Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich: A Culinary Road Trip
Get ready to embark on a delicious journey down memory lane with this Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich recipe! This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a hearty, satisfying experience that captures the spirit of classic American roadside diners and the iconic Mother Road. We’re talking crispy, golden-brown chicken fried steak, smothered in creamy gravy, and nestled between toasted buns with your favorite fixings. This recipe is a celebration of indulgence, perfect for a weekend lunch, a casual dinner, or any time you’re craving a taste of Americana.
## What Makes This Sandwich So Special?
The Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich stands out because it takes a beloved comfort food – chicken fried steak – and elevates it into a portable, hand-held masterpiece. Here’s why you’ll love it:
* **Crispy, Flavorful Steak:** The key to a great chicken fried steak is the perfect balance of crispy coating and tender, juicy meat. We’ll show you how to achieve that every time.
* **Creamy, Savory Gravy:** No chicken fried steak is complete without gravy! Our creamy gravy recipe is rich, flavorful, and the perfect complement to the crispy steak.
* **Customizable Fixings:** From crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to tangy pickles and spicy onions, you can customize this sandwich to your liking.
* **Nostalgic Appeal:** This sandwich evokes memories of classic American diners and road trips, offering a taste of nostalgia with every bite.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the chicken fried steak, gravy, and the sandwich itself:
**For the Chicken Fried Steak:**
* 1 ½ pounds beef round steak, cut into ½-inch thick steaks
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon paprika
* ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
* 2 large eggs
* ½ cup milk
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**For the Creamy Gravy:**
* ¼ cup reserved cooking oil from frying the steak
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
**For the Sandwich:**
* 4-6 hamburger buns, toasted
* Lettuce leaves
* Sliced tomatoes
* Sliced red onion (optional)
* Pickles (optional)
* Your favorite condiments (mayonnaise, mustard, etc.)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large bowl
* Shallow dishes or pie plates
* Large skillet or deep fryer
* Wire rack
* Tongs
* Whisk
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Fried Steak**
1. **Pound the Steak:** Place each steak between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound the steak to about ¼-inch thickness. This tenderizes the meat and helps it cook evenly.
2. **Prepare the Breading:** In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
3. **Prepare the Egg Wash:** In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
4. **Bread the Steak:** Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge it again in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the steak to create a thick, even coating. This double coating is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
5. **Rest the Breading:** Place the breaded steaks on a wire rack and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the breading adhere better and prevents it from falling off during frying.
**Step 2: Fry the Chicken Fried Steak**
1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature or test it by dropping a small piece of breading into the oil – it should sizzle immediately and turn golden brown within a few seconds.
2. **Fry the Steaks:** Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the steak should reach 145°F (63°C).
3. **Drain the Steaks:** Remove the fried steaks from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
**Step 3: Make the Creamy Gravy**
1. **Reserve the Oil:** Carefully pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about ¼ cup of the browned oil in the pan. This browned oil will add flavor to the gravy.
2. **Make a Roux:** Over medium heat, whisk the flour into the reserved oil. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes, or until the roux is golden brown. This is the base of your gravy, so don’t skip this step!
3. **Add the Milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and creamy.
4. **Season the Gravy:** Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg (if using). Stir well to combine. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering it for a few more minutes.
**Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich**
1. **Toast the Buns:** Lightly toast the hamburger buns to your liking. This will prevent them from getting soggy from the gravy.
2. **Add the Fixings:** Spread your favorite condiments (mayonnaise, mustard, etc.) on the toasted buns. Add lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and sliced red onion (if using).
3. **Add the Chicken Fried Steak:** Place a chicken fried steak on the bottom bun.
4. **Smother with Gravy:** Generously smother the chicken fried steak with the creamy gravy.
5. **Top it Off:** Add pickles (if using) and top with the other half of the bun.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**
Serve your Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich immediately while the steak is hot and crispy and the gravy is creamy and delicious. Enjoy every bite of this classic American sandwich!
## Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich
* **Use High-Quality Steak:** The quality of the steak will significantly impact the taste and texture of the sandwich. Look for beef round steak that is well-marbled and not too thick.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Frying too many steaks at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, greasy steaks. Fry them in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
* **Use a Thermometer:** Using a thermometer to check the oil temperature and the internal temperature of the steak will ensure perfectly cooked results every time.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the breading and gravy to your liking. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken fried steak ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or air fryer before assembling the sandwiches. The gravy can also be made ahead of time and reheated on the stovetop.
* **Get Creative with the Fixings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and condiments to create your own signature Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich. Some other great additions include coleslaw, bacon, fried eggs, and different types of cheese.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Chicken Fried Chicken:** If you prefer chicken, you can substitute the beef round steak with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and follow the same breading and frying instructions.
* **Spicy Gravy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom Gravy:** Sauté some sliced mushrooms in the reserved oil before making the gravy for a rich and savory mushroom gravy.
* **Dairy-Free Gravy:** Use almond milk or soy milk instead of cow’s milk to make a dairy-free gravy. You may need to add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken the gravy.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free flour for the breading and gravy to make this sandwich gluten-free.
## Serving Suggestions
The Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it’s even better when served with some delicious sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **French Fries:** A classic pairing with any sandwich, especially a chicken fried steak sandwich.
* **Onion Rings:** Crispy and flavorful onion rings are another great side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing and creamy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
* **Potato Salad:** A tangy and flavorful potato salad is a great accompaniment.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** A slightly sweeter and healthier alternative to regular fries.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comforting and cheesy side dish that pairs perfectly with the chicken fried steak sandwich.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
* Calories: 800-1200 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 50-80g
* Saturated Fat: 20-40g
* Cholesterol: 200-300mg
* Sodium: 1000-1500mg
* Carbohydrates: 60-80g
* Protein: 40-60g
**Note:** This is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional information may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
## Conclusion
The Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich is more than just a sandwich; it’s a culinary adventure that takes you back to the golden age of American roadside diners. With its crispy, golden-brown chicken fried steak, creamy gravy, and customizable fixings, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite. So, fire up the skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience a taste of Americana! Enjoy your trip down Route 66, one delicious bite at a time!
## Recipe Card
**Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich**
A hearty and satisfying sandwich featuring crispy chicken fried steak, creamy gravy, and your favorite fixings.
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Chicken Fried Steak:**
* 1 ½ pounds beef round steak, cut into ½-inch thick steaks
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon paprika
* ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 2 large eggs
* ½ cup milk
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Creamy Gravy:**
* ¼ cup reserved cooking oil from frying the steak
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
* **For the Sandwich:**
* 4-6 hamburger buns, toasted
* Lettuce leaves
* Sliced tomatoes
* Sliced red onion (optional)
* Pickles (optional)
* Your favorite condiments (mayonnaise, mustard, etc.)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken Fried Steak:**
* Pound the steak to ¼-inch thickness.
* Combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
* Whisk eggs and milk in a shallow dish.
* Dredge steak in flour mixture, then egg wash, then flour mixture again.
* Let breaded steaks rest for 10-15 minutes.
2. **Fry the Chicken Fried Steak:**
* Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
* Fry steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
* Drain on a wire rack.
3. **Make the Creamy Gravy:**
* Reserve ¼ cup of cooking oil in the skillet.
* Whisk flour into the oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
* Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
* Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.
* Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened.
4. **Assemble the Sandwich:**
* Toast the hamburger buns.
* Spread condiments on the buns.
* Add lettuce, tomatoes, and onion (if using).
* Place a chicken fried steak on the bottom bun.
* Smother with gravy.
* Add pickles (if using) and top with the other half of the bun.
5. **Serve and Enjoy!**
**Notes:**
* Adjust seasoning to your liking.
* Get creative with your favorite toppings.
* For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.
Enjoy your Route 66 Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich!