15 Perfect Side Dishes That Go With Chicken Fried Steak

Are you staring at that delicious chicken fried steak and wondering what to serve alongside it? You’re not alone! This classic Southern comfort food deserves the perfect accompaniments to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. I’ve spent years perfecting my chicken fried steak recipe, and today I’m sharing the best side dishes that’ll make your dinner complete.

Chicken fried steak with its crispy golden coating and tender beef inside, is already amazing on its own. But pairing it with the right sides can take your meal from good to absolutely mouthwatering! Whether you’re looking for traditional Southern pairings or something a bit different, I’ve got you covered.

Classic Potato Side Dishes

Let’s face it – potatoes and chicken fried steak are a match made in heaven. Here are some potato-based sides that complement this hearty main dish perfectly:

Mashed Potatoes

The ultimate classic! Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy. Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture. For an extra special touch, add some roasted garlic or cheese to your mash.

French Fries

Golden, crispy french fries offer a wonderful textural contrast to chicken fried steak They’re especially popular with kids and make the meal feel like a real treat Plus, they can be dipped in any extra gravy!

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

For a slightly sweeter alternative to regular mashed potatoes, try mashed sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors of the chicken fried steak beautifully, creating a more complex flavor profile

Loaded Baked Potato

A hearty baked potato stuffed with sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and shredded cheese makes for an indulgent side. The combination of creamy, salty, and savory flavors complements the rich taste of chicken fried steak perfectly.

Hash Browns

Crispy, pan-fried hash browns provide a nice textural contrast to the tender chicken fried steak. They’re also great for breakfast-for-dinner nights!

Vegetable Side Dishes

Balance out your meal with some nutritious vegetables. Here are my favorites to serve with chicken fried steak:

Green Beans

Green beans are a classic pairing with chicken fried steak. You can serve them lightly battered and fried for a crunchy side, or simply steamed with a bit of butter and salt. For extra flavor, try cooking them with bacon drippings.

Collard Greens

Slow-cooked collard greens, simmered with bacon or ham and seasoned with a splash of vinegar, bring a savory, smoky flavor to your chicken fried steak dinner. This hearty, nutritious side dish adds authentic Southern flair to your meal.

Corn

Whether it’s creamed corn, corn on the cob, or simple buttered corn kernels, this sweet vegetable pairs wonderfully with chicken fried steak. Creamed corn especially adds a velvety, sweet component that balances the savory main dish.

Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing touch to your chicken fried steak dinner. The cool, crisp texture and vinegary taste cut through the richness of the steak and gravy, creating a balanced bite.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized to perfection and seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, add a delightful burst of flavor and crunch. The slightly bitter, nutty taste provides a delicious contrast to the rich flavors of chicken fried steak.

Bread-Based Sides

Don’t forget something to soak up that amazing gravy!

Southern-Style Biscuits

Flaky, buttery biscuits are a staple of Southern cuisine and make an excellent addition to your chicken fried steak meal. Use them to soak up any leftover gravy, or simply enjoy them with a spread of butter or honey.

Cornbread

Warm, crumbly cornbread, with its slightly sweet and earthy flavor, is another classic Southern side dish that complements chicken fried steak wonderfully. Enjoy it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of butter for added indulgence.

Texas Toast

Thick slices of buttery, garlicky Texas toast are perfect for sopping up gravy. The crispy exterior and soft interior make it an ideal companion for chicken fried steak.

Comfort Food Sides

For the ultimate comfort food meal, try these indulgent side dishes:

Mac and Cheese

Creamy, gooey macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food side dish. The rich, cheesy pasta complements the crispy, savory flavors of chicken fried steak, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal that’ll leave everyone at the table happy.

Zucchini Noodles

For a lighter option, zucchini noodles or “zoodles” offer a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken fried steak. Tossed in a simple garlic and olive oil sauce, they provide a fresh element that keeps your meal from feeling too heavy.

My Personal Recommendations

In my house, we usually serve chicken fried steak with at least two sides for a complete meal. Here are my favorite combinations:

1. Classic Southern: Chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, and buttermilk biscuits
2. Comfort Food Heaven: Chicken fried steak with mac and cheese and collard greens
3. Lighter Option: Chicken fried steak with zucchini noodles and a side salad
4. Family Favorite: Chicken fried steak with french fries and coleslaw

Tips for Serving Chicken Fried Steak with Sides

When planning your meal, keep these tips in mind:

• Balance textures: Pair the crispy steak with something creamy (like mashed potatoes) and something fresh (like a vegetable).
• Make extra gravy: That delicious white gravy isn’t just for the steak! It’s amazing on potatoes, biscuits, and more.
• Consider color: Add colorful vegetables to brighten up the plate (chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes can look a bit beige on their own).
• Timing is everything: Plan your cooking so everything finishes at approximately the same time.

Final Thoughts

Chicken fried steak is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. The crispy coating, tender meat, and rich gravy make it special, but the sides you choose can make it a complete meal to remember.

Whether you stick with traditional Southern sides like mashed potatoes and collard greens or mix it up with lighter options, the key is to create a balanced plate that offers different flavors and textures. And don’t forget something to soak up that amazing gravy!

What’s your favorite side dish to serve with chicken fried steak? I’d love to hear your family traditions

Classic and popular sides for chicken fried steak include mashed potatoes (often with cream gravy), green beans (like southern-style or with bacon), corn (creamed or on the cob), and various kinds of bread such as biscuits, cornbread, or Texas toast, all perfect for sopping up the gravy. You can also find variations like mac and cheese, fried okra, collard greens, and even lighter options like a simple green salad or apple slaw to balance the meal.

The best sides for steak include classic choices like mashed potatoes, fries, and baked potatoes, alongside fresh vegetables such as roasted asparagus, sauteed mushrooms, and roasted brussels sprouts.