KFC’s country-fried steak is not made from beef. It is made from chicken breast that has been breaded and fried to resemble fried steak. While traditional country-fried steak is made from cubed beef round or other beef cuts, KFC’s version uses 100% white meat chicken for a lighter and healthier take on this Southern classic.
What is KFC country-fried steak made from?
The main ingredient in KFC’s country-fried steak is chicken breast. The chicken is marinated, breaded with KFC’s signature blend of seasonings, then deep fried. The breading helps provide the texture and appearance of traditional fried steak made from beef.
Here are the basic ingredients in KFC country-fried steak:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Seasoned flour breading
- Canola oil for frying
The chicken is the star of the dish. Using white meat chicken helps reduce the fat and calories compared to fried steak made from beef. The seasoned breading provides crunch and flavor. Overall, KFC’s version has a lighter, healthier nutritional profile than beef-based country-fried steak.
Why does KFC use chicken instead of beef?
There are a few reasons why KFC uses chicken breast rather than beef for their country-fried steak:
- Cost – Chicken breast is generally cheaper than high quality cuts of beef.
- Health – Chicken breast has less fat and calories than beef.
- Flavor – The mild flavor of chicken works well with KFC’s signature 11 herbs and spices breading.
- Texture – Chicken breast can be cooked to a tender, steak-like texture.
By using chicken instead of beef, KFC can offer a lower cost, lighter alternative to traditional country-fried steak. The chicken’s mild flavor allows the seasoning blend to shine.
How does KFC prepare and cook the country-fried steak?
KFC uses a process of marinating, breading, and frying to transform chicken breast into country-fried steak:
- The chicken breast is marinated in buttermilk to tenderize it.
- The breast is then coated in seasoned flour to adhere the breading.
- The breaded chicken is fried in canola oil until golden brown and crispy.
Frying is the key cooking method. The high heat of frying:
- Browns the exterior breading to a crispy texture.
- Seals in the juices and flavors of the chicken.
- Cooks the chicken fully until no longer pink inside.
Fried chicken has a different texture and flavor profile from grilled or baked chicken. The frying makes it closer to the tender, juicy properties of fried steak.
How does it compare to traditional country-fried steak?
KFC’s product differs from traditional beef country-fried steak in a few ways:
| KFC Chicken Version | Traditional Beef Version |
|---|---|
| – Boneless chicken breast | – Cubed beef round or other cuts |
| – Lightly seasoned breading | – Heavy breading or gravy |
| – Lower fat | – Higher fat content |
While not identical, KFC’s product mimics the flavor and texture of classic country-fried steak. The use of chicken reduces fat and calories compared to beef-based versions.
Nutritional information
Here are the nutrition facts for KFC country-fried steak (per 3 oz serving):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 16g
As a fried food, KFC’s version is relatively high in fat and calories. However, it has less fat than traditional beef country-fried steak. The protein content from the chicken makes it more filling.
Conclusion
In summary, KFC’s country-fried steak is made from chicken breast rather than beef. This makes it lower in fat and calories compared to traditional versions made from beef. It uses the same breading and frying technique to mimic the crispy outside and tender inside of classic country-fried steak. While not identical, KFC’s unique take provides a lighter and healthier alternative to this classic Southern dish.