If you have some frozen chicken fried steaks in your freezer and you’re wondering how to cook them, look no further! Cooking frozen chicken fried steak is a simple process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps to prepare a mouthwatering meal that your whole family will love.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken fried steaks cook evenly and come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Step 2: Prepare a Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Place the frozen chicken fried steaks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each piece for them to cook evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken Fried Steaks

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken fried steaks for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them once halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning on both sides.

Tip: If you prefer a crispier texture, you can spray the chicken fried steaks with cooking spray before baking them.

Once the chicken fried steaks are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes and green beans, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Now you know how to cook frozen chicken fried steaks! This quick and easy method allows you to enjoy this classic comfort food within minutes. So next time you have frozen chicken fried steaks on hand, give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort.

Preparing the Frozen Chicken Fried Steak

Before cooking the frozen chicken fried steak, it’s important to properly thaw and season it. Here are the steps to prepare it:

  1. Remove the frozen chicken fried steak from its packaging and place it on a plate.
  2. Thaw the steak in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight until completely thawed. This will ensure even cooking.
  3. Once thawed, pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  4. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This will help enhance the flavor.
  5. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will help it cook more evenly.

Following these steps will ensure that your frozen chicken fried steak is properly prepared and ready to be cooked to perfection.

Thawing the Steak

Before you can start cooking your frozen chicken fried steak, you need to thaw it properly. Thawing the steak is essential to ensure that it cooks evenly and thoroughly. There are a few methods you can use to thaw the steak:

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1. Refrigerator Thawing

The best and safest way to thaw your frozen chicken fried steak is to place it in the refrigerator. Simply transfer the steak from the freezer to a plate or a dish, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing method helps maintain the quality and texture of the steak.

2. Cold Water Thawing

If you need to thaw the steak quickly, you can use the cold water thawing method. Fill a large bowl or basin with cold water and submerge the sealed package of frozen chicken fried steak in the water. Make sure the package is watertight to prevent any water from seeping in. Change the water every 30 minutes to maintain its cold temperature. It usually takes about 1 hour to thaw a 1-pound steak using this method.

Remember to avoid using hot water to thaw your steak, as this can cause uneven thawing and lead to bacterial growth. Additionally, once the steak is thawed, do not refreeze it as this can affect its texture and quality.

Seasoning the Steak

Before cooking frozen chicken fried steak, it is important to season the steak properly to enhance its flavor. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season your frozen chicken fried steak:

Ingredients:

  • 1 frozen chicken fried steak
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Remove the frozen chicken fried steak from its packaging.
  2. Place the steak on a clean plate or cutting board.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the steak. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat, ensuring it is well-coated.
  5. Allow the seasoned steak to rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and penetrate the meat.

By properly seasoning the frozen chicken fried steak, you will be able to infuse it with delicious flavors that will complement the crispy exterior once it is cooked. This step is crucial in creating a well-seasoned and flavorful dish.

Recommended seasoning for frozen chicken fried steak
Ingredient Measurement
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Paprika 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon

Breading the Chicken Fried Steak

Before cooking the frozen chicken fried steak, it is important to properly bread it. Follow these steps to ensure a crispy and delicious coating:

  1. Set up your breading station by preparing three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat eggs together with a splash of milk. In the third dish, combine bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you desire.
  2. Take a frozen chicken fried steak and dip it into the flour, coating both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
  3. Dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, making sure to fully coat it. Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off.
  4. Transfer the steak to the bread crumb mixture and press gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to both sides of the steak.
  5. Repeat the dipping process for each steak, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
  6. Place the breaded chicken fried steaks on a baking sheet and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This will help the breading to set and adhere better during cooking.
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Once you have breaded all of the chicken fried steaks, they are ready to be cooked. Follow the cooking instructions provided on the packaging or cook them according to your preferred method. Enjoy!

Preparing the Breading Mixture

To achieve a crispy and delicious coating for your frozen chicken fried steak, you’ll need to prepare a breading mixture. Here’s how:

1. Gather the Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients handy:

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano

Having these ingredients measured out and ready to use will help streamline the breading process.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a shallow dish or bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients listed above. Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. This will ensure that all the seasonings and flavors are evenly distributed.

Note: Feel free to adjust the seasoning measurements according to your taste preferences.

3. Coat the Chicken Fried Steak

Now that your breading mixture is ready, it’s time to coat the frozen chicken fried steak. Take each frozen steak and dip it into the breading mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure a good coating. Flip the steak and repeat the process to coat the other side.

Tip: For an extra crispy texture, you can repeat the dipping and coating process a second time.

Once you’ve coated all the steaks, you’re ready to move on to the cooking process. Make sure to follow the necessary cooking instructions based on your preferred cooking method.

Coating the Steak

Coating the frozen chicken fried steak is an essential step in creating the delicious crispy outer layer. Here’s how you can do it:

Gather the Ingredients

Before coating the steak, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients handy:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Tip: You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. If you like it spicy, you can add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating mixture.

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Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. This will be used as the wet mixture for coating the steak.

Coat the Steak

Take a frozen chicken fried steak and dip it into the egg and milk mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess mixture to drip off.

Transfer the steak to the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating to the steak. Flip the steak and repeat the process to ensure an even coating on both sides.

Note: If desired, you can repeat the dipping and coating process for a thicker crust on the steak.

Once coated, set the steak aside on a plate and repeat the process for the remaining steaks.

That’s it! Your frozen chicken fried steaks are now ready to be cooked. You can proceed to the cooking instructions or store the coated steaks in the freezer for later use.

FAQ

What is frozen chicken fried steak?

Frozen chicken fried steak is a breaded and seasoned piece of chicken that is pre-cooked and then frozen. It is usually made from tenderized and breaded beef cutlets, but chicken can also be used.

Can I cook frozen chicken fried steak in the oven?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken fried steak in the oven. Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature, place the frozen steak on a baking sheet, and cook it for the specified time. Make sure to flip it halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

How long does it take to cook frozen chicken fried steak in the oven?

The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken fried steak, as well as the oven temperature. However, a general guideline is to cook it for about 20-30 minutes at around 375°F (190°C). It’s always best to check for doneness with a meat thermometer before serving.

Can I fry frozen chicken fried steak?

Yes, you can fry frozen chicken fried steak. Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to around 350°F (175°C) and carefully add the frozen steak. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels before serving.

What should I serve with frozen chicken fried steak?

Frozen chicken fried steak pairs well with classic comfort food sides such as mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and biscuits. You can also serve it with a side salad or coleslaw for a lighter meal option.