Salisbury Steak Recipe with Ground Chicken A Comfort Food Classic

Few dishes offer the same level of hearty satisfaction as Salisbury steak, a classic comfort food known for its rich, savory gravy and tender patties. However, if you’re looking for a lighter, healthier alternative to beef, this Salisbury steak recipe with ground chicken is the perfect option. It retains all the bold, umami flavors of the traditional dish but swaps beef for lean ground chicken, making it a delicious yet nutritious choice.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a great way to satisfy comfort food cravings without excess fat or calories. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly and can be made with pantry staples you likely already have. In this guide, you’ll learn the step-by-step process to make the best ground chicken Salisbury steak, including tips to keep your patties from falling apart, the secrets to a silky gravy, and customizable variations to suit any diet.

What is Salisbury Steak?

The Origins of Salisbury Steak

Although Salisbury steak is often mistaken for a hamburger steak, it has a unique history that sets it apart. Dr. James Salisbury, a 19th-century physician, advocated for a high-protein diet and developed the concept of a seasoned, ground beef patty served with gravy as part of his recommended meal plan. Over time, the dish evolved into the comfort food favorite we know today.

Why Choose Ground Chicken Instead of Beef?

Switching to ground chicken in this recipe provides several key benefits:

✅ Healthier Alternative – Chicken is lower in fat and calories compared to ground beef.
✅ Milder Flavor – It absorbs seasonings well, enhancing the overall taste.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Chicken is often more affordable than high-quality ground beef.
✅ Light Yet Satisfying – The dish remains rich and hearty but doesn’t feel heavy.

Using ground chicken allows you to enjoy all the savory goodness of Salisbury steak while keeping the dish lighter and more versatile.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To achieve tender, flavorful Salisbury steak, you’ll need a well-balanced mix of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients for the Patties

For the Gravy

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the Chicken Patties

• Combine the Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense patties.

• Shape the Patties – Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty, slightly larger than a hamburger patty.

• Chill Before Cooking – Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. This step helps the mixture firm up, reducing the chances of the patties falling apart during cooking.

Cooking the Patties

• Heat the Oil – In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

• Sear the Patties – Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The goal is to develop a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

• Set Aside – Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and set them aside while you prepare the gravy.

How to Make the Perfect Gravy

A rich homemade gravy takes this dish to the next level. Here’s how to make it from scratch:

• Create the Roux – In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden brown.

• Add Chicken Broth – Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

• Incorporate Cream – Stir in ¼ cup of milk or cream to create a smooth, luscious texture.

• Simmer the Patties – Return the patties to the skillet, spooning some of the gravy over them. Cover and let them simmer for 10 minutes on low heat to absorb the flavors.

How to Keep Salisbury Steak from Falling Apart

Use the Right Binders

Egg and breadcrumbs help keep the patties intact. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using oat flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Chill the Patties Before Cooking

Refrigerating the patties for at least 10 minutes helps firm up the mixture, making them easier to handle.

Don’t Overmix the Meat

Overworking the mixture can create a tough, dense texture. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined.

How to Make This Recipe Even Better

💡 Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring a deep, earthy flavor to the gravy.

💡 Boost the Seasoning: Try adding smoked paprika or onion powder for an extra punch of flavor.

💡 Swap the Meat: If you’re feeling adventurous, mix ground turkey and chicken for a slightly richer texture.

How to Make salisbury steak recipe with ground chicken (Step-by-Step)

By now, you’ve prepared the seasoned ground chicken patties and seared them to a perfect golden brown. Now, let’s continue by bringing everything together with the rich, savory gravy and finishing the dish to perfection.

Simmering the Patties in Gravy for Maximum Flavor

At this stage, the gravy has thickened into a smooth, velvety sauce. Now, it’s time to let the patties absorb all that delicious flavor.

• Return the Patties to the Skillet – Carefully place the seared patties back into the hot gravy, ensuring they are fully coated in sauce.
• Cover and Simmer – Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes. This gentle simmering process infuses the chicken patties with flavor while keeping them juicy.
• Baste the Patties – Every few minutes, use a spoon to ladle some of the gravy over the patties. This step enhances their moisture and taste, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Adjust the Gravy Consistency – If the gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up. Stir gently to incorporate.

Final Touches for a Perfect Finish

✔ Taste the Gravy – Before serving, give the gravy a final taste test. Adjust salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
✔ Garnish Before Serving – Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped chives to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Salisbury Steak vs. Hamburg Steak – What’s the Difference?

Although Salisbury steak and Hamburg steak look similar, they have distinct differences:

Salisbury Steak: The Comfort Food Classic

• Includes binders such as breadcrumbs and egg to create a soft, tender texture.
• Always served with gravy, typically brown onion gravy or a rich mushroom sauce.
• Resembles a meatloaf patty rather than a simple burger.

Hamburg Steak: The Simpler, Meatier Version

• Made with only ground meat, salt, and pepper, often grilled or pan-seared.
• Sometimes served plain or with a light sauce, rather than a thick gravy.
• Has a firmer, denser bite, closer to a hamburger patty.

Both dishes offer unique flavors and textures, but Salisbury steak with ground chicken stands out for its rich, comforting gravy and tender consistency.

Pro Tips & Variations for the Best Salisbury Steak with Ground Chicken

This dish is highly customizable, making it easy to adapt based on dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are some expert tips and delicious variations:

Make It Gluten-Free

If you’re avoiding gluten, try these simple substitutions:
✅ Use almond flour or oat flour instead of breadcrumbs.
✅ Thicken the gravy with cornstarch instead of flour.

Enhance the Flavor Even More

For an even deeper umami taste, consider these additions:
Sautéed mushrooms – Adds an earthy richness to the gravy.
A dash of soy sauce – Enhances the savory profile of the dish.
Smoked paprika – Gives a subtle smoky depth to the patties.

For a lighter, protein-rich alternative to traditional brown gravy, consider using this cottage cheese sauce recipe for chicken. It adds a creamy texture while keeping the dish high in protein and lower in fat.

Try a Different Protein Combination

Want to switch it up? Mix ground chicken with:
Ground turkey – For a lean yet hearty combination.

If you’re looking for another delicious way to use ground chicken, try this one-skillet cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe. It’s a quick, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Main Ingredients in Salisbury Steak?

The key ingredients for a classic Salisbury steak include:

• Ground meat (typically beef, but this recipe uses ground chicken).
• Breadcrumbs and egg to bind the mixture.
• Seasonings such as garlic powder, onion, salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Brown gravy, often made with broth, flour, and butter.

What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs in Salisbury Steak?

If you don’t have breadcrumbs, consider these alternatives:

• Crushed crackers (such as Ritz or saltines).
• Rolled oats (for a slightly heartier texture).
• Almond flour (for a gluten-free version).

How Do You Keep Salisbury Steak from Falling Apart?

To prevent crumbly patties, follow these tips:

• Use an egg and breadcrumbs – These help bind the mixture together.
• Chill before cooking – Refrigerating for 10-15 minutes firms up the patties.
• Avoid overmixing – Too much handling can make the texture dense and dry.

What Was the Original Salisbury Steak?

Dr. James Salisbury invented this dish in the 1800s as part of his high-protein diet recommendation. The original version used minced beef, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then served with gravy for easier digestion.

Conclusion

This Salisbury steak recipe with ground chicken is a deliciously light alternative to the traditional beef version. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll create juicy, flavorful patties smothered in a rich, homemade gravy.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you crave comfort food without the heaviness of beef. With so many customization options, you can easily tailor it to your diet and preferences.

So, next time you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal, give this ground chicken Salisbury steak a try—you won’t be disappointed!