Chicken Fried Chicken vs Chicken Fried Steak: A Tasty Comparison
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In the realm of comfort food, two iconic dishes stand out: chicken (how long does chicken last?) fried chicken and chicken fried steak. While both dishes sound similar, each brings its unique flavor and mouthwatering taste to the table. In an attempt to better understand these two culinary masterpieces, this article delves into their differences, culinary origins, and cooking methods.
Chicken fried chicken, is similar to traditional fried chicken but made from a boneless, skinless chicken breast (What wine goes well with chicken breast?) that is breaded and fried, often served with a generous helping of creamy white country gravy. On the other hand, a tenderized beef cutlet, typically made from round steak, which undergoes breading and then pan fried, is called chicken fried steak. The final product often resembles a larger, juicier version of a traditional breaded chicken cutlet. Essentially, chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken are steak and chicken pan fried.
Exploring the cultural roots and regional variations of these two Southern staples sheds light on how they have been influenced by a variety of culinary traditions. Additionally, understanding the subtleties of their preparation may help fervent food enthusiasts decide which dish reigns supreme.
Origins and History
The origins of chicken fried chicken and chicken fried steak can be traced back to the Southern United States, particularly in Texas and Oklahoma. Both dishes are believed to have been brought to the southern region first by German immigrants, who were inspired by Wiener Schnitzel, a popular Austrian dish made from breaded and fried veal cutlets (What wine goes well with veal cutlets?).
The adaptation of Wiener Schnitzel to chicken fried steak is said to have taken place in the late 19th or early 20th century, with the settlers substituting the veal cutlets for more readily available beef. Chicken fried chicken, on the other hand, likely developed as a variation of the same concept, with cooks opting for tender, boneless chicken instead of beef. Over time, these two dishes both became closely associated with Southern cooking, appealing to the population's love for fried foods (What wine goes well with fried foods?).
It's important to note that the exact origin of these dishes is often debated among food historians, with some attributing the creation of popular dish to specific restaurants or chefs. For example, chef Shane Trotter of Cattlemen's Steakhouse, located in Texas, is sometimes credited with the invention of chicken fried steak. However, the history is still uncertain, and it's possible that the dish was created simultaneously in multiple locations.
Regional names for these dishes also reflect the diverse history and backgrounds of those who enjoyed them. For example, in Texas, chicken fried steak is sometimes referred to as "steak school," which is a term believed to have originated from the state's cattlemen. The names and the slight differences in variations in recipes may differ, but both chicken fried chicken and chicken fried steak remain staples of Southern cuisine.
In summary, chicken fried chicken and chicken fried steak have a rich history rooted in German immigrant culture and Southern American cooking. Though the exact origins and creators of these dishes remain uncertain, their enduring popularity is a testament to their delicious appeal and widespread familiarity.
Main Ingredients
Chicken Fried Chicken
Chicken Fried Chicken is made using chicken - typically a boneless, skinless chicken breast. The chicken is tenderized and then breaded using a mixture of seasoned flour (how long does flour last?), batter, or breadcrumbs. The process often involves dipping the chicken in a mixture of egg and buttermilk before coating it in egg batter and the breading. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken, creating a crispy coating when fried.
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Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak, on the other hand, uses a thin cut of beef - most commonly a cube steak. This cut of beef is usually from the round steak portion of the cow, although veal is sometimes used as a substitute. Like the chicken, the steak is typically tenderized and breaded using similar ingredients such as seasoned flour, batter, or breadcrumbs with egg and buttermilk for adherence.
Common Ingredients
Both dishes share several key ingredients in their preparation. These include:
Eggs: Provide binding for the breading or batter.
Buttermilk: Adds flavor, tenderizes meat, and helps breading adhere.
Seasoned flour: A flour mixture or bread crumbs (how long do bread crumbs last?) makes up the breading mixture, typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices.
Baking powder (how long does baking powder last?): Added to the flour mixture to create a lighter, crispier texture.
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The Crispy Coating
The crispy golden brown coating for both Chicken Fried Chicken and Chicken Fried Steak is created using a similar breading process. Both dishes are breaded with a mixture of seasoned flour, batter, or breadcrumbs. Sometimes, crushed saltine crackers are also used to add extra flavor and crunch. The breading is often combined with buttermilk and egg to help it adhere to the meat. Both Chicken Fried Chicken and Chicken Fried Steak are usually pan fried in a cast iron skillet, although they can both be deep fried to make the appealing outer layer.
The Gravy
Both Chicken Fried Chicken and Chicken Fried Steak are often served with gravy in the same . There are two popular types of gravy used, White and Brown Gravy:
White gravy: Also known as cream gravy or peppery white cream gravy, this is a combination of milk, cream, flour, and fat, typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices, ideal for a smothered steak.
Brown gravy: Also called brown onion gravy, it is made with roux, stock, onions, and additional spices. Brown gravy is less common for these dishes but still a delicious option.
Comparing Chicken Fried Chicken and Chicken Fried Steaks
While Chicken Fried Chicken and Chicken Fried Steak have many similarities, their primary difference lies in the choice of meat. The former is made with chicken while the latter uses beef, often tenderized cube steak. Both dishes are breaded and fried, often using similar ingredients to create a crispy coating. Both are also typically served with gravy - most commonly, white gravy or cream gravy. Despite these similarities, the flavor and texture of each dish are distinct due to the difference in the main ingredient.
