Baked Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved comfort food, known for its crispy, golden breading and rich, creamy gravy. However, the traditional frying method can make it a heavy dish. This recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative: **Baked Chicken Fried Steak with Mushroom Gravy.** By baking the steak instead of frying it, we significantly reduce the amount of oil used without sacrificing the satisfying crunch and flavor. The creamy mushroom gravy adds a touch of elegance and depth, making this a meal the whole family will enjoy.

## Why Bake Chicken Fried Steak?

While the deep-fried version is undeniably tasty, baking offers several advantages:

* **Healthier:** Baking uses significantly less oil, reducing the overall fat content and making it a lighter meal.
* **Easier Cleanup:** No need to deal with splattering oil and disposing of large amounts of used frying oil.
* **More Even Cooking:** Baking allows for more even heat distribution, ensuring the steak is cooked through without burning.
* **Less Mess:** Baking is generally less messy than frying, making the cooking process more enjoyable.

## Ingredients:

### For the Chicken Fried Steak:

* 1.5 lbs Beef Cube Steaks (about 4-6 steaks), about 1/2 inch thick
* 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
* 2 large Eggs, beaten
* 1/2 cup Milk
* 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil
* Cooking Spray

### For the Creamy Mushroom Gravy:

* 2 tablespoons Butter
* 8 oz Cremini Mushrooms, sliced
* 1 small Onion, chopped
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
* 3 cups Beef Broth
* 1/2 cup Milk or Half-and-Half
* 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (optional, for extra richness)
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
* Salt and Black Pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

## Equipment:

* Baking Sheet
* Shallow Dishes (for breading)
* Large Skillet
* Whisk
* Meat Tenderizer (optional)

## Instructions:

### Part 1: Preparing the Chicken Fried Steak

1. **Prepare the Beef:** If your cube steaks are very thick, you can use a meat tenderizer to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the breading to adhere properly.
2. **Set up the Breading Station:** Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
3. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
5. **Bread the Steaks:** Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
6. Dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, making sure it’s completely submerged.
7. Transfer the steak to the panko breadcrumbs and press firmly to coat both sides evenly. The panko breadcrumbs will give the steak a nice, crispy texture when baked.
8. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
9. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the steaks from sticking and make cleanup easier. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.
10. **Lightly Brown the Steaks (Optional but Recommended):** Heat the vegetable oil or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Briefly sear each breaded steak for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor and helps the breading crisp up nicely in the oven. If you skip this step, ensure the breading is evenly coated and the oven is hot enough.
11. **Bake the Steaks:** Arrange the seared steaks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. The steaks should be golden brown and crispy.

### Part 2: Making the Creamy Mushroom Gravy

1. **Sauté the Vegetables:** While the steaks are baking, melt the butter in the same skillet you used for searing (or a clean skillet) over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion and cook until the mushrooms are softened and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. **Make the Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom and onion mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the gravy. Make sure the flour is fully incorporated and there are no lumps.
4. **Add the Broth:** Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps of flour. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth.
5. **Simmer the Gravy:** Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Add Dairy and Seasonings:** Stir in the milk or half-and-half, heavy cream (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed to your liking.
7. **Simmer and Serve:** Continue to simmer the gravy for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The gravy should be creamy and flavorful.

### Part 3: Assembling and Serving

1. **Check the Steaks:** Once the steaks are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. **Serve:** Place the baked chicken fried steak on plates and generously ladle the creamy mushroom gravy over each steak.
3. **Garnish:** Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
4. **Sides:** Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, or a simple salad.

## Tips for Success:

* **Pound the Steaks:** Pounding the steaks to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and are tender. Don’t over-pound them, or they will become too thin and fall apart.
* **Dry the Steaks:** Patting the steaks dry with paper towels before breading is essential for the breading to adhere properly.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing the steaks (if using), don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook them in batches to ensure they brown evenly.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks are cooked to the correct internal temperature. This will prevent them from being overcooked or undercooked.
* **Adjust the Gravy Consistency:** If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth or milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh ingredients, especially mushrooms and herbs, will enhance the flavor of the gravy.
* **Don’t Burn the Roux:** When making the roux, be careful not to burn the flour. Burnt flour will give the gravy a bitter taste.
* **Season Generously:** Season both the steaks and the gravy generously with salt and pepper. This will bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Make it Ahead:** The gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The breaded steaks can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. However, it’s best to bake the steaks fresh for the best texture.

## Variations:

* **Spicy Chicken Fried Steak:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak:** Soak the steaks in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading for a more tender and flavorful steak.
* **Different Gravy Flavors:** Experiment with different gravy flavors, such as pepper gravy, onion gravy, or sausage gravy.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Use thick slices of portobello mushrooms instead of beef for a vegetarian version.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

## Serving Suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic pairing with chicken fried steak and gravy.
* **Green Beans:** A simple and healthy side dish.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A sweet and summery side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy and refreshing side dish.
* **Biscuits:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
* **Salad:** A light and refreshing side to balance the richness of the meal.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

* Calories: 600-800 per serving
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 200-250mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Protein: 30-40g

This Baked Chicken Fried Steak with Mushroom Gravy is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s a healthier twist on a classic comfort food that the whole family will love. Enjoy!