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The Difference Between Chicken Fried Steak and Country Fried Steak

What's the difference? It's quite simple. In the South we call it chicken fried steak, meaning steak that is breaded and fried like chicken. Outside of the South, in the cities, and for some reason in many restaurants, it's called country fried steak, as if only people in the country would fry stuff.

I prefer people use chicken fried steak, as country fried steak doesn't really make sense, but whatever. It's a classic Southern food and it's quite delicious. If you haven't tried it I would highly recommend it. However, stay away from the pre-made crap that you buy in the store and just heat up. It needs to be prepared by hand.

Traditionally, home-made mash potatoes and white gravy is served with chicken friend steak as the gravy is used on both the steak and the potatoes. That's usually it though some would add a side of a corn, green beans, or a roll. It's delicious.

by Anonymousreply 88November 16, 2020 1:14 AM

My favorite comfort meal. Unfortunately, too few restaurants make it from scratch. Most use pre-frozen crap and powdered gravy.

BTW, it's basically weinerschnitzel. The German immigrants in TX had to improvise.

by Anonymousreply 1February 1, 2015 5:49 PM

When I moved from the north to the south, one of my greatest discoveries was Chicken-fried Chicken.

Trying to explain what it was to my friends back north was... hilarious.

"Dude... it's chicken fried steak that's made with chicken! It's chicken that's fried like chicken-fried-steak! IT'S NOT REDUNDANT!"

by Anonymousreply 2February 1, 2015 5:49 PM

I always wondered about this. It's one of my all-time favorite dishes, but you're right that the name seems to vary (although I don't think it's necessarily a regional thing.)

My assumption is that if you call it "chicken-fried" either (1) people are confused and think they're getting chicken, or (2) there are local regulations that require something with the word "chicken" in it to contain chicken.

by Anonymousreply 3February 1, 2015 5:59 PM

R2, LOL...I forgot about that! Yeah, it's chicken that's battered and fried like chicken fried steak.

And what people in the North call "country fried chicken" is actually just fried chicken. LOL

by Anonymousreply 4February 1, 2015 5:59 PM

[quote]And what people in the North call "country fried chicken" is actually just fried chicken. LOL

But when they try to replicate it and fail miserably, they should call it "city fried chicken."

And where can you get decent barbecue in New York anyway?

by Anonymousreply 5February 1, 2015 6:12 PM

Fried Chicken has bones in it.

Chicken Fried Chicken is chicken breasts, pounded flat, breaded, and fried in a similar way to fried chicken.

AND IT'S AWESOME.

by Anonymousreply 6February 1, 2015 6:28 PM

What it really is is the leftovers from Mrs. Paul's that no longer taste like fish.

by Anonymousreply 7February 1, 2015 6:30 PM

R6 the sounds delicious, I've never seen it here in California. I'm sure it exists somewhere here, I've just never seen or had it.

by Anonymousreply 8February 1, 2015 6:39 PM

R6, The name "Chicken Fried Chicken" means chicken that is made and fried like chicken fried steak. Trust me, I'm from the South.

by Anonymousreply 9February 1, 2015 6:41 PM

There was a chain back in the '70s and '80s that featured Chicken-Fried Chicken. And I'm sure I've seen it on menus elsewhere--maybe Cheesecake Factory?

by Anonymousreply 10February 1, 2015 6:51 PM

In Texas, at least, the difference is the gravy.

Chicken Fried Steak is served with white cream gravy.

Country Fried Steak is served with brown gravy.

Chicken Fried is by far more popular here. It's hard to find Country Fried.

by Anonymousreply 11February 1, 2015 6:55 PM

R8 if you find a place that does serve it remember NO BROWN GRAVY. It must be cream and preferably made in the pan with the meat drippings and scrapings with lots of pepper.

by Anonymousreply 12February 1, 2015 6:56 PM

Not true R11. I have white cream gravy on chicken fried steak. I would never think of putting brown gravy on it and where I'm at it's considered sacrilege.

by Anonymousreply 13February 1, 2015 6:59 PM

One of my favorite comfort foods and no one does it better than the "terrible South."

I'm a fairly good cook and can't replicate Southern restaurants- I'm going to try chicken fried chicken, yum.

by Anonymousreply 14February 1, 2015 7:01 PM

R11, I've never had or seen brown gravy on chicken fried steak (or country fried steak, whatever you call it). It's always white gravy.

by Anonymousreply 15February 1, 2015 7:02 PM

R13 That's what R11 was saying. Your reading comprehension skills are lacking.

by Anonymousreply 16February 1, 2015 7:03 PM

Cracker Barrel has Country-Fried Steak and Chicken-Fried Chicken. Both are served with "Sawmill Gravy," which is, I think, a cream gravy with sausage.

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by Anonymousreply 17February 1, 2015 7:04 PM

"Sawmill gravy" is a terrible name for a food item, makes it sound like there will be sawdust in it. Which knowing Cracker Barrel ...

by Anonymousreply 18February 1, 2015 7:06 PM

Please stop eating at Cracker Barrel. They fire workers for being gay.

by Anonymousreply 19February 1, 2015 7:09 PM

I know, R9, that's why I said exactly that in R2.

by Anonymousreply 20February 1, 2015 7:09 PM

I don't think the Cracker Barrel anti-gay thing still exists.

by Anonymousreply 21February 1, 2015 7:12 PM

R21 The anti-gay policy at Cracker Barrel still exists.

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by Anonymousreply 22February 1, 2015 7:14 PM

Cracker Barrel, like several other chains, has never expanded to California.

by Anonymousreply 23February 1, 2015 7:15 PM

Cracker Barrel tried to do right, but then reversed itself.

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by Anonymousreply 24February 1, 2015 7:15 PM

R22 From your link:

[quote]In 1991, 11 employees were fired for not displaying "normal heterosexual values," as was prescribed by an intra-company memo. Although founder Dan Evins later called this policy a "mistake," the attitude remains. Since 2008, Cracker Barrel has jumped from 15 to 35 on the HRC scale, but that’s not much. It also has yet to include same-sex couples in its benefits coverage and doesn’t have a non-discrimination policy that protects "gender identity and/or expression," according to HRC.

I'm not defending them, but I don't think it's fair to say they still fire people for being gay when it hasn't happened in over two decades, and since they've apparently improved their policies in recent years.

by Anonymousreply 25February 1, 2015 7:19 PM

It's just a "cutlet."

by Anonymousreply 26February 2, 2015 10:37 PM

I really, really want some chicken-fried-chicken now.

by Anonymousreply 27February 7, 2015 5:14 AM

Chicken Fried Steak

Serves 4.

Note: From “Recipe Revival: Southern Classics Reinvented for Modern Cooks,” by the editors of Southern Living magazine.

• 1/4 c. plus 3 tbsp. flour, divided

• Salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 4 (4-oz.) cubed beef steaks

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. milk, divided

• 1 c. saltine cracker crumbs

• 2 c. vegetable oil

• 1 1/2 c. chicken broth

• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

• Dash of hot sauce

Directions

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle both sides of steaks with flour mixture.

In a shallow dish, combine egg and 2 tablespoons milk. Place cracker crumbs on a plate. Dip steaks in egg mixture, then dredge in cracker crumbs.

Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook steaks until browned, about 2 minutes on each side. Cover, reduce heat and simmer, turning occasionally, until tender, about 15 minutes. Remove steaks and drain on paper towels, reserving 3 tablespoons drippings in the skillet. Keep steaks warm.

Over medium heat, whisk remaining 3 tablespoons flour into hot drippings until smooth. Cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually add broth and remaining 1/2 cup milk, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking constantly, until gravy is thickened and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (and taste for additional salt and pepper). Serve gravy with steaks.

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by Anonymousreply 28May 2, 2020 9:59 AM

chicken fried has flour...you fry...white gravy from flour

country fried has no flour...gravy au jus

by Anonymousreply 29May 2, 2020 10:10 AM

In the five years that have elapsed since r23's post, Cracker Barrel expanded into California.

by Anonymousreply 30May 2, 2020 10:49 AM

So why is THIS thread from 2015 being resuscitated?

I'm a fat fuck, so I'll bite.

Like the Texan poster says, it's the gravy. White gravy for chicken fried steak, brown for country. Both are fucking delicious, if unhealthy.

Not being from CFS country, I don't find brown gravy on my steak to be sacrilegious.

by Anonymousreply 31May 2, 2020 11:12 AM

So why is THIS thread from 2015 being resuscitated?

I'm a fat fuck, so I'll bite.

Like the Texan poster says, it's the gravy. White gravy for chicken fried steak, brown for country. Both are fucking delicious, if unhealthy.

Not being from CFS country, I don't find brown gravy on my steak to be sacrilegious.

by Anonymousreply 32May 2, 2020 11:12 AM

Sigh... My posting thumb is getting fatter

by Anonymousreply 33May 2, 2020 11:13 AM

R1 is correct. Being from TX, the first time I had schnitzel I thought "this is a lot like chicken fried steak."

by Anonymousreply 34May 2, 2020 11:15 AM

I still remember the chicken fried steak I had at a restaurant on the beach in Gulfport, MS in the '80s. It was and remains the paradigm. No chicken fried steak I've tucked into since compares. The place was called Pattafanny's.

by Anonymousreply 35May 2, 2020 11:22 AM

Yes, I’ll concur with you, r35.

I remember Gulfport back then, I was driving through on assignment.

Stopped and had real regional food. Normally not my favorite, but this chicken fried catastrophe was sooo good. Now I want some, and I’m in Connecticut. Damn.

by Anonymousreply 36May 2, 2020 11:31 AM

No colored greens or sweet potatoes, OP. Racist.

by Anonymousreply 37May 2, 2020 11:51 AM

If a thread is over 5 years old with an average of one reply every two months, for a whopping reply total of 37 in 62 months, maybe it's time to let it go.

Or start a new thread. Don't be afraid of the bitter scold who screams "OP, did you even bother to do a search". I'll protect you from her. She's a cunt.

by Anonymousreply 38May 2, 2020 12:03 PM

Bump Bitch is Muriel.

by Anonymousreply 39May 2, 2020 12:10 PM

Keep it up and I swear I will bump a Dyatlov Pass thread from the late 90s.

by Anonymousreply 40May 2, 2020 12:13 PM

We’re too obsessed with Coronavirus to start interesting threads, so Muriel is recycling.

by Anonymousreply 41May 2, 2020 12:23 PM

Well, if it's Muriel bumping, fine. It's her fucking site.

by Anonymousreply 42May 2, 2020 1:00 PM

I want lunch today to be a big ol’ chicken fried steak with white cream gravy, pole beans, yellow squash casserole, and jalapeño cornbread. Iced tea. Strawberry shortcake with whipped cream for dessert.

by Anonymousreply 43May 2, 2020 7:34 PM

R43 types fat.

by Anonymousreply 44May 2, 2020 9:01 PM

Here's a vid where Ree Drummond (dba "Pie Near Woman") shows us how she makes CFS for her cowboys.

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by Anonymousreply 45May 2, 2020 11:22 PM

what about squirrel and squirrel gravy ? That's a white gravy too. Popular in the South?

by Anonymousreply 46May 3, 2020 1:06 AM

Is Muriel real?

by Anonymousreply 47May 3, 2020 1:52 AM

Cowboy Ken Rollins' rendition beat Bobby Flay's in a cook-off

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by Anonymousreply 48May 3, 2020 6:14 PM

The new issue of Cook's Country magazine (June/July) has a recipe for Country-Fried Steak. They coat the meat (cube steak) with water, salt and baking soda first. Then flour, a buttermilk-egg mixture, and finally saltines mixed with cornstarch, pepper, baking powder, oregano, granulated garlic, flour, and salt. They refrigerate them for 1-2 hours before cooking.

by Anonymousreply 49May 5, 2020 6:04 PM

[quote] Outside of the South, in the cities, and for some reason in many restaurants, it's called country fried steak, as if only people in the country would [bold]bread and fry steak, which is true.[/bold]

FIFY

by Anonymousreply 50May 5, 2020 6:08 PM

Chicken fried steak is a steak fried by a chicken. And country fried steak is a steak fried by an entire nation.

by Anonymousreply 51May 5, 2020 6:09 PM

r51 Triggered.

by Anonymousreply 52May 5, 2020 6:10 PM

[quote] No colored greens

Oh, [italic]dear. [/italic]

by Anonymousreply 53May 5, 2020 6:10 PM

Colored greens is something Archie Bunker HAS to have said.

by Anonymousreply 54May 5, 2020 6:12 PM

I have to admit I ate lots of it at Cracker Barrel back in the day and loved it. So good and sooo heavy. You will need to nap afterwards.

by Anonymousreply 55May 5, 2020 6:17 PM

Apparently myriad people were offended when I wrote in the Texas thread that I thought Chicken fried steak was gross and the “gravy” was even more gross and everybody got offended.

Eh, I stand by my assessment 🤷🏻‍♀️

For the record I think biscuits and gravy is gross as well. 😬😬

by Anonymousreply 56May 5, 2020 6:23 PM

R25, once a corporation makes the HRC shit-list, the only way off is through a substantial monetary contribution to the HRC. The SPLC works the same way.

by Anonymousreply 57May 5, 2020 6:42 PM

[quote]Colored greens is something Archie Bunker HAS to have said.

I believe the correct term is "beans of color."

by Anonymousreply 58May 5, 2020 6:49 PM

Greens of color? Either way - FAIL!

by Anonymousreply 59May 5, 2020 6:52 PM

Either way, it’s mystery meat.

by Anonymousreply 60May 5, 2020 7:02 PM

Exactly, R60!!!!

Is it ground beef or a tough piece of beef? What cut is it!?

🤨🧐😱

by Anonymousreply 61May 5, 2020 10:31 PM

[quote]Well, if it's Muriel bumping, fine. It's her fucking site.

Well then, she needs to bump the classics and not this dribble.

by Anonymousreply 62May 5, 2020 10:45 PM

r56 I'm reminded of that great philosopher, Whoopi Goldberg, in the film "Ghost."

"You in danger, gurl."

by Anonymousreply 63May 5, 2020 10:49 PM

r61, see r49. It's cube steak, which is usually a tenderized piece of round steak. You can also use it for Swiss Steak.

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by Anonymousreply 64May 5, 2020 11:47 PM

To me they are different. Chicken Fried Steak is prepared like fried chicken, dipped in buttermilk or egg and then dredged in a flour mixture or batter, and fried. It is served with white gravy. Country Fried Steak is just salt and peppered, dredged in flour, and fried. It is served with a brown gravy with lots of onions and maybe peppers.

by Anonymousreply 65May 5, 2020 11:59 PM

I love both versions, with or without either gravy. I'm easy that way. I've made this before with bread crumbs, but need to try with saltines or matzoh. I fried in schmaltz, and made a chicken gravy, no milk or cream. Skipping the gravy, (I know, perish the thought) and using only for the mash is great, then a squeeze of lemon atop the steak is delicious.

I don't know why I haven't made this again really, as I frequently order it out. Cheers OP, and the bumper.

by Anonymousreply 66May 6, 2020 12:14 AM

Cubed steak used to be a lot more common.

by Anonymousreply 67May 6, 2020 12:30 AM

R67 Cubed steak is what I always use when I make either one.

by Anonymousreply 68May 6, 2020 1:19 AM

So the white gravy - is it a bechamel?

by Anonymousreply 69May 6, 2020 4:28 PM

R69 Technically,closer to a tighter velouté, without the egg yolk, as it contains broth and dairy. Béchamel is just milk or other dairy.

by Anonymousreply 70May 6, 2020 4:37 PM

You can make your own sort-of cube steak with one of these.

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by Anonymousreply 71May 6, 2020 7:29 PM

r71 It's easier to just stomp on a few round steaks wearing golf shoes. The exercise would be very beneficial.

by Anonymousreply 72May 6, 2020 8:13 PM

Shit and Shinola.

by Anonymousreply 73May 6, 2020 9:12 PM

[quote]Stopped and had real regional food. Normally not my favorite, but this chicken fried catastrophe was sooo good. Now I want some, and I’m in Connecticut.

Come on over, I'll make you some.

by Anonymousreply 74May 7, 2020 11:25 PM

Gravy question: Is the gravy you would get with biscuits the same as what would go on a chicken fried streak?

by Anonymousreply 75May 7, 2020 11:57 PM

Biscuits and gravy is usually made with sausage gravy. The white gravy that goes with CFS is made in the pan with the drippings after you fry the meat (at least that's how I make it). But they're both cream gravies.

Arkansas is the only place I've ever heard of where they eat "chocolate gravy," btw.

by Anonymousreply 76May 8, 2020 12:02 AM

R76 We never have "Chocolate Gravy," in South Carolina, but it is how we make the icing for a twelve to fifteen layer cake.

by Anonymousreply 77May 8, 2020 12:05 AM

ohhhh....that hersey's cocoa icing/frosting...mmmmm

by Anonymousreply 78May 8, 2020 3:25 AM

Is the gravy made with sausage?

by Anonymousreply 79November 15, 2020 3:38 AM

It can be, R79, but it doesn't have to be.

Here's a discussion of some trial and error on Chicken Fried Steak on "Serious Eats" which is pretty good. It covers a lot of the basics and has some great tips but neglects one thing - the seasoned buttermilk soak.

Whatever else you do, soak the pounded thin/tenderized beef in seasoned buttermilk overnight or for as long as you can. Making really good Chicken Fried Steak is a big pain in the ass and a project and that's why I hardly ever do it. It's just so delicious when I do take the time.

One other thing is the "drying/setting period" that happens after flouring, dipping and crumbing. Put them on a rack in the fridge to set/dry a bit. You get a better crust. That goes for most things breaded and fried like this.

by Anonymousreply 80November 15, 2020 4:18 AM

Sorry - forgot serious eats link

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by Anonymousreply 81November 15, 2020 4:18 AM

Yummers!

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by Anonymousreply 82November 15, 2020 4:18 AM

Nasty, r82

by Anonymousreply 83November 15, 2020 4:19 AM

R28 Why didn't you just start a new thread instead of bumping this five year old thread?

by Anonymousreply 84November 15, 2020 5:07 AM

I don’t like my main dish concealed in a heavy sauce.

by Anonymousreply 85November 15, 2020 7:28 AM

Doesn't "chicken fried chicken" equal actually "chicken cutlets"?

by Anonymousreply 86November 15, 2020 7:50 AM

I don’t have anything to contribute to this thread but I just saw a Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving commercial saying “Country Fried Turkey is back” so I guess my question is, can any kind of meat be “country fried” or “chicken fried,” what about fish?

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by Anonymousreply 87November 15, 2020 5:09 PM

My mother use to make something called City Chicken but it had no chicken, she make it with cubed beef.

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by Anonymousreply 88November 16, 2020 1:14 AM
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