Revive That Crunch: The Ultimate Guide on How to Reheat Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak – that delicious Southern comfort food with tenderized beef in a crispy coating topped with gravy – is something you don’t wanna waste when you’ve got leftovers. But let’s be honest reheating it can be tricky! Nothing’s worse than ending up with soggy breading or tough, dry meat when all you wanted was to enjoy that same crispy juicy goodness from the first time around.

I’ve experimented with different reheating methods over the years, and I’m excited to share what actually works to bring back that delicious crunch. Whether you’ve got leftovers from your homemade masterpiece or from your favorite restaurant, these methods will help you enjoy your chicken fried steak just as much the second time around.

Proper Storage: The First Step to Perfect Reheating

Before we dive into reheating methods, we need to talk about how to store your leftover chicken fried steak properly. This step is super important because even the best reheating technique won’t save improperly stored food.

Cooling Down Process

• Allow your chicken fried steak to cool at room temperature for no more than two hours after cooking
• Never put hot food directly into the refrigerator as this can raise the temperature inside and potentially spoil other foods

Refrigeration Method

1. Wrap each piece of chicken fried steak tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil
2. Place the wrapped pieces in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
4. Important tip: Store the gravy separately! This prevents the breading from getting soggy while in storage

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you won’t be eating your leftovers within 3-4 days, freezing is your best option:

1. Wrap each piece individually with plastic wrap
2. Place wrapped pieces in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags
3. This method helps prevent freezer burn and maintains quality
4. Frozen chicken fried steak can be stored for up to 3 months

Now that your chicken fried steak is properly stored, let’s look at the best reheating methods!

The Best Methods to Reheat Chicken Fried Steak

There are several ways to reheat chicken fried steak, but not all methods are created equal We’ll cover the four most effective techniques and explain the pros and cons of each.

1. Oven Method: Best for Maintaining Crispiness

This is generally considered the best overall method for reheating chicken fried steak, It takes a bit more time than other methods but produces the most consistently good results

What you’ll need:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Wire rack (optional but recommended)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil
3. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet if you have one (this allows air to circulate underneath the steak, making it crispier)
4. Put your chicken fried steak pieces on the rack or directly on the lined baking sheet
5. Loosely cover with foil to prevent excessive drying while still allowing some air circulation
6. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
7. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want extra crispiness
8. While the steak reheats, warm up your gravy separately on the stovetop or in the microwave

Pro tip: If your steak was frozen, you might need to increase the reheating time to around 25-30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t dry out!

2. Air Fryer Method: Quick and Super Crispy

The air fryer has become my favorite way to reheat chicken fried steak when I’m in a hurry. It’s faster than the oven and produces an amazingly crispy exterior.

Steps:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking
3. Place the chicken fried steak in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through
5. Check to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C)
6. Serve immediately with separately heated gravy

Why it works: The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior without drying out the inside. Plus, it’s super quick – you’ll have perfectly reheated chicken fried steak in less than 5 minutes!

3. Stovetop/Skillet Method: Good for Small Portions

If you only have one or two pieces to reheat, the stovetop method works well and gives you more control over the process.

Steps:

1. Choose a large skillet that can fit your chicken fried steak without overcrowding
2. Heat the skillet over medium heat
3. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking
4. Place the chicken fried steak in the skillet
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy
6. Be careful not to use too high heat, which can burn the breading before the inside warms up

Tip: This method requires more attention than others as you’ll need to monitor the steak closely to prevent burning.

4. Microwave Method: The Last Resort

I’m gonna be honest – microwaving is not ideal for chicken fried steak as it can make the breading soggy. However, if you’re really pressed for time, here’s how to do it with the least damage:

Steps:

1. Place the chicken fried steak on a microwave-safe plate
2. Cover with a damp paper towel (this helps prevent excessive drying)
3. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals
4. Check after each interval until the steak is warmed through
5. Let it rest for a minute before serving

Important note: The microwave will likely cause the breading to lose its crispiness. If possible, avoid this method in favor of the others listed above.

Tips for Perfect Reheated Chicken Fried Steak

No matter which method you choose, these additional tips will help ensure your reheated chicken fried steak turns out as delicious as possible:

1. Always store gravy separately from the steak to prevent sogginess
2. Allow refrigerated steak to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before reheating (this helps it heat more evenly)
3. Don’t reheat chicken fried steak more than once – repeated reheating can degrade quality and may pose food safety risks
4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety
5. Consider reheating the steak without gravy first, then adding freshly warmed gravy just before serving

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When reheating chicken fried steak, steer clear of these common errors:

• Microwaving with gravy already on top – This guarantees a soggy mess
• Reheating at too high a temperature – This can burn the coating while leaving the inside cold
• Overcrowding the pan or air fryer – This creates steam that makes the breading soggy
• Not checking the internal temperature – Underheated meat can be unsafe
• Reheating directly from frozen without thawing – This often results in uneven heating

Comparison of Reheating Methods

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the best method for your situation:

Final Thoughts on Reheating Chicken Fried Steak

Reheating chicken fried steak doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. With the right method and a little care, you can enjoy a second meal that’s almost as delicious as the first.

I personally prefer the air fryer for its speed and crispiness results, but the oven is my go-to when I’m reheating multiple portions for the family. If you’re in a hurry, the stovetop works well for smaller amounts.

Remember that proper storage is just as important as the reheating method. By separating your gravy from your steak and wrapping everything properly, you’re setting yourself up for success before you even start reheating.

And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, why not make some fresh sides to go with your reheated chicken fried steak? Fresh mashed potatoes or a crisp side salad can make those leftovers feel like a brand new meal!

Do you have a favorite method for reheating chicken fried steak that I didn’t mention? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Happy reheating!

To reheat fried chicken without drying it out, use a preheated oven (350°F to 400°F) with a wire rack on a baking sheet to allow for air circulation and crispness, or an air fryer. Let the chicken sit at room temperature before reheating to reduce overall oven time.