The Ultimate Guide: How to Cook Chicken Fried Steak from Omaha Steaks to Perfection

Ever bought those Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Steaks and wondered, “Now what?” I’ve been there! These delicious, breaded beef steaks can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never prepared them before. But don’t worry – I’m gonna walk you through the whole process from freezer to plate, with all the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.

What Are Chicken Fried Steaks?

Before we dive into cooking, let’s clarify what we’re working with. Despite the name chicken fried steak contains no chicken! It’s actually beef that’s breaded and fried in a style similar to fried chicken – hence the name “chicken fried.”

Omaha Steaks offers Chicken Fried Steaks in a convenient package of 8 steaks, each weighing 4.5 oz. They come pre-breaded and ready to cook, which makes your job much easier.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

To cook your Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Steaks, you’ll need:

• Your package of Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Steaks (8 steaks, 4.5 oz each)
• Cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best)
• A large skillet or frying pan
• Tongs or a spatula
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Your favorite gravy (optional but highly recommended!)

Preparation Methods

There are several ways to cook your Chicken Fried Steaks from Omaha Steaks. I’ll cover the three most popular methods: pan-frying (the traditional way), oven baking (the healthier option), and air frying (the modern approach).

Method 1: Traditional Pan-Frying (My Favorite!)

Pan-frying is the classic method that gives you that authentic crispy exterior and tender interior. Here’s how to do it:

1. Thaw the steaks – For best results, thaw your Chicken Fried Steaks in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be careful not to start cooking them!

2. Prepare your pan – Add about 1/4 inch of oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test by dropping a small piece of bread in the oil – it should bubble vigorously and brown in about 60 seconds.

3. Cook the steaks – Carefully place the thawed steaks into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary) Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy

4. Check for doneness – The internal temperature should reach 165°F. The pre-fried coating on Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Steaks is already cooked, so you’re essentially just heating them through and crisping up the exterior.

5. Drain and rest – Remove the steaks and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for about 2-3 minutes before serving.

Method 2: Oven Baking

If you’re looking for a slightly healthier approach with less oil, oven baking is a great option:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and placing a wire rack on top (this helps air circulate around the steaks).

3. Arrange the thawed steaks on the wire rack.

4. Spray or brush lightly with oil – This helps achieve a crispier exterior.

5. Bake for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

6. Optional broil – For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the final 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning!

Method 3: Air Fryer Cooking

The air fryer gives amazing results with minimal oil:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

2. Spray the basket with non-stick spray.

3. Place thawed steaks in the basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed.

4. Spray or brush the tops lightly with oil.

5. Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

6. Check temperature – Again, you’re looking for 165°F internal temperature.

Making It a Meal: Serving Suggestions

Chicken Fried Steak isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience! Here are some perfect pairings to make your Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Steaks even more delicious:

Classic Country Gravy

The quintessential topping for chicken fried steak is country gravy. You can buy it pre-made, but homemade is so much better! Here’s a quick recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of drippings from frying (or butter if you baked/air fried)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the same pan you used for frying (or a separate saucepan if you baked), add the drippings/butter over medium heat.
2. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until it forms a paste.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper.

Perfect Side Dishes

Chicken Fried Steak pairs beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes (an absolute must in my opinion!)
• Buttered corn
• Green beans
• Coleslaw
• Mac and cheese
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Texas toast

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of errors cooking these over the years, so learn from my mistakes:

1. Cooking from frozen – While you technically can, the results are much better if you thaw first.

2. Oil too hot or too cold – If your oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the inside heats through. Too cold, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.

3. Overcrowding the pan – This lowers the oil temperature and creates steam, resulting in soggy coating instead of crispy.

4. Not letting them rest – Just like with other meats, a brief rest allows the juices to redistribute.

5. Soggy gravy application – If you’re using gravy, don’t drown the steak right away. Serve with the gravy on the side or just partially covering the steak to maintain some crispiness.

Troubleshooting Tips

Healthier Adaptations

While Chicken Fried Steak isn’t exactly health food, there are ways to make it a bit lighter:

• Use the oven or air fryer methods instead of pan-frying
• Make a lighter gravy using low-fat milk
• Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables instead of mashed potatoes
• Consider a half portion with extra veggies on the side

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers (we never do at my house!), here’s how to store them:

1. Refrigeration: Allow the steaks to cool completely, then place in an airtight container. They’ll keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

2. Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but will result in a soggy coating.

FAQs About Cooking Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Steaks

Q: Can I cook these from frozen?
A: While it’s possible, I don’t recommend it. Thawing first allows for more even cooking and better texture.

Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: They should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Since they’re pre-cooked, you’re mostly heating them through.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, but they’re best fresh. If needed, you can cook them and keep warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.

Q: What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
A: While a thermometer is ideal, these are pre-cooked, so visual cues work too. Look for a golden brown, crispy exterior and make sure they’re hot throughout.

Q: Can I freeze leftover cooked chicken fried steaks?
A: Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

My Personal Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak

After cooking these Omaha Steaks Chicken Fried Steaks countless times, I’ve developed some personal preferences:

1. Pan-frying is worth it – While oven and air fryer methods are good, traditional pan-frying gives the most authentic flavor and texture.

2. Season your gravy well – Don’t be shy with the black pepper in your gravy. That peppery kick is essential to authentic country gravy.

3. Warm your plates – Serving on warmed plates keeps everything hot longer and makes the meal feel more special.

4. Double-check your package – Omaha Steaks sometimes updates their cooking instructions, so always check the package for the most current recommendations.

5. Try different dipping sauces – While traditional gravy is amazing, these are also great with ranch, honey mustard, or even BBQ sauce!

Conclusion

Cooking Chicken Fried Steaks from Omaha Steaks isn’t complicated once you know the basics. Whether you choose to pan-fry, bake, or air fry, the key is getting that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

What’s your favorite way to serve chicken fried steak? Do you have any special gravy recipes or side dishes that make the meal extra special? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Happy cooking, y’all!