Are you craving that perfect comfort food classic – a crispy, breaded chicken fried steak smothered in creamy gravy? I’ve been there! Nothing hits the spot quite like this Southern staple, but sometimes you don’t want to go to a restaurant to get your fix. So where exactly can you buy chicken fried steak to enjoy at home? I’ve done the research and put together this comprehensive guide to help you find this delicious meal without having to leave your kitchen.
Major Retailers That Sell Chicken Fried Steak
When it comes to finding chicken fried steak, you’ve got several options at major retailers across the country. Here are the top places to check out:
1. Walmart
Walmart is a great place to find frozen chicken fried steak options that are easy to prepare. One popular option they carry is:
- Tyson Country Fried Steaks with Gravy Mix – This 22.75 oz package comes with fully cooked beef pattie fritters with chicken and includes a gravy mix packet. Priced at around $8.47, each serving provides 13 grams of protein.
These Tyson steaks at Walmart have received pretty good reviews (4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 ratings). Customers love how easy they are to prepare – just 7 minutes in an air fryer! They’re perfect for making quick meals like steak sandwiches or serving with eggs for a hearty breakfast.
2. Kroger
Kroger and its affiliated stores carry several options for chicken fried steak lovers:
- Tyson Frozen Country Fried Steaks with Gravy Mix – $10.49 (22.75 oz)
- Hungry-Man Chicken Fried Steak Frozen Meal – $3.99 (16 oz)
- Banquet MEGA Bowls Chicken Fried Beef Steak Bowl – $2.99 (14 oz)
- Boston Market Country Fried Beef Steak Frozen Meal – $3.49 (13.2 oz)
Kroger often runs promotions like “4/$10 when you buy 4 or more” on some of these products, which can make them even more affordable.
3. Omaha Steaks
If you’re looking for a premium option, Omaha Steaks offers their Chicken Fried Steaks, which come in a package of 8 (45 oz each). These are higher quality than typical grocery store options and can be ordered online for delivery straight to your door
Specialty Food Retailers and Butcher Shops
Don’t forget to check out your local specialty food retailers and butcher shops! These places often make fresh chicken fried steaks that might be unbreaded but ready for you to bread and fry at home. The quality is usually better than frozen options, though they’ll typically cost a bit more.
Online Options for Chicken Fried Steak
Can’t find what you’re looking for locally? No worries! There are plenty of online options
- Amazon – Offers various frozen chicken fried steak options with delivery.
- Omaha Steaks website – Order their premium chicken fried steaks online.
- Grocery delivery services – Instacart, Shipt, and Walmart+ can deliver chicken fried steak products right to your door.
- Restaurant delivery – Services like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats can bring freshly made chicken fried steak from local restaurants.
Making Your Own Chicken Fried Steak at Home
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try making chicken fried steak from scratch! It’s not as hard as you might think, and the results can be amazing. Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients:
- Cube steak (available at most grocery store meat counters)
- Flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
- Oil for frying
Simple Recipe Steps:
- Season the cube steak with salt and pepper
- Dredge in flour
- Dip in egg wash (beaten eggs mixed with a little milk)
- Dredge again in seasoned flour
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown
- Make gravy using some of the drippings
Comparing Chicken Fried Steak Options
To help you decide which option is best for you, here’s a comparison of some popular choices:
| Product | Price | Size | Where to Buy | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyson Country Fried Steaks | $8.47-$10.49 | 22.75 oz | Walmart, Kroger | Air fryer or oven |
| Hungry-Man Chicken Fried Steak | $3.99 | 16 oz | Kroger | Microwave |
| Banquet MEGA Bowls | $2.99 | 14 oz | Kroger | Microwave |
| Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Steaks | Premium pricing | 8 (4.5 oz each) | Omaha Steaks website | Oven |
| Homemade | Varies | Your choice | Local grocery store (ingredients) | Frying pan |
Tips for Preparing Store-Bought Chicken Fried Steak
Getting the best results from your store-bought chicken fried steak isn’t always as simple as following the package directions. Here are some tips I’ve learned:
- Air fryer method – Many customers rave about using an air fryer for Tyson chicken fried steaks. It takes only about 7 minutes and gives you a crispy exterior.
- Add your own touch – Even with pre-made products, you can enhance the flavor by adding your own seasonings or making homemade gravy instead of using the packet.
- Proper sides – Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese for a complete meal.
What to Look for When Buying Chicken Fried Steak
Not all chicken fried steaks are created equal! Here’s what to consider:
- Ingredients – Some brands use a mix of beef and chicken (like the Tyson product), while others are pure beef.
- Breading type – Look for a product with crispy, well-seasoned breading.
- Gravy inclusion – Does it come with gravy? Is it a mix or pre-made?
- Size and thickness – Thicker steaks tend to be juicier but take longer to cook.
- Reviews – Check customer reviews if buying online.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Fried Steak
Once you’ve got your chicken fried steak, what’s the best way to serve it? Here are some ideas:
- Classic Southern style – With white gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans
- Breakfast style – With eggs and hash browns
- Sandwich style – On a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo
- Loaded style – Topped with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Chicken Fried Steak
Is chicken fried steak actually made with chicken?
Despite the name, traditional chicken fried steak is made with beef, not chicken! It’s called “chicken fried” because it’s prepared in a similar style to fried chicken. However, some pre-packaged versions like the Tyson Country Fried Steaks do contain both beef and chicken.
What’s the difference between country fried steak and chicken fried steak?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, there is technically a difference:
- Chicken fried steak typically has a thicker, crispier crust and is served with white gravy
- Country fried steak often has a lighter breading and may be served with brown gravy
How long does store-bought chicken fried steak last?
Frozen chicken fried steak products usually last 3-6 months in the freezer if unopened. Once cooked, leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.
Can I freeze homemade chicken fried steak?
Yes! You can freeze homemade chicken fried steak either before or after cooking. If freezing raw breaded steaks, place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. If freezing cooked steaks, cool completely before freezing. I recommend freezing the gravy separately.
My Personal Experience
I’ve tried a bunch of different chicken fried steak options over the years, and I gotta say, the Tyson ones from Walmart are pretty decent for a quick fix. They’re not gonna compete with a good restaurant version or homemade, but for something you can whip up in under 10 minutes, they hit the spot!
Last month, I was having one of those days where nothing but comfort food would do. I threw a couple of the Tyson steaks in my air fryer, made some instant mashed potatoes, and heated up the gravy packet. Was it gourmet? Nope. Did it satisfy my craving? Absolutely!
If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, grabbing some cube steak from your local butcher and making it from scratch is totally worth it. There’s something therapeutic about the whole breading process, and the results are so much better.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a quick meal solution or wanting to create a homemade Southern feast, chicken fried steak is widely available both in stores and online. From budget-friendly options at Walmart and Kroger to premium versions from specialty retailers like Omaha Steaks, there’s something for every preference and budget.
The next time you’re craving this classic comfort food, you’ll know exactly where to look! And remember, while the convenience of pre-made options is great, don’t be afraid to try making your own chicken fried steak from scratch for an extra-special meal.
So what are you waiting for? Go grab some chicken fried steak and enjoy a delicious taste of Southern comfort food tonight!
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).
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.