Chicken Salisbury Steak Recipe

Chicken Salisbury Steak Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings. Ingredient quantities are based on the original recipe, but cooking times and steps remain the same. Adjust carefully when scaling.

For the Chicken Patties:
  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
  • 8 ounces brown mushrooms, sliced
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onion
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups high-quality chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Directions

  1. In a food processor, combine chicken, breadcrumbs, dry mustard, black pepper, cayenne, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and ketchup. Pulse until coarsely but evenly ground. Transfer to a bowl and press tightly with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
  2. With damp hands, shape the mixture into 4 oval patties about 1/2-inch thick. Generously season both sides with salt.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter stops foaming, add the patties and brown them for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the patties and set aside.
  4. For the sauce, return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add mushrooms with a pinch of salt and saut until browned. Add green onions and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring until the sauce simmers. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Reduce and thicken the sauce for about 4 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat to medium-low and return the chicken patties to the skillet. Baste frequently and cook until the chicken is fully heated through, about 4 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165F (74C).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 496
  • Fat: 31g (40% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 10g (50% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 209mg (70% DV)
  • Sodium: 1142mg (50% DV)
  • Carbohydrates: 25g (9% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% DV)
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 33g (66% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 15mg (17% DV)
  • Calcium: 76mg (6% DV)
  • Iron: 4mg (22% DV)
  • Potassium: 724mg (15% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary depending on ingredient sources. For medically restrictive diets, consult a professional before preparing.

The Story Behind Chicken Salisbury Steak

Chicken Salisbury Steak is a modern twist on the classic Salisbury steak, which was originally created in the late 19th century by Dr. James H. Salisbury, an American physician who advocated a high-protein diet to improve health. The traditional Salisbury steak used ground beef, but over time, cooks began experimenting with other meats, including chicken, to create a lighter, yet equally satisfying, alternative. The chicken version retains the essence of the original dish while offering a milder flavor and leaner protein content, making it a popular choice among health-conscious diners.

Regional Variations and Features

Although Salisbury steak is a staple across the United States, regional variations highlight local ingredients and cooking styles. In the Midwest, the dish often features a rich, creamy mushroom gravy, whereas in the Southern states, it may include a tangy tomato-based sauce. Chicken Salisbury steak tends to be more common in areas where poultry is a dietary mainstay, and it is often served with mashed potatoes or rice and a side of seasonal vegetables. Some chefs incorporate regional spices or herbs, giving the dish a subtle local identity.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While it shares similarities with other ground meat patties, such as hamburgers, meatloaf, or traditional Salisbury steak, Chicken Salisbury Steak is distinct in its preparation and presentation. Unlike a hamburger, it is usually served with a savory pan gravy, rather than ketchup or mustard on a bun. Compared to meatloaf, it is shaped into individual oval patties, making it quicker to cook and easier to serve. The use of chicken instead of beef gives it a lighter texture and less intense flavor, allowing the accompanying mushroom or onion gravy to shine.

Typical Serving Settings

Chicken Salisbury Steak is commonly served in casual home dinners, family-style restaurants, and some American diners. It is often accompanied by mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles, creating a comforting, hearty meal. It is also a popular choice for meal prep and weekday dinners because it cooks relatively quickly and can be paired with a wide range of sides. Some upscale variations may be served with a wine-infused mushroom sauce, giving it a more refined presentation for restaurant menus.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Salisbury Steak

  • The dish gained popularity in the mid-20th century when Salisbury steak appeared in TV dinners, making it a nostalgic comfort food for many Americans.
  • Using chicken instead of beef reduces the saturated fat content by nearly half, making it a healthier option for those watching cholesterol intake.
  • The versatility of the sauceranging from mushroom-based to tomato or even wine reductionsallows chefs to experiment with flavors while keeping the core dish intact.
  • Despite its American roots, similar ground-meat patties exist globally, such as the Japanese hambgu, which is directly inspired by Salisbury steak recipes.
  • Adding a touch of lemon juice, as in some modern recipes, brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the sauce, a small twist that has gained popularity among home cooks.

FAQ about Chicken Salisbury Steak Recipe

Yes, you can use ground chicken as an alternative to chicken breasts or thighs. Many people have successfully substituted ground chicken and found the dish just as delicious.

While Worcestershire sauce adds a distinct flavor to the dish, you can omit it if needed. You can try substituting with soy sauce or another savory sauce to maintain some depth of flavor.

The chicken patties are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the center of a patty to ensure it's fully cooked.

Yes, you can freeze the formed patties before cooking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. When you're ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator before browning in the skillet.

Yes, you can substitute brown mushrooms with other types of mushrooms like cremini or white button mushrooms. However, brown mushrooms give a richer flavor that complements the sauce well.

Yes, turkey can be used instead of chicken in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be a great option for a lighter version of the dish.

If the sauce is too thin, you can continue to cook it on medium-high heat to allow it to reduce further. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it quickly.

Chicken Salisbury Steak is often served with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also pair it with a simple salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, and it also makes the patties easier to form.

Comments

Amanda Lopez

01/02/2023 12:08:04 AM

Here is the rephrased review: I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious this dish turned out to be! It was much lighter than the beef version, but still packed with flavor. I only had one large thigh on hand to make a half batch, so I improvised by adding a small can of chicken breast to meet the required weight. The recipe yielded two patties and a smaller one for my next day's lunch. The meal was so tender and tasty, especially when served over potatoes with the gravy. A big thank you to the chef!

Anna Robinson

05/13/2023 12:14:39 PM

Award-winning? I'd say more like Nobel Prize-winning! I used ground chicken and followed the recipe exactly. I will definitely be making this dish again. Thank you, Chef John!

Emily Martin

04/20/2023 05:30:38 AM

I wish the sauce had more depth of flavor, but overall it was pretty good.

Ronald Miller

02/03/2025 07:19:14 AM

We absolutely loved this recipe! The addition of lemon juice really brought out the flavors and balanced the richness of the dish perfectly. The portion size was just right. While some may opt for ground chicken, I had fresh chicken on hand and found that using it worked great. I enjoyed the process of blending everything together in the food processor, and the resulting sauce was wonderfully thick and flavorful.

Patrick Anderson

04/26/2025 12:19:16 PM

I will opt for ground chicken instead. Thank you for sharing the recipe!

George Smith

02/18/2023 06:00:04 AM

Outstanding

Brian Martin

12/03/2024 07:12:53 PM

I decided to try this recipe with ground chicken since it was on sale, and it turned out to be a total winner!

William Scott

07/11/2023 12:29:59 PM

The sauce had a good flavor that brought back memories of the Salisbury steak TV dinners from 30 years ago. However, I wasn't as keen on the chicken part. It does make me curious to try the beef version with these ingredients.