Texas Chicken Fried Steak is a legendary Southern comfort food that deserves an equally legendary lineup of side dishes. Whether you’re throwing a backyard cookout, preparing a family dinner, or planning a feast that brings the heart of Texas to your table, choosing the right-side dishes for Texas Chicken Fried Steak is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we explore 25 irresistible sides that enhance and elevate your crispy, juicy steak like never before.
1. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery, and with just the right touch of tang, buttermilk mashed potatoes are a top-tier side dish for Texas Chicken Fried Steak. The velvety texture pairs beautifully with crunchy steak breading and rich country gravy.
How to Make It: Boil peeled Russet potatoes until fork tender. Mash with a mix of butter, warm buttermilk, and a pinch of garlic powder. For extra richness, fold in a dollop of sour cream.
Pro Tip: Add a pat of butter right before serving for that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
2. Southern-Style Green Beans
Simmered with onions, and a touch of garlic, Southern-style green beans bring a smoky savoriness that balances the richness of fried steak.
How to Make It: In a Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon until crispy, then add chopped onion and garlic. Toss in fresh green beans and simmer in chicken broth until tender.
Why It Works: The salty, smoky flavor profile makes it a natural fit with the crispy texture of Texas Chicken Fried Steak.
3. Jalapeño Cornbread
Cornbread gets a spicy Texas twist with fresh jalapeños baked in. It’s sweet, spicy, and soaks up gravy like a charm.
Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, eggs, creamed corn, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, and buttermilk.
Bake Tip: Use a hot cast-iron skillet for a crispy bottom crust. Pair with honey butter for a heavenly side.
4. Creamed Corn
This sweet, creamy dish contrasts the crispy steak wonderfully. For the best flavor, use fresh-off-the-cob corn when in season.
Quick Recipe: Sauté corn kernels in butter, stir in cream cheese, a splash of heavy cream, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Alt Text: “Side Dishes for Texas Chicken Fried Steak with creamy corn and mashed potatoes”
5. Macaroni and Cheese
A gooey, cheesy Southern classic. The creaminess and saltiness of mac and cheese are ideal for soaking up steak juices.
How to Elevate: Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gouda, and Monterey Jack. Bake with a breadcrumb topping for crunch.
Serve With: A sprinkle of paprika and chopped chives for color and flavor.
6. Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
No Southern meal is complete without collard greens slow cooked with smoky ham hocks. It’s hearty and flavorful, making it an excellent pairing for Texas Chicken Fried Steak.
Cooking Tips: Wash greens thoroughly. Simmer with ham hock, chicken stock, and apple cider vinegar until tender. Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Why It Works: The acidity cuts the heaviness of the steak.
7. Fried Okra
Crunchy, golden bites of fried okra are an iconic Southern side. Dip them in ranch or pair with hot sauce for extra zest.
How to Make It: Toss sliced okra in cornmeal and flour, then deep fry until golden. Season immediately.
Texture Tip: Serve hot and fresh to retain crispiness.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy sweet potatoes topped with brown sugar and pecans provide a sweet foil to the savory main dish.
Optional Add-ons: Mini marshmallows or a splash of bourbon in the mash.
Alt Text: “Sweet potato casserole and cornbread as side dishes for Texas Chicken Fried Steak”
9. Texas Toast
Thick, buttery slices of Texas toast add an extra dimension to your plate. Toast them to golden perfection for maximum crunch.
Pro Tip: Brush with garlic butter before baking for extra flavor.
10. Pickled Jalapeños
Bright, tangy, and spicy, pickled jalapeños cut through the richness of chicken fried steak, offering a vibrant counterpoint.
How to Use: Serve on the side or sprinkle over mashed potatoes.
Storage Tip: Homemade pickled jalapeños stay good for up to 3 months in the fridge.
11. Country Gravy
You can’t talk about side dishes for Texas Chicken Fried Steak without including creamy, peppered country gravy. It ties everything on the plate together.
How to Make It: Whisk flour into pan drippings, then slowly stir in milk. Season generously with black pepper and salt.
Pairing Tip: Use as a sauce over mashed potatoes or Texas toast too.
12. Black-Eyed Peas
A Southern staple said to bring good luck, black-eyed peas are savory, earthy, and deeply satisfying alongside your steak.
Flavor Boost: Sauté with onions, garlic, and a smoked turkey leg or ham bone for extra richness.
Serving Idea: Serve with a splash of hot vinegar sauce.
13. Deviled Eggs
These creamy, tangy bites are perfect as a chilled contrast to hot, crispy chicken fried steak.
Recipe Tips: Mix egg yolks with mayo, mustard, sweet relish, and paprika. Pipe for a clean presentation.
Alt Text: “Deviled eggs and greens plated as side dishes for Texas Chicken Fried Steak”
14. Cucumber Onion Salad
A light, crisp salad made of thinly sliced cucumbers and onions marinated in vinegar is a refreshing contrast to fried steak.
Quick Pickle: Marinate cucumbers and onions in apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and dill.
Why It Works: Cuts the fat with fresh acidity and crunch.
15. Baked Beans
Smoky, sweet baked beans pair beautifully with Texas Chicken Fried Steak. They bring bold flavors and a creamy texture to the table.
Add-Ons: Brown sugar, molasses, and a touch of mustard.
Serving Suggestion: Top with extra crispy bacon crumbles for added depth.
16. Pimento Cheese Grits
This creamy, cheesy Southern specialty is elevated with pimento cheese, creating a rich base that complements crispy steak perfectly.
Pro Tip: Use stone-ground grits and cook low and slow for the creamiest texture.
17. Skillet-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts in a cast iron skillet adds irresistible charred edges and flavor.
Flavor Pairing: Toss with bacon crumbles or a balsamic glaze.
18. Southern Corn Pudding
Sweet, soft, and slightly custardy, corn pudding balances the crispy texture of Texas Chicken Fried Steak.
Simple Ingredients: Eggs, cream, sugar, butter, and whole-kernel corn.
Serving Suggestion: Sprinkle with cracked black pepper for a savory finish.
19. Loaded Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad with bacon, cheddar, and green onions adds hearty flavor and texture contrast.
Pro Tip: Use red potatoes for firmness and skip peeling for rustic texture.
20. Southern Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits are essential for any Southern meal, especially one with Texas Chicken Fried Steak.
How to Get Flaky Layers: Use cold butter, fold the dough, and don’t overwork it.
Serve With: Honey butter or sausage gravy.
21. Grilled Asparagus
Charred asparagus adds a crisp, green element that lightens up your steak plate.
Seasoning Tip: Olive oil, sea salt, cracked pepper, and lemon juice.
22. Apple Slaw
A crunchy apple slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and tart green apples gives a sweet and tangy freshness.
23. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Roasted carrots with honey, butter, and thyme add a bright, sweet touch to your hearty meal.
24. Garlic Butter Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli with garlic butter adds depth, a bit of crunch, and earthy flavor.
Pro Tip: Roast at high heat for crispy edges, then finish with lemon zest.
25. Creamy Cabbage Slaw
Creamy slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a mayo-based dressing adds tang and crunch.
A Brief History of Texas Chicken Fried Steak and Its Beloved Side Dishes
Few dishes capture the heart and soul of Texas comfort food quite like Chicken Fried Steak. With its crispy, golden-brown breading, tender beef center, and rich cream gravy, this iconic Southern dish is believed to have originated from German and Austrian immigrants who brought their tradition of Wiener Schnitzel to Texas in the 19th century. Over time, local cooks adapted it using affordable cuts of beef, a cast-iron skillet, and a hearty dose of Southern flair, giving birth to what we now proudly call Texas Chicken Fried Steak.
As the dish grew in popularity, so did the tradition of serving it with bold and flavorful side dishes. From buttery mashed potatoes to spicy Southern greens, these sides weren’t just accompaniments—they became essential components of a truly satisfying Southern meal. Today, the pairing of chicken fried steak with the perfect lineup of sides represents more than just food; it symbolizes hospitality, tradition, and the rich culinary heritage of the Lone Star State.
In this roundup, we celebrate this iconic dish by highlighting 25 delicious, irresistible side dishes that will elevate your next Texas chicken fried steak feast and make your taste buds sing with joy.
Final Thoughts on the Best Side Dishes for Texas Chicken Fried Steak
When it comes to creating an unforgettable Southern meal, the right-side dishes for Texas Chicken Fried Steak make all the difference. From creamy mashed potatoes and buttery biscuits to tangy pickled jalapeños and crispy fried okra, these 25 sides bring bold flavors, rich textures, and authentic comfort to your table.
Whether you’re hosting a Texas-style dinner or craving a soul-satisfying plate, pairing your steak with any of these sides guarantees a meal your family and guests will rave about. Don’t be afraid to mix classics with creative twists — the perfect bite might be just one spoonful away.
Hungry for more? Dive into our related recipes above or check out additional inspiration from trusted Southern cooking experts. Whatever you choose, your plate of Texas Chicken Fried Steak just found its perfect match.