If you're looking for a filling and satisfying meal, chicken fried steak might be just the thing you need. And at 320 calories per 126-gram piece, it's not too bad for your waistline either!
But what about the other nutritional information? Let's take a closer look at the fat content, carbohydrates, protein content, cholesterol, sodium, iron and calcium content, vitamin C content and fiber in a typical serving of chicken fried steak.
Whether you're trying to eat healthier or just curious about what you're putting into your body, this article will give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about whether chicken fried steak is right for you.
Calories
As mentioned in the introduction, one piece of chicken fried steak typically contains about 320 calories. This may seem like a lot, but if it's part of a well-balanced meal and you're not overeating, it can be a reasonable amount of calories for a lunch or dinner option.
Fat Content
Unfortunately, chicken fried steak is not known for being a low-fat option. One piece can contain up to 18 grams of fat, with 7 grams of saturated fat. This is about 28% of your recommended daily intake of fat and 35% of your recommended daily intake of saturated fat, so it's something to be aware of if you're watching your fat intake.
Carbohydrates
A typical serving of chicken fried steak contains about 16 grams of carbohydrates. This is not too bad, but keep in mind that this can easily add up if you're having other carb-heavy sides or drinks with your meal.
Protein Content
On the bright side, chicken fried steak is a good source of protein. One piece contains about 22 grams of protein. This is about 44% of your recommended daily intake of protein, so it's a great option if you're looking to build muscle or simply want to stay fuller for longer.
Cholesterol
One potential downside of chicken fried steak is its cholesterol content. One piece can contain up to 95 milligrams of cholesterol. This is about 32% of your recommended daily intake of cholesterol, so it's something to be mindful of if you're trying to manage your cholesterol levels.
Sodium
Chicken fried steak can also be high in sodium, with one typical serving containing up to 955 milligrams of sodium. This is about 41% of your recommended daily intake of sodium, so if you're watching your sodium intake or have high blood pressure, be sure to take this into account.
Iron Content
One area where chicken fried steak excels is in its iron content. One piece can contain up to 2.6 milligrams of iron. This is about 14% of your recommended daily intake of iron, making it a good option if you're looking to boost your iron intake.
Calcium Content
Unfortunately, chicken fried steak is not a great source of calcium. One piece typically contains less than 1% of your recommended daily intake of calcium. So if you're looking to boost your calcium intake, you'll need to find other sources.
Vitamin C Content
As with calcium, chicken fried steak is not known for its vitamin C content. One piece typically contains less than 1% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C. So if you're looking to boost your vitamin C intake, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Fiber
Finally, chicken fried steak is not a great source of fiber. One piece typically contains less than 1 gram of fiber. If you're looking to boost your fiber intake, you'll need to pair your chicken fried steak with high-fiber sides or add other fiber-rich foods to your diet.
5 FAQs about Chicken Fried Steak
1. What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken Fried Steak is a dish that consists of a tenderized piece of beef that is coated in seasoned flour and then fried until crispy. It is typically served with gravy and sides such as mashed potatoes and vegetables. Despite its name, Chicken Fried Steak does not contain any chicken.
2. How many calories are in Chicken Fried Steak?
A 126-gram serving of Chicken Fried Steak contains 320 calories. However, this number may vary depending on how the dish is prepared and what ingredients are used.
3. Is Chicken Fried Steak a healthy option?
Chicken Fried Steak is not considered a healthy meal due to its high calorie and fat content. It is a dish that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
4. Can Chicken Fried Steak be made with a different type of meat?
Yes, Chicken Fried Steak can be made with different types of meat such as pork or venison. However, beef is the most common type of meat used for this dish.
5. What are some alternatives to traditional gravy for Chicken Fried Steak?
Some alternatives to traditional gravy for Chicken Fried Steak include mushroom gravy, onion gravy, and peppercorn sauce. These alternatives can add a different flavor profile to the dish and provide a unique dining experience.