Warm, crisp and served with a thick gravy -- chicken fried steak definitely holds the key to every food lover's heart. The dish differs from fried chicken in a few crucial ways, but is arguably the next best thing.

Although it is well-loved all over America, chicken fried steak is connected to Kentucky, where it was believed to have originated. When cooked to perfection, the dish becomes the comfort food for those inhabiting the vicinity of the Kentucky border and beyond.

It is also said chicken fried steak was actually brought to American land by Italian immigrants during the 1860s. However, the history behind its true origin is shrouded in doubt. Largely considered a southern meal, and served in many establishments all across the nation, chicken fried steak has gained distinguished popularity and got a day marked in its honor. Every year, Oct. 26 is officially celebrated as the chicken fried steak day to pay the dish its due respect.

Craving a chicken fried steak? Try the recipe given below for restaurant-like tender steak at home: (Courtesy: All Recipes)

  • Pound the steaks into 1/4 inches of thickness. Take a shallow bowl and place 2 cups of flour. Stir in the dry ingredients -- baking powder, baking soda, pepper and salt in a separate shallow bowl. Add buttermilk, egg, Tabasco Sauce and garlic.
  • Dredge each steak first in the flour, then in the batter, and again in the flour. Pat the flour onto the surface of each steak to make sure they are well coated.
  • Deep fry the steaks 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) until golden brown. Strain the oil and let the excess oil soak by placing the steaks on a paper towel. Preserve the oil by getting rid of solids and remnants with the help of a strainer.
  • Heat a skillet in medium heat and then add the preserved oil. Wait for the oil to heat and whisk the remaining flour into the oil. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula just so that the solids combine into the gravy. Stir in the milk while keeping the heat medium and cook until thick. It will take six-seven minutes to prepare the gravy. Add kosher salt and pepper and spread the gravy over the steak before serving.
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Chicken fried steak Pixabay