Difference Between Chicken Fried Steak And Chicken Fried Chicken
When it comes to Southern-style comfort food, two dishes that often get confused with each other are chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken. These two dishes may have similar names, but they are quite different in terms of preparation, taste, and texture.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that consists of a thin cut of beef that is breaded and fried, similar to how you would prepare fried chicken. The steak is typically pounded thin to tenderize it before being dipped in an egg wash and coated in a seasoned flour mixture. It is then fried until crispy and golden brown.
Chicken fried steak is usually served smothered in a rich white gravy made from pan drippings, milk, and flour. The gravy is often served over the steak and mashed potatoes, making it a hearty and filling meal.
What is Chicken Fried Chicken?
Chicken fried chicken, on the other hand, is a variation of fried chicken that is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The chicken is pounded thin to tenderize it, similar to chicken fried steak, but is then breaded and fried in the same way as traditional fried chicken.
Chicken fried chicken is often served with a creamy gravy, similar to the gravy served with chicken fried steak. However, it can also be served with a variety of other sauces, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
Differences in Preparation
While chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken share some similarities in preparation, there are also some key differences. For one, chicken fried steak is typically made with a cut of beef that is pounded thin, while chicken fried chicken is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are also pounded thin.
Additionally, the breading for chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken can be slightly different. Chicken fried steak is often coated in a seasoned flour mixture, while chicken fried chicken may be coated in a mixture of flour and cornmeal for added texture.
Differences in Taste and Texture
While both chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken are fried, they have slightly different tastes and textures. Chicken fried steak has a more beefy flavor and tends to be more tender than chicken fried chicken. The breading on chicken fried steak is also typically thicker and crispier than the breading on chicken fried chicken.
Chicken fried chicken, on the other hand, has a milder flavor and a slightly chewier texture than chicken fried steak. The breading on chicken fried chicken is often lighter and more delicate than the breading on chicken fried steak.
Conclusion
While chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken may seem similar on the surface, they are actually quite different in terms of preparation, taste, and texture. Whether you prefer the beefy flavor and crispy breading of chicken fried steak or the milder flavor and delicate breading of chicken fried chicken, both dishes are sure to please anyone looking for a hearty and satisfying Southern-style meal.