hard to resist.
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Eggs: Use large eggs for binding; they help create that perfect coating.
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Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a delightful tangy flavor.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning; don’t skip these!
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Cooking Oil: Use vegetable oil or canola oil for frying; they have high smoke points.
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Chicken Broth: For making the flavorful gravy; low-sodium options work best.
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Heavy Cream: Adds richness to your gravy; trust me—it’s worth it!
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Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These spices elevate your dish with aromatic flavors.
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Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish, adding a burst of color and freshness if desired.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a crispier coating when frying.
Create Buttermilk Mixture: In a bowl, combine buttermilk with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let your chicken soak in this flavorful bath for at least 30 minutes.
Breading Station Setup: Set up your workspace with three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Dredging Process: Take each chicken breast out of the buttermilk bath. First coat it in flour, then dip into eggs, and finally roll it in panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
Heat Up Your Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour enough oil to cover about half an inch of the bottom. Heat until shimmering but not smoking—about 350°F (175°C).
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place breaded chicken into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels afterward.
Make That Gravy!: In the same skillet after removing excess oil, add flour to create a roux while scraping up those delicious bits left behind. Slowly whisk in chicken broth followed by heavy cream until thickened.
Add salt and pepper as needed before serving over your fried steak!
Now you have not only prepared Summer Chicken Fried Steak but also created memories worth savoring at every meal! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Summer Chicken Fried Steak combines crispy coating with tender meat, making it an instant crowd-pleaser
- Serve it with a side of fresh greens for that summer vibe
- The delightful crunch and juicy flavor create the perfect harmony that your taste buds will thank you for
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning the meat well, then dredge it in flour before frying. This method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular flour for seasoned flour or even cornmeal for extra crunch. Adding spices like paprika can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place them in a hot oven to regain their crispiness without getting soggy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect golden crust, let the oil get hot enough before frying
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature, and always season your flour for maximum flavor impact
Making this dish always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone was eagerly waiting for seconds of that crispy goodness. Those moments are what cooking is all about.
FAQ
What kind of meat is best for Summer Chicken Fried Steak?
Use tender cuts like chicken breast or thighs for optimal juiciness and texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a delicious alternative.
What sides pair well with Summer Chicken Fried Steak?
Fresh salads, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw complement this dish beautifully and add balance.

Summer Chicken Fried Steak
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Summer Chicken Fried Steak. This dish features perfectly breaded chicken breasts, golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. Smothered in a rich, creamy gravy, each bite brings back memories of joyful family gatherings and sunny brunches. Easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to impress their guests. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry.
- Combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Soak chicken breasts in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken breast: coat in flour, dip in eggs, and roll in panko breadcrumbs.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Fry chicken breasts for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For the gravy, remove excess oil from the skillet; add flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth followed by heavy cream until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 80mg