Texas-style chicken fried steak has found its way to Montana, bringing a taste of the Lone Star State to the Big Sky Country. This iconic Southern dish combines tender beef with a crispy, flavorful coating that has become beloved far beyond Texas borders.
Montana restaurants are embracing this Texan comfort food classic, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to savor authentic chicken fried steak. The marriage of Texas tradition and Montana hospitality creates a unique dining experience that celebrates the best of both states’ culinary cultures.
1) Buddy’s Steak House Recipe
Buddy’s Steak House in Montana has perfected their Texas-style chicken fried steak recipe. They start with high-quality beef cutlets, pounded thin to ensure tenderness.
The cutlets are dredged in seasoned flour, dipped in buttermilk, and coated again with flour. This double-breading technique creates a crispy, golden crust.
Buddy’s fries the steaks in hot oil until perfectly golden brown. They’re then topped with a rich, peppery cream gravy made from pan drippings.
The restaurant serves their chicken fried steak with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. Diners can also opt for Texas-inspired additions such as jalapeño cornbread.
Buddy’s pays attention to detail in their preparation. They use a blend of spices in their flour mixture, including paprika and garlic powder, to enhance flavor.
The result is a taste of Texas in the heart of Montana. Buddy’s chicken fried steak offers a crispy exterior, tender interior, and savory gravy that transports diners to the Lone Star State.
2) Sage Creek’s Crispy Delight
Sage Creek Restaurant in Montana has perfected the art of Texas-style chicken fried steak. Their crispy version pays homage to the Lone Star State’s beloved dish while incorporating local flavors.
The chefs at Sage Creek start with tender cuts of beef, pounded thin and seasoned with a blend of spices. They coat the meat in a mixture of flour, eggs, and milk, creating a crispy golden crust when fried.
What sets Sage Creek’s version apart is their use of locally sourced ingredients. Montana-raised beef adds a unique flavor profile to the dish, while locally milled flour contributes to the perfect texture.
The restaurant serves their chicken fried steak with a generous portion of creamy gravy, made from scratch using pan drippings and milk. This rich accompaniment complements the crispy exterior and tender interior of the steak.
Sage Creek’s dedication to quality and attention to detail have made their chicken fried steak a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It offers a taste of Texas with a Montana twist, satisfying cravings for classic comfort food.
3) Big Sky Southern Style
Big Sky, Montana offers a unique blend of Western and Southern cuisines. Local restaurants have embraced the Texas-style chicken fried steak, incorporating it into their menus with a Montana twist.
The Riverhouse, located along the Gallatin River, serves up authentic Texas barbecue with a Montana flair. Their menu features a variety of Southern-inspired dishes, including chicken fried steak.
Other establishments in Big Sky, such as Horn and Cantle and Corral Bar, Steakhouse & Motel, also offer their take on this Southern classic. These eateries combine traditional cooking methods with locally sourced ingredients.
Visitors to Big Sky can savor the crispy, breaded exterior and tender, juicy interior of a well-prepared chicken fried steak. The dish is typically served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.
For those seeking a taste of the South in the heart of Montana, Big Sky’s restaurants deliver. The combination of Southern comfort food and stunning mountain views creates a unique dining experience.
4) Montana’s Own Steakhouse Secret
While Texas-style chicken fried steak has made its way to Montana, local steakhouses have developed their own unique twist on this classic dish. Montana’s version often incorporates locally sourced beef, known for its superior quality and flavor.
Many Montana steakhouses use a special blend of seasonings in their breading, often including herbs native to the region. This adds a distinct Montana flair to the traditionally Texan dish.
The gravy served with Montana’s chicken fried steak frequently features locally produced dairy products, giving it a rich and creamy texture. Some establishments even incorporate wild mushrooms or huckleberries into their gravy for a truly Montana-inspired touch.
Montana steakhouses often serve their chicken fried steak with sides that showcase local produce, such as roasted root vegetables or wild rice pilaf. This combination creates a meal that honors both Texas tradition and Montana’s culinary identity.
The preparation method in Montana sometimes differs slightly from the Texas original. Some chefs opt for a thicker cut of meat or a double-dredging technique to create an extra crispy exterior.
5) Prairie Soul Chicken Fried
Prairie Soul Chicken Fried Steak brings a taste of Texas to the Montana plains. This hearty dish combines traditional Southern cooking techniques with local Montana ingredients.
The steak is tenderized and seasoned with a blend of spices that capture the essence of Texas flavors. A crispy, golden-brown crust envelops the meat, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Montana’s high-quality beef takes center stage in this adaptation of the Lone Star classic. The local cattle, raised on the state’s vast grasslands, provide a rich and flavorful base for the dish.
The accompanying gravy is made from pan drippings, creating a savory sauce that complements the crispy exterior. This gravy often incorporates locally sourced cream and butter, adding a distinctive Montana touch.
Prairie Soul Chicken Fried Steak is typically served with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. Some restaurants offer unique twists, incorporating regional ingredients such as huckleberries or wild mushrooms into the accompaniments.
This dish embodies the cultural exchange between Texas and Montana, blending culinary traditions to create a unique dining experience. It satisfies both locals and visitors seeking authentic Western comfort food.
6) Rocky Mountain Classic
Montana’s culinary scene embraces the Texas-style chicken fried steak, creating a unique Rocky Mountain twist. Local restaurants adapt this Lone Star favorite to suit Big Sky Country tastes.
Chefs in Montana often use locally-sourced beef, ensuring top quality and supporting regional ranchers. The breading may incorporate elements like crushed pine nuts or huckleberry-infused flour for a Montana flair.
Some establishments serve the dish with a side of wild mushroom gravy, blending Texas tradition with Montana’s foraged flavors. Others pair it with roasted root vegetables, reflecting the state’s agricultural bounty.
The Rocky Mountain Classic version might feature a thicker cut of steak, catering to hearty Montana appetites. Seasoning often includes a blend of sage and thyme, herbs native to the region’s mountainous terrain.
This adaptation demonstrates how regional cuisine evolves, combining traditional recipes with local ingredients and preferences. It showcases Montana’s ability to honor culinary traditions while adding its own distinct character.
7) Yellowstone Ranch Special
The Yellowstone Ranch Special brings a taste of Montana to the classic Texas-style chicken fried steak. This hearty dish features a tenderized beef cutlet coated in seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection.
The crispy exterior gives way to a juicy interior, reminiscent of the rugged landscape surrounding the fictional Dutton ranch. A rich, peppery gravy blankets the steak, adding depth and warmth to each bite.
Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and freshly steamed vegetables, this special embodies the spirit of ranch life. The generous portion size reflects the hearty appetites of cowboys and ranchers after a long day’s work.
While not officially featured on the show, this dish captures the essence of Yellowstone’s culinary aesthetic. It combines the best of Texas and Montana flavors, creating a satisfying meal that would be right at home on the Dutton family table.
8) Bison Country Chicken Fried
Montana’s rich bison heritage adds a unique twist to the classic Texas-style chicken fried steak. Restaurants across the state have embraced this fusion, offering chicken fried bison steaks that combine Lone Star traditions with local ingredients.
Bison meat, leaner and more flavorful than beef, provides a distinctive taste to this comfort food favorite. Chefs tenderize thin slices of bison sirloin before coating them in seasoned flour and frying to golden perfection.
The result is a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy bison meat. Many establishments serve this Montana specialty with traditional accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes and pepper gravy.
Some restaurants source their bison from local ranches, supporting sustainable agriculture practices while offering diners an authentic taste of the region. This innovative dish allows visitors to experience both Texas culinary traditions and Montana’s agricultural heritage on one plate.
Chicken fried bison steak has become a popular menu item in diners, steakhouses, and upscale restaurants throughout Montana. It offers a delicious way for food enthusiasts to savor the flavors of two iconic American culinary traditions.
9) Saddle Up Steak Recipe
The Saddle Up Steak Recipe offers a Montana twist on the classic Texas-style chicken fried steak. This hearty dish combines tender beef with a crispy, seasoned coating.
To prepare, select thinly sliced beef cutlets and pound them until they’re about 1/4 inch thick. Season the meat with salt and pepper, then dredge it in flour seasoned with paprika and garlic powder.
Dip the floured cutlets in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk. Coat them again in the seasoned flour for extra crispiness. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels. For the gravy, use the pan drippings, adding flour to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and beef broth, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the steaks hot, smothered in creamy gravy.
10) Duke’s Texas-Montana Fusion
Duke’s restaurant in Montana offers a unique fusion of Texas and Montana flavors in their chicken fried steak dish. The establishment combines traditional Texas-style preparation with locally sourced Montana beef.
The chefs at Duke’s start with tender cuts of Montana-raised beef, pounded thin and coated in a seasoned flour mixture. They fry the steaks to a golden-brown perfection, achieving the signature crispy exterior.
Duke’s puts a Montana twist on the classic cream gravy by incorporating locally foraged herbs. This subtle addition enhances the gravy’s flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s Texas roots.
To complement the main dish, Duke’s serves sides that blend Texan and Montanan influences. Diners can enjoy Montana-grown mashed potatoes alongside Texas-style jalapeño cornbread.
The restaurant’s decor reflects this culinary fusion, featuring both cowboy-inspired artwork and scenic Montana landscapes. Duke’s creates an atmosphere that celebrates the best of both states’ cultures.
Origins of Texas Style Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak emerged as a beloved Texan dish in the early 20th century, combining European culinary techniques with local ingredients and flavors. Its roots can be traced to German and Austrian immigrants who settled in Texas during the 1800s.
Historical Background
The earliest known printed reference to chicken fried steak appeared in a 1920s Texas cookbook called “The Lone Star Cook Book.” This recipe described a pan-fried beef cutlet coated in flour and seasoned with salt and pepper.
The dish likely evolved from Wiener schnitzel, a popular Austrian breaded veal cutlet. German and Austrian immigrants adapted this recipe using locally available beef instead of veal.
Lamesa, a town in Dawson County on the Texas South Plains, claims to be the birthplace of chicken fried steak. They celebrate this culinary heritage with an annual festival.
Cultural Significance
Chicken fried steak has become an iconic symbol of Texan cuisine. It represents the state’s blend of European and American culinary traditions.
The dish’s popularity spread throughout Texas, with regional variations emerging. Central Texas versions closely resemble schnitzel, while East Texas interpretations feature thicker breading.
Texan author Larry McMurtry highlighted the dish’s importance, suggesting that only a “rank degenerate” would drive across Texas without eating chicken fried steak.
Many roadside diners in Texas feature chicken fried steak on their menus, cementing its status as a beloved comfort food and cultural touchstone for Texans.
Montana’s Twist on a Lone Star Classic
Montana puts its own spin on Texas-style chicken fried steak, blending Lone Star tradition with Big Sky Country flair. Local ingredients and culinary creativity give this Southern comfort food a unique Montana essence.
Local Ingredients and Variations
Montana chefs often use locally-sourced beef for their chicken fried steak, typically from grass-fed cattle raised on the state’s vast rangelands. This gives the dish a distinct flavor profile. Some restaurants incorporate huckleberries, a Montana favorite, into their cream gravy for a sweet-tart twist.
Wild game versions are also popular, with elk or bison steaks sometimes replacing beef. These adaptations showcase Montana’s hunting heritage. Many eateries use locally-milled flour for the breading, adding extra crispiness and flavor.
Craft beer batter coatings made with Montana microbrews are gaining popularity as well. This adds depth to the traditional breading.
Popular Restaurants Serving Texas Style Chicken Fried Steak
Several Montana establishments have gained recognition for their Texas-style chicken fried steak:
- The Mint Cafe in Belgrade: Known for its massive, crispy-edged steaks smothered in peppery gravy.
- Roadhouse Diner in Great Falls: Offers a “Montana-sized” portion that often spills over the plate.
- Stacey’s Old Faithful Bar in Gallatin Gateway: Serves a version using local beef and a secret-recipe breading.
These restaurants attract both locals and tourists seeking authentic chicken fried steak with a Montana touch. Many pair the dish with locally-grown sides like Flathead cherry compotes or roasted Montana root vegetables.
Cooking Techniques for Authentic Flavor
Mastering key techniques ensures an authentic Texas-style chicken fried steak experience in Montana. Two crucial elements are achieving the perfect breading and creating complementary gravy pairings.
Breaded Perfection
The breading process starts with selecting the right cut of meat, typically cube steak or tenderized round steak. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with seasoned flour.
Dredge the steak in the plain flour, then dip it in the egg mixture. Finally, coat it in the seasoned flour. Press the coating gently to ensure it adheres well. For extra crispiness, let the breaded steaks rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before frying.
Heat oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Gravy Pairings
A rich, creamy gravy is essential for authentic Texas-style chicken fried steak. Start by reserving 1/4 cup of the frying oil in the skillet. Add 1/4 cup of flour and whisk to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for depth.
For a twist, try a black pepper gravy by adding freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve the gravy generously ladled over the crispy steak. Some chefs offer both traditional and black pepper gravies as options.