Are you craving that crispy, savory goodness of chicken fried steak but don’t have the time to make it from scratch? I totally get it! As a busy home cook myself, I’ve spent years hunting down the best frozen options that can satisfy those comfort food cravings without the hassle. In this guide, I’ll share all my favorite places to buy frozen chicken fried steak, plus tips on what to look for and how to prepare it for the best results.
The Best Places to Buy Frozen Chicken Fried Steak
Finding good quality frozen chicken fried steak (or country fried steak as it’s sometimes called) isn’t always easy but I’ve done the legwork for you. Here’s where you can grab this convenient comfort food
Major Retailers
These big box stores are usually my first stop when hunting for frozen chicken fried steak:
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Walmart They stock multiple brands including their Great Value line and national brands like Banquet. The prices are typically very affordable, making Walmart a great option if you’re on a budget
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Target: While not always the first place you might think of for frozen foods, Target sometimes carries select brands, especially in stores with larger grocery sections.
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Kroger Offers wider selection than some competitors, including both national brands and their own private label options Sometimes Kroger even has fresh, pre-breaded options at the butcher counter that you can freeze at home
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Dollar General: Surprisingly, they offer Tyson Frozen Crispy Country Fried Steak in a 20.5 oz package. This is a convenient option if you have a Dollar General nearby and don’t want to make a special trip to a larger store.
Regional Grocery Chains
Depending on where you live, these regional chains often have superior options:
- HEB (Texas): Known for excellent store brands and selection
- Publix (Southeast): Often stocks premium frozen options
- Wegmans (Northeast): Has a reputation for quality frozen foods
Warehouse Clubs
If you’ve got a big family or just really love chicken fried steak (no judgment here!), buying in bulk might be your best bet:
- Costco: They sometimes carry bulk packs of higher-quality frozen chicken fried steak.
- Sam’s Club: Similar to Costco, they offer bulk buying opportunities and often have better availability of national brands.
Online Options
When I can’t find what I’m looking for locally, I turn to these online sources:
- Amazon: Offers numerous brands and delivery right to your door. Just be sure to read the reviews before purchasing!
- Thrive Market: Great for finding potentially healthier versions with better ingredients.
- Specialty online meat markets: These occasionally offer premium frozen chicken fried steak made with higher-quality ingredients.
Popular Brands to Look For
During my chicken fried steak adventures, I’ve found several brands that consistently deliver good quality:
Tyson Country Fried Steaks
Tyson offers several options that I’ve found to be reliable:
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Tyson Frozen Crispy Country Fried Steak (20.5 oz): Available at Dollar General and other retailers, this package contains fully cooked country-fried steak that’s easy to prepare. Each serving contains 11g of protein and no preservatives.
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Tyson Country Fried Steaks with Gravy Mix (2.84 lb): This larger package contains ten 4 oz steaks plus 2 gravy mix packs. Each serving provides 14g of protein. The steaks can be prepared in an air fryer or oven.
Other Brands to Consider
- Banquet: Widely available and budget-friendly
- Fast Fixin’: Known for their breaded meat products
- Store brands: Many grocery chains offer their own versions that can be surprisingly good
What to Look for When Buying Frozen Chicken Fried Steak
Not all frozen chicken fried steaks are created equal! Here’s what I consider when making my selection:
Quality of Meat
I always check the label for 100% beef and try to avoid products with excessive fillers. The meat should be the star of the show, not just a supporting actor!
Breading
The breading is crucial for that signature crunch! Some have traditional flour-based coating while others use breadcrumbs. This comes down to personal preference, but I tend to prefer the flour-based coating for authenticity.
Seasonings
Good chicken fried steak should have well-balanced seasoning. Some brands go heavy on pepper and others are more subtle – pick what matches your taste preferences.
Size and Thickness
Consider how big you want your portions to be. Some brands offer thinner cutlets while others provide thicker steaks.
Nutritional Content
Let’s be honest – chicken fried steak isn’t health food, but some options are better than others. The Tyson Country Fried Steaks with Gravy Mix provides 14g of protein per serving, while their 20.5 oz package offers 11g of protein per serving.
Price
Compare prices across different brands and stores. Buying in bulk from warehouse clubs can often save money if you have the freezer space.
How to Prepare Frozen Chicken Fried Steak
Once you’ve bought your frozen chicken fried steak, proper preparation is key to getting that restaurant-quality taste at home:
Air Fryer Method (My Personal Favorite)
For Tyson Country Fried Steaks:
- Set air fryer to 385°F
- Heat for approximately 7 minutes or until warm and crispy
- No need to thaw first – cook from frozen
Oven Method
For Tyson Country Fried Steaks:
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Arrange steaks in a single layer on a baking sheet
- Bake for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through
- Cook until warm and crispy
Pan Frying
While not always listed on the package instructions, some people (including me!) prefer pan frying for extra crispiness:
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat
- Cook frozen steaks for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through
Remember, appliances vary, so cooking times might need adjusting. Always ensure your food is heated thoroughly before serving!
Making the Perfect Gravy
What’s chicken fried steak without gravy? If your frozen chicken fried steak doesn’t come with gravy (or you just prefer homemade), here’s a simple recipe:
Quick Homemade Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter or drippings
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1½ cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth
- Simmer until thickened, season with salt and pepper
If your frozen chicken fried steak comes with gravy mix (like the Tyson Country Fried Steaks with Gravy Mix), simply follow the package instructions.
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve
To complete your meal, consider these classic sides that pair perfectly with chicken fried steak:
- Mashed potatoes (the ultimate gravy vehicle!)
- Green beans or corn
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Coleslaw
- Mac and cheese
- Simple green salad (to balance out the richness)
FAQs About Frozen Chicken Fried Steak
Can I refreeze chicken fried steak after it’s been cooked?
It’s generally not recommended to refreeze after cooking as it can negatively impact texture and quality. Better to only cook what you plan to eat.
What’s the ideal internal temperature for chicken fried steak?
The ideal internal temperature is 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure.
How long can I store frozen chicken fried steak?
Typically up to 6 months without significant quality loss if stored properly in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Make sure the steak is thoroughly frozen before cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer, and avoid flipping too often. Let the breading set before turning.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, some specialty brands offer gluten-free versions. Look for products specifically labeled “gluten-free” and check the ingredients list.
Final Thoughts
Finding good frozen chicken fried steak might take a little trial and error, but the convenience is totally worth it for those busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food. Dollar General’s Tyson offering is perfect for a quick grab, while the larger package with gravy mix from other retailers gives you everything you need for a complete meal.
I personally keep a box in my freezer at all times for those nights when I just can’t be bothered to cook from scratch but still want something satisfying. With the right preparation method (air fryer FTW!), you can have a delicious chicken fried steak dinner on the table in under 15 minutes.
Have you found a frozen chicken fried steak brand that you absolutely love? Or do you have a special preparation method that takes it to the next level? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Happy cooking and even happier eating!
How we picked and prepared the frozen country fried steaks for our taste test
To be honest, there weren’t a lot of frozen country fried steak options at our local grocery stores, so we went ahead and expanded our search to include the best chicken fried chicken and the best country fried pork, too. We tried meals (which we prepared in the microwave), as well as some frozen country fried steak patties that come with a gravy packet, but you add the sides.
What we wanted from the best frozen country fried steak (and pork and chicken)
If the country fried steak (or pork or chicken) in question came as a meal with sides, we did take the quality of the sides into account. We wanted creamy, rich mashed potatoes, corn that tastes like corn instead of sad yellow air, and gravy with a rich, salty, peppery flavor. And even though country fried steak is all about the breading and the gravy, we still took the quality of the meat into account. In short, frozen country fried steak should still taste like meat. We found four options we think are worth buying the next time a craving hits and you simply don’t have a Huddle House nearby (but hot damn, look how good this looks).