Chicken fried steak – that crispy golden-brown Southern classic that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. But what exactly should you serve alongside this comfort food masterpiece? If you’ve ever found yourself staring into your fridge wondering what sides will best complement your chicken fried steak dinner you’re not alone!
I’ve been cooking chicken fried steak for years, and lemme tell you, finding the perfect sides can make or break your meal. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the absolute BEST sides to serve with chicken fried steak. From classic potato dishes to fresh veggie options, we’ve got you covered!
What Is Chicken Fried Steak Anyway?
Before diving into side dishes let’s clarify what chicken fried steak actually is (since it contains no chicken!). Chicken fried steak is a Southern comfort food consisting of tenderized beef steak that’s been breaded and fried until crispy – similar to how you’d prepare fried chicken. It’s typically topped with a rich creamy white gravy made from pan drippings.
The dish is hearty, savory, and absolutely begging for sides that can stand up to its bold flavors and textures.
Classic Potato Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Steak
Potatoes and chicken fried steak are like peanut butter and jelly – they just belong together! Here are some potato options that pair perfectly:
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are probably THE most popular side with chicken fried steak. They create the perfect bed for that delicious gravy to pool in. For extra decadence, try cream cheese mashed potatoes which add a tangy richness.
Hash Browns
Crispy hash browns offer a wonderful textural contrast to the tender steak. Plus, they can soak up gravy just as well as mashed potatoes!
Baked Potatoes
A classic baked potato loaded with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon and chives makes an indulgent companion to chicken fried steak.
Potato Salad
A cool, creamy potato salad balances the hot fried steak beautifully. It’s especially good during warmer months.
Other Potato Options
- Sweet potato fries
- Tater tots (everyone secretly loves these!)
- Scalloped potatoes
- Twice-baked potatoes
- Hashbrown casserole
Vegetable Sides That Complement Chicken Fried Steak
To balance out the richness of chicken fried steak, vegetables are a must! Here are some top choices:
Green Beans
Green beans are a classic pairing with chicken fried steak. Whether simply steamed or sautéed with garlic and lemon, they add a fresh element to your meal.
Corn Dishes
From corn on the cob to creamed corn or corn casserole, this sweet vegetable pairs beautifully with chicken fried steak. The sweetness of corn provides a nice contrast to the savory steak.
Broccoli
Steamed or roasted broccoli adds color, nutrition, and a fresh crunch to your plate.
Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots balances the hot fried steak wonderfully. The tangy dressing cuts through the richness.
Other Great Veggie Options
- Asparagus
- Collard greens or mustard greens (for a true Southern meal)
- Okra and tomatoes
- Roasted brussels sprouts
- Sautéed zucchini
- Pickled beets for a tangy contrast
Bread Sides for Soaking Up That Gravy
Let’s be honest – you’re gonna want something to soak up every last drop of that delicious gravy!
Buttermilk Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits are practically MADE for sopping up gravy. They’re a southern staple for a reason!
Cornbread
A wedge of sweet, moist cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to chicken fried steak.
Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are just begging to be slathered with gravy and butter.
Texas Toast
Thick slices of buttery, garlicky Texas toast are ideal for getting every last bit of that gravy goodness.
Other Classic Side Dishes
Mac and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food meal, creamy, cheesy mac and cheese alongside chicken fried steak is pure bliss. The rich cheese sauce complements the savory gravy perfectly.
Beans
- Baked beans – Sweet, smokey baked beans are a classic partner for chicken fried steak
- Black-eyed peas – For a true Southern experience
- Pinto beans – Simple and hearty
Fresh Salads
When you want something light to balance the heaviness of chicken fried steak:
- Wedge salad with blue cheese dressing
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Spinach salad with warm bacon dressing
Breakfast & Brunch Pairings
Chicken fried steak isn’t just for dinner! It’s a popular breakfast or brunch item too. When serving it earlier in the day, consider these sides:
Fried Eggs
A perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk creates an extra sauce for your chicken fried steak.
Hash Browns
Crispy hash browns are breakfast perfection next to chicken fried steak.
Fresh Fruit
A side of fresh fruit adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
My Personal Favorite Combinations
After years of cooking chicken fried steak, I’ve found some winning combinations:
- The Classic Southern: Chicken fried steak, cream gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, and buttermilk biscuits
- The Comfort King: Chicken fried steak, cream gravy, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, and Texas toast
- The Balanced Plate: Chicken fried steak, cream gravy, roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, and a small garden salad
- The Breakfast Champion: Chicken fried steak, cream gravy, hash browns, fried eggs, and biscuits
Tips for Serving Chicken Fried Steak
- Don’t skimp on the gravy! Make plenty – it’s delicious on everything.
- Consider temperature contrasts – something cool like coleslaw against the hot steak creates interest.
- Think about textures – crispy steak goes well with creamy sides.
- Add color to your plate – bright vegetables make the meal more appetizing.
- Balance rich with fresh – offset the heaviness with some lighter options.
Quick & Easy Sides When You’re Short on Time
Sometimes you just want chicken fried steak without spending hours on sides. Here are some quick options:
- Microwave-steamed green beans tossed with butter and almonds
- Instant mashed potatoes (doctored up with extra butter and sour cream)
- Bagged salad with dressing
- Canned corn heated with a bit of butter and pepper
- Refrigerated biscuits from a tube (they’re still delicious!)
Why Chicken Fried Steak Makes Such a Great Meal
Chicken fried steak is one of those meals that feels special without requiring fancy ingredients. It’s comforting, satisfying, and pairs with so many different sides that you could literally eat it every week with different combinations and never get bored!
And the best part? Most of these sides can be prepared while your steak is frying, making it possible to get a complete, homemade meal on the table in about 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving up chicken fried steak for a weeknight dinner, a special weekend meal, or even breakfast, there are countless delicious sides to choose from. The beauty of this classic dish is its versatility – it truly goes well with so many different accompaniments.
What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken fried steak? Do you stick with the classics like mashed potatoes and gravy, or do you have a unique pairing that works wonders? I’d love to hear about your favorite combinations!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk about chicken fried steak has me heading to the kitchen to whip up some for dinner tonight. I’m thinking mashed potatoes, gravy, and some lemony green beans on the side!
Happy cooking, y’all!
Things to know
For the best chicken fried steaks, start with a good recipe (this Texas-style chicken fried steak recipe is my favorite.) Then, be sure to follow these authentically-Southern, tried-and-tested tips.
- First things, first: safety! Dont get distracted when cooking with hot oil—and, make sure to kick the kids and pets out of the kitchen while youre frying, just in case.
- For extra tender steaks, pound them out with a mallet to break down the tough, muscle-y fibers. If you dont have a mallet, use a rolling pin.
- I like to use a baking sheet or two as my breading station to keep things organized and neat. Shallow bowls or plates also work fine.
- My favorite frying oil is peanut, but you can use any kind that has a relatively high smoke point.
- Use a large skillet and only fry as many pieces as you can fit without crowding or overlapping them.
- Experiment using an air fryer or deep fryer, if you have one.
- Set cooked steaks on a wire rack. Place the rack in the oven at a low temperature to keep them warm while the rest cook.
- Chicken fried steak is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for three or four days.
- When making gravy, room-temperature (or warmer) milk works best. I prefer whole milk because it adds richness, but any milk is fine.
- Dont wipe out all of your pan drippings—they make really flavorful gravy!
❤️ Why we love it
- The classic recipe is beyond hearty and easily feeds the whole family
- Its an affordable piece of steak, but tastes as good as the pricey stuff
- Creamy gravy is comforting like a big ol hug from Mom
- Bonus: pounding on steaks with a meat mallet is a great stress reliever
Chicken-fried steak is such a classic Southern dish, Texas has a whole day dedicated to its honor! (Its October 26, in case youre wondering.)
Plus, delicious breaded steak and creamy white gravy go great with tons of side dishes, so you have plenty of options.
Worst Best Chef Makes Chicken Fried Steaks | Matty Matheson | Just A Dash | EP 11
FAQ
What sides go well with chicken fried steak?
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.
What to have chicken steak with?
Endless Serving Suggestions: The sides that pair well with this chicken steak recipe are unlimited! I served it with sauteed vegetables and french fries. It also pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or creamy garlic pasta! Add the chicken to your favorite pesto pasta, salad, or any other chicken recipes.
What is the best side dish with fried chicken?
What to serve as a side dish with steak?