Texas-style chicken fried steak, a beloved Southern comfort food, has found its way to the bustling culinary scene of Chicago. This iconic dish, featuring a tenderized beef steak coated in seasoned breading and fried to golden perfection, has captured the hearts and taste buds of many Chicagoans.
For those seeking authentic Texas-style chicken fried steak in the Windy City, this guide provides valuable insights into where to find the best versions of this Southern classic. From traditional diners to upscale restaurants, Chicago offers a variety of options for indulging in this hearty and satisfying meal, often accompanied by creamy gravy and classic side dishes.
1) Lou Mitchell’s Classic
Lou Mitchell’s has been a Chicago institution since 1923. Located at 565 W. Jackson Blvd., this iconic diner serves up hearty American fare with a side of nostalgia.
While not specifically known for Texas-style chicken fried steak, Lou Mitchell’s offers classic comfort food that captures the essence of American diners. Their menu features golden fried chicken, which has garnered praise from patrons.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality is evident in their use of fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. Diners can expect generous portions and a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Route 66 eateries.
Lou Mitchell’s has received recognition from the MICHELIN Guide, cementing its status as a must-visit Chicago establishment. The restaurant’s enduring popularity is a testament to its consistency and dedication to traditional American cuisine.
Visitors to Lou Mitchell’s can expect a slice of Chicago history alongside their meal. The restaurant’s longevity and reputation make it a worthwhile stop for those seeking authentic American dining experiences in the Windy City.
2) Big Jones’ Southern Comfort
Big Jones brings a taste of Southern comfort to Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. This restaurant specializes in cuisine from New Orleans and the Carolina Lowcountry, offering a fresh take on traditional Southern dishes.
The menu features award-winning fried chicken, a standout dish prepared with a unique blend of fats. The chicken is fried in a mixture of leaf lard, ham drippings, and clarified butter, then coated in a highly seasoned cornmeal dredge.
Diners can also sample other Southern staples like fried green tomatoes. The restaurant’s commitment to using local, seasonal, and organic ingredients adds a contemporary twist to classic recipes.
Big Jones serves lunch and dinner daily, with brunch available on weekends. The breakfast offerings are particularly noteworthy, with items like the Simple Southern Breakfast featuring a buttermilk biscuit.
While the main dishes receive high praise, some diners note that certain sides may not meet expectations. The restaurant’s ambiance is described as charming, contributing to the overall Southern dining experience.
3) Bub City Chic Picnic
Bub City in Chicago offers a unique twist on the traditional picnic experience. This popular restaurant brings Texas-style flavors to the Windy City with a chic, urban flair.
While Bub City is known for its barbecue offerings, they’ve created a special picnic-style dining option for those seeking a casual yet sophisticated meal. Guests can enjoy a selection of smoked meats and classic sides packed in a convenient to-go format.
The picnic menu features some of Bub City’s signature items. Patrons can savor the 18-hour beef brisket, Carolina-style pulled pork, and St. Louis-style BBQ ribs. These are complemented by sides like coleslaw and mac and cheese.
For those preferring poultry, Bub City’s fried chicken is a standout choice. The crispy, flavorful chicken pairs well with their house-made sauces and accompaniments.
The Bub City Chic Picnic concept allows diners to experience the restaurant’s ambiance in outdoor settings. It’s an ideal option for enjoying Chicago’s parks or lakefront on pleasant days.
4) Parson’s Chicken & Fish Plate
Parson’s Chicken & Fish in Chicago offers a unique twist on classic Southern fare. While not strictly a Texas-style chicken fried steak, their menu features a variety of crispy, fried delights that capture a similar spirit.
The restaurant specializes in fried chicken and fish, with a focus on quality ingredients and bold flavors. Their hot chicken sandwich has gained popularity, featuring a fried chicken breast topped with slaw, American cheese, and a secret recipe hot sauce.
Parson’s has multiple locations in Chicago, including Logan Square and Lincoln Park. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, perfect for enjoying comfort food with friends.
Open daily, Parson’s serves lunch and dinner, with extended hours on weekends. They offer both dine-in and takeout options, catering to various customer preferences.
While chicken fried steak may not be their signature dish, Parson’s commitment to fried foods and Southern-inspired cuisine makes it a worthy stop for those exploring Chicago’s diverse culinary landscape.
5) The Delta’s Sip & Swine
The Delta’s Sip & Swine brings a taste of Texas to Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. This Southern-inspired restaurant offers a standout chicken fried steak that captures the essence of the Lone Star State.
Their version features a tenderized beef cutlet coated in a crispy, well-seasoned batter. The meat is fried to golden perfection, achieving the ideal balance of crunch and tenderness.
Accompanying the steak is a rich cream gravy, generously ladled over the top. This velvety sauce complements the crispy exterior and adds depth to each bite.
The Delta serves their chicken fried steak with classic Southern sides. Diners can expect options like creamy mashed potatoes, collard greens, or mac and cheese to round out the meal.
The restaurant’s rustic decor and welcoming atmosphere enhance the dining experience. Patrons can enjoy their meal in a setting that evokes the charm of a Texas roadhouse.
With its commitment to authentic flavors and generous portions, The Delta’s Sip & Swine has become a go-to spot for Chicagoans craving a genuine Texas-style chicken fried steak.
6) Wishbone’s Fixins
Wishbone Restaurant in Chicago offers a taste of Southern comfort food, including their take on chicken fried steak. This family-owned establishment has been serving Chicagoans since 1990.
Wishbone’s chicken fried steak comes with a crispy, golden-brown breading that encases a tender cut of beef. The dish is typically served with a generous ladling of creamy gravy, adding richness to each bite.
Side dishes at Wishbone complement the main course well. Diners can expect classic Southern accompaniments like mashed potatoes, collard greens, or macaroni and cheese.
The restaurant’s atmosphere reflects its Southern roots, with colorful artwork adorning the walls. Wishbone’s popularity among locals and visitors alike speaks to the quality of their comfort food offerings.
While not strictly Texas-style, Wishbone’s version of chicken fried steak provides a satisfying option for those craving this Southern staple in Chicago. The restaurant’s longevity in the competitive Chicago dining scene attests to the appeal of their menu.
7) L. Woods Steak Escape
L. Woods Steak Escape offers a unique take on Texas-style chicken fried steak in Chicago. This rustic-chic restaurant brings a taste of the Lone Star State to the Midwest.
Their chicken fried steak is a standout dish, featuring a tender cut of beef pounded thin and coated in a crispy, well-seasoned breading. The steak is fried to golden perfection, achieving the ideal balance of crunch and juiciness.
Served with creamy mashed potatoes and smothered in peppery white gravy, L. Woods’ version stays true to Texas traditions. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring diners leave satisfied.
The restaurant’s warm, woodsy atmosphere complements the hearty meal. Diners can enjoy their chicken fried steak in a cozy setting reminiscent of a log cabin.
L. Woods Steak Escape also offers other Texas-inspired dishes to round out the menu. Patrons can pair their meal with a selection from the restaurant’s impressive whiskey list or a cold beer.
8) Frontier’s Homestyle Fry
Frontier’s Homestyle Fry brings a taste of Texas to the heart of Chicago. This rustic eatery offers a hearty chicken fried steak that captures the essence of Southern comfort food.
The chefs at Frontier’s use premium cuts of beef, pounded thin and coated in a seasoned flour mixture. Each steak is fried to golden perfection, achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and smothered in peppery gravy, Frontier’s chicken fried steak delivers an authentic Texan experience. The portion sizes are generous, staying true to the “everything’s bigger in Texas” motto.
Frontier’s pays attention to detail, ensuring each component of the dish shines. The gravy is made from scratch, using pan drippings for added depth of flavor. Fresh seasonal vegetables round out the plate, providing a balanced meal.
The restaurant’s ambiance complements the food, with rustic decor and friendly service that makes diners feel right at home. Frontier’s Homestyle Fry has become a favorite among Chicago locals and visitors seeking a genuine taste of Texas-style chicken fried steak.
9) Publican’s Hot Chicken Fry
Publican’s Hot Chicken Fry offers a unique twist on the classic Texas-style chicken fried steak in Chicago. This dish combines elements of traditional chicken fried steak with Nashville hot chicken flavors.
The chefs at Publican start with a tender cube steak, pounding it thin and coating it in a seasoned flour mixture. They then fry the steak to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
What sets Publican’s version apart is the spicy kick. After frying, the steak is brushed with a fiery hot oil blend, infusing it with bold, Nashville-inspired heat. The level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.
Served alongside the hot chicken fry is a cooling buttermilk ranch dressing, providing a creamy contrast to the spicy meat. A side of pickles adds a tangy crunch to balance out the flavors.
Publican’s Hot Chicken Fry exemplifies the restaurant’s innovative approach to classic dishes. It offers diners a chance to experience a fusion of Texas and Nashville culinary traditions right in the heart of Chicago.
10) Kitchen 17 Country Special
Kitchen 17 offers a unique take on the classic Texas-style chicken fried steak in Chicago. Their Country Special features a plant-based alternative that caters to vegetarian and vegan diners seeking the comfort food experience.
The dish consists of a seitan-based “steak” that is breaded and fried to achieve a crispy exterior. It’s served with a creamy mushroom gravy that complements the texture of the mock meat.
Side dishes typically include mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, staying true to the traditional presentation of chicken fried steak. The portion size is generous, making it a satisfying meal for hungry patrons.
Kitchen 17’s interpretation of this Southern classic demonstrates the versatility of plant-based cooking. It provides an option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences who still want to enjoy the flavors and textures associated with chicken fried steak.
While not a traditional rendition, the Country Special at Kitchen 17 offers a creative spin on the dish. It appeals to a broader audience in Chicago’s diverse culinary scene.
History of Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak has deep roots in Texas cuisine, evolving from humble beginnings to become an iconic dish. Its journey reflects the cultural influences and culinary traditions that shaped Texan food.
Origins and Evolution
The exact origins of chicken fried steak are debated, but most agree it emerged in Texas during the late 19th or early 20th century. German and Austrian immigrants likely influenced its creation, bringing schnitzel-making techniques to the region.
The dish adapted to local tastes and available ingredients. Cooks used cheaper, tougher cuts of beef, tenderizing them through pounding and frying. This method made the meat more palatable and stretched limited resources.
Early recipes appeared in print by the 1920s. The Los Angeles Times published one in 1924, while the Household Searchlight Recipe Book featured it in 1949. These publications helped spread its popularity beyond Texas borders.
Traditional vs. Modern Twists
Traditional chicken fried steak adheres to simple preparation methods. Cooks pound beef cutlets, dredge them in seasoned flour, dip in egg wash, and fry until golden. Cream gravy, a staple accompaniment, completes the classic presentation.
Regional variations developed over time. Central Texas versions resemble schnitzel more closely. East Texas interpretations feature thicker, richer breading. West Texas cooks specialize in a distinctive cowboy-style preparation.
Modern chefs experiment with upscale ingredients and techniques. Some use higher-quality cuts of meat or add gourmet touches to the gravy. Despite these innovations, many Texans prefer the traditional, home-cooked versions associated with family meals and comfort food.
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the art of Texas-style chicken fried steak requires attention to key cooking techniques. Selecting the proper cut of meat and perfecting the breading and frying process are essential for achieving that crispy, flavorful result.
Choosing the Right Cut
The ideal cut for chicken fried steak is cube steak, which is tenderized round steak. This cut is affordable and already partially tenderized, making it perfect for this dish. If cube steak is unavailable, top round or bottom round can be used.
These cuts should be pounded thin to about 1/4 inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and helps tenderize the meat further. A meat mallet or the edge of a heavy plate can be used for this process.
Trim excess fat from the edges of the steak before pounding. This prevents curling during frying and promotes even cooking.
Bread Crumbing and Frying
The breading process is crucial for achieving the signature crispy exterior. Start by setting up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
- Seasoned flour
- Beaten eggs mixed with milk
- Seasoned flour again
Dredge the steak in flour, then egg mixture, then flour again. Press the flour into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
Heat oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the steak. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. Avoid paper towels, which can make the bottom soggy. Serve immediately with gravy for the authentic Texas experience.