- Chicken broth (for thickening and flavoring the gravy)
- Unsalted butter (for enriching the sauce)
- Flour (used to thicken the gravy, crucial ingredient)
- Thyme (optional herb for a subtle aroma)
- Black pepper (finely ground, for extra depth of flavor)
Steps
### Baked Chicken Fried Steak with Mushroom Gravy
**Ingredients:**
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3/4 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 3 cups all-purpose breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or use cooking spray)
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### Preparing the Chicken:
1. **Flatten the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until it's about 1/4 inch thick.
2. **Season the Chicken:** Mix flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
#### Baking:
3. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
4. **Fry or Bake Chicken:** If you prefer frying, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Alternatively, place the coated chicken breasts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
#### Making Mushroom Gravy:
5. **Cook Mushrooms:** In the same skillet used for frying or after removing it from the oven, add sliced mushrooms and cook over medium heat until they release their moisture and start to brown (about 5-7 minutes).
6. **Make the Gravy:** Add butter, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir well and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
#### Serving:
7. **Combine and Serve:** Slice each chicken breast into thin strips and serve over the mushroom gravy. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme if desired.
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By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious baked chicken fried steak with mushroom gravy that's perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cooking!