what goes with chicken fried steak 2

What Goes With Chicken Fried Steak? 22 Delicious Side Dish Ideas

Chicken fried steak is an iconic Southern comfort food that everyone should experience at least once. This dish features a tenderized beef cutlet that is breaded and fried until golden and crisp. While the steak itself packs plenty of flavor, having the right side dishes can take this meal to the next level.

In this article, we’ll explore 22 delicious options for what to serve with chicken fried steak. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy onion rings there’s something here that every chicken fried steak fan will love.

Mashed Potatoes

Buttery mashed potatoes are a classic companion for chicken fried steak. The creaminess of the spuds perfectly balances the crunchy exterior and tender interior of the steak. For an extra decadent twist, try loaded mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and scallions stirred in.

Baked Potatoes

For those who prefer their potatoes whole, baked potatoes are a satisfying choice. Load them up with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits for a fully-stuffed spud. The potato skins also provide a nice textural contrast to the fried steak.

Macaroni and Cheese

Is anything more comforting than piping hot mac and cheese? The creamy pasta is a favorite side dish for chicken fried steak. Choose a baked mac and cheese for a crispy toasted topping or a stovetop version for ultimate creaminess.

Cole Slaw

Cool, crunchy coleslaw provides the perfect balance for hot and crispy chicken fried steak. The sweet and tangy shredded cabbage cuts through the rich flavors of the fried meat. Try your coleslaw dressed with mayo or vinegar, whichever you prefer.

Biscuits

Flaky, buttery biscuits are pretty much required eating with chicken fried steak. They are ideal for sopping up the creamy gravy and rounding out the meal. For added flavor, try cheddar or jalapeno biscuits.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet summer corn on the cob makes for a delicious late summer pairing with chicken fried steak. The burst of corn flavor complements the crispy crust of the steak. Simply boil, grill or roast the corn and serve with a pat of butter.

Green Beans

For some veggie goodness along with your chicken fried steak, fresh green beans are just the thing. You can keep it classic with steamed green beans tossed in butter or get creative with garlicky sautéed green beans with mushrooms.

Fried Okra

If you’re looking for an extra crispy and flavorful veggie side, fried okra is a stellar choice. Crisp-fried okra pods boast a similar satisfying crunch as chicken fried steak. The combination of the two will make your tastebuds rejoice.

Collard Greens

Slow-cooked collard greens are a staple of Southern cuisine, so they make an ideal match for chicken fried steak. The rich, smoky greens balance the crispy fried coating of the steak. Serve them stewed with bacon or ham hocks for full flavor.

Potato Salad

Creamy, cool potato salad completes the chicken fried steak dinner plate. The mayo-coated chunks of potato offer great contrast in temperature and texture to the hot and crispy steak. Try versions made with yellow mustard or dill pickle relish.

Fried Pickles

For the ultimate crunchy, fried pairing with your chicken fried steak, try fried pickles. The crisp battered spears or chips offer a tangy, vinegar flavor that plays well with the richness of the steak.

Cornbread

There’s nothing like warm buttery cornbread with your down-home chicken fried steak dinner. The slightly crumbly texture and sweetcorn flavor make it the perfect vehicle for sopping up tasty pan gravy. Jalapeño or cheese cornbread also pair nicely.

Onion Rings

If you’re looking for an extra crispy fried side, onion rings can’t be beat. The sweet, crunchy onion slices encased in crispy fried batter make a heavenly match for chicken fried steak. Dunk them in the creamy gravy for added yum.

Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

For a rich, creamy vegetable side dish, cheddar broccoli casserole is sure to satisfy. The cheesy broccoli bakes up with a crispy topping that pairs perfectly with your crispy fried steak. Rice or potatoes make it extra hearty.

Sweet Potato Fries

Why not double down on fried foods with sweet potato fries? The crispy seasoned fries will provide even more crunch and flavor next to the chicken fried steak. Sweet potato fries are also lower in carbs than regular fries.

Hash Browns

Shredded and pan-fried hash browns are an easy go-to option for soaking up pan drippings and gravy. Try seasoning your hash browns with onion and garlic powder for extra flavor. Potatoes can never go wrong with steak!

Brussels Sprouts

For a healthy accompaniment, try roasted Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven, lending a sweet, nutty flavor. The crunchy sprouts taste delicious next to the crispy steak coating.

Spinach Salad

A spinach salad offers a refreshing, lighter side for your chicken fried steak dinner. Spinach leaves tossed with bacon, eggs, mushrooms and a warm bacon dressing perfectly balance the heavy fried steak.

Hush Puppies

These bite-sized fried cornmeal dumplings pair fabulously with chicken fried steak. Hushpuppies offer a crispy outside and fluffy interior with bursts of sweet corn flavor. Fry them up to enjoy alongside your steak and gravy.

Baked Beans

No chicken fried steak dinner would be complete without baked beans. These sweet, smokey beans in tomato sauce marry well with the rich flavors of the fried meat. Try beans kicked up with spices and brown sugar.

French Fries

Sometimes nothing will do but a heaping pile of fresh french fries. The hot, salty fries pair perfectly with chicken fried steak for the ultimate comfort food feast. Fry them up crispy or bake them for a lower-fat option.

Coleslaw

For the perfect crunch and tang, crispy coleslaw is an ideal match for chicken fried steak. Shredded veggies like carrots and cabbage tossed in a mayo or vinegar dressing will cut through the richness of the fried meat.