Serve Chicken Fried Steak alongside Mac 'n' Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, BBQ Sauce, Coleslaw, and Oven-Roasted Veggies.
Mac 'n' Cheese
This is an American household classic.
For a lighter option, try Oven-Roasted Veggies. Oven-Roasted Veggies
Oven-roasted veggies are the perfect side dish; not just for steak but for any type of meat or fish.
Chicken fried steak-a comfort food classic that sings of home and heartiness.
Now, we've all got our favorite way to cook up this crispy, juicy delight, haven't we?
It's that perfect centerpiece for a down-to-earth meal, making every dinner feel like a special occasion.
But here's the kicker: what sides do you pair with it to make the meal truly unforgettable?
Sure, it's stellar on its own, but the right companions on that plate can improve it from great to downright legendary.
We've scoured kitchens far and wide to bring you the top 7 side dishes that do just that.
7 Classic Sides for Chicken Fried Steak
1 - Mac 'n' Cheese
This is an American household classic.
Mac 'n' cheese is traditionally a blend of macaroni pasta and cheddar cheese.
It is not a dish that will keep your health in check but, hey.
Southern food is all about soul food.
You can take a bite of the chicken fried steak and then follow it up with a spoonful of the creamy mac 'n' cheese as your heart warms up to the combo - or explore chili mac side ideas if a spicier riff appeals.
Just make sure not to snack on them too much as they are on the fatty side of nutrition.
2 - Mashed Potatoes
How can we not list our all-time favorite with steak dinners, the famous mashed potatoes.
Mashed together with the goodness of the butter, milk, salt and pepper, and garnished with herbs, it is a perfect pairing with the chicken-fried steak.
The creaminess goes with the texture of the steak very well and improves the whole dinner experience.
It's a very simple dish to prepare.
You can also try to make other versions of mashed potatoes at home - like mashed cauliflower side swaps for a lighter take.
3 - BBQ Sauce
A good barbecue sauce is a necessary pairing when it comes to any kind of steak.
A steak is incomplete without the sauce.
You can drizzle the sauce all over that huge chunk of meat and devour it with mighty satisfaction.
Don't worry about getting your hands and mouth dirty because there is no other way of eating such heavenly food.
It can be on the sweeter side or it can be on the spicy side.
You choose your barbecue sauce whichever way you like it - for plant-forward pairings, see BBQ tofu side ideas that balance sweet and smoky flavors.
4 - Coleslaw
Coleslaw is one of the most refreshing salad dressings you can have for a steak feast.
If you don't prefer heavy sides like mac 'n' cheese, then you've got to go for this choice.
It is a blend of finely sliced cabbage, carrots etc., with a drizzle of vinaigrette or mayonnaise.
It is light and refreshing. Just the perfect side dish for a steak that's heavily fried in oil.
You can easily prepare coleslaw at home with just a few ingredients, and for tips on keeping it fresh see coleslaw shelf-life tips.
5 - Oven-Roasted Veggies
Oven-roasted veggies are the perfect side dish; not just for steak but for any type of meat or fish.
You just have to chop up the veggies of your choice, put them in a steel sheet, drizzle some olive oil.
Add pinches of salt and black pepper to improve the flavors of the veggies.
The roasted veggies give out a little burnt flavor which goes amazingly well with chicken fried steak.
Potatoes, asparagus, beans, bell peppers, onions etc., are just amazing and filling too.
6 - Stir Fried Green Beans
Green beans add a healthy option to a steak feast - and similar quick veg preparations appear in stir fry side dish ideas for fast, flavorful greens.
They are easy to prepare and go very well with the steak, mashed potatoes and sauce.
Add some oil in a hot frying pan and then toss the beans and stir-fry them till they have a little bit of blistering on their skin.
Add some salt to taste and then they are ready to much on.
You can also chop up some green chilies into tiny circles and toss them in if you are on the spicier side of food.
That will give you some heat to accompany your palate.
You should eat your greens. That will totally help you balance out the carbs and calories from the other dishes.
7 - Classic Blue Wedge Salad
A classic blue wedge is a salad that uses Iceberg lettuce as its base.
You cut out a quarter of lettuce and then you add the toppings of your choice on the Iceberg lettuce.
The main toppings are blue cheese, tomatoes, vinegar, honey etc.
You get the crunchiness of its texture and the funkiness and creaminess of the blue cheese.
The bacon will give it a smoky crunch with a little bit of acidity from the cherry tomatoes and you end up with a fantastic salad.
This is a very traditional salad that goes really great with the chicken fried steak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mac 'n' Cheese This is an American household classic. Mashed Potatoes How can we not list our all-time favorite with steak dinners, the famous mashed potatoes.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
For large groups, go with sides that can be made in big batches and hold well at room temperature. Mac 'n' Cheese This scales up easily.
Grain-based dishes and roasted vegetables stay good on a buffet without becoming soggy.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
Beer-can preparations work well with homestyle sides - beer can chicken side list shows 15 fitting options. Rotisserie birds take similar accompaniments; rotisserie chicken side ideas outlines 15 complementary dishes.