Robert Earl Keen & I cook for Texas Independence Day!

Robert Earl Keen & I cook for Texas Independence Day! is a medium American (Texas) recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Meat Church BBQ on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $187.21 total, $46.80 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Venison Backstrap (Trimmed, sliced thin (about 1/4‑inch) for tender steaks)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (For the first and final dredge)
  • 1 cup Meat Church Chicken Fried Breading (Pre‑made seasoned breading mix)
  • 2 large Eggs (For the egg‑buttermilk wash)
  • 2 tbsp Buttermilk (Adds moisture to the egg wash)
  • 1 tsp Meat Church Blanco Seasoning (Salt‑pepper blend added to flour and breading)
  • 2 cup Peanut Oil (High smoke‑point oil for deep frying)
  • 2 clove Garlic (Minced for mashed potatoes)
  • 2 lb Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet, peeled and cubed)
  • 0.25 cup Milk (For creamy mashed potatoes)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Adds richness to mashed potatoes)
  • 1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper (For the pepper gravy)
  • 1 cup Beef or Chicken Stock (Base for the gravy)
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for gravy) (To thicken the gravy)

Instructions

  1. Trim, Slice, and Tenderize Venison

    Trim any silver skin from the backstrap, slice into 1/4‑inch thick steaks, then pound each piece gently with a meat mallet until just tender.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Season Lightly

    Sprinkle the sliced venison with 1 tsp Meat Church Blanco seasoning and let rest for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Set Up Breading Station

    In three shallow bowls, place (a) 1 cup flour mixed with ½ tsp Blanco, (b) 2 eggs whisked with 2 tbsp buttermilk, and (c) 1 cup Meat Church chicken fried breading.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Double Dredge the Steaks

    Coat each steak in the flour mixture, dip into the egg‑buttermilk wash, then press into the breading. Return the steak to the flour mixture for a second light coating and press firmly.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Heat Peanut Oil

    Add 2 cups peanut oil to the Yeti skillet and heat over medium‑high until it reaches 350°F.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Fry the Venison

    Carefully place the coated steaks in the hot oil. Fry for about 3‑4 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 135°F (medium‑rare).

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Drain and Keep Warm

    Transfer each fried steak to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Place the rack in a 170°F oven to keep the crust crisp while you finish the remaining pieces.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 170°F

  8. Prepare Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Side)

    Boil cubed potatoes until fork‑tender, drain, then mash with butter, milk, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

    Time: PT15M

  9. Make Cracked Pepper Gravy (Side)

    In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup stock, add 1 tsp cracked black pepper, and simmer until thickened.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Plate and Serve

    Arrange the chicken fried venison on a plate, add a scoop of garlic mashed potatoes, drizzle with cracked pepper gravy, and enjoy.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
20g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Gluten, Contains dairy, Contains nuts, High protein

Allergens: Eggs, Wheat, Peanuts, Dairy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Robert Earl Keen & I cook for Texas Independence Day!

Recipe by Meat Church BBQ

A Texas‑style chicken fried venison, breaded twice for extra crunch and fried in hot peanut oil. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and cracked pepper gravy, this dish celebrates Texas Independence Day with bold flavor and a crispy crust.

MediumAmerican (Texas)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
26m
Prep
28m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 4m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$187.21
Total cost
$46.80
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Tenderizing the venison backstrap
  • Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F
  • Double dredging for extra crunch
  • Draining on a wire rack to keep crust crisp
  • Keeping finished pieces warm at 170°F

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use tongs and keep a lid nearby.
  • Do not leave the skillet unattended while oil is heating.
  • Ensure the skillet is not overfilled; oil may splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance of chicken fried venison in Texas Independence Day celebrations?

A

Texas Independence Day honors the 1836 battle for freedom, and many Texans celebrate with hearty, fried foods. Chicken fried venison blends the classic chicken‑fried tradition with game meat, reflecting the state's ranching heritage and love of bold, comforting dishes.

cultural
Q

How did chicken fried venison become popular in Texas cuisine?

A

Ranchers in Texas often raised deer alongside cattle. To make venison more approachable, they applied the familiar chicken‑fried technique, creating a tender, crunchy steak that showcases local game while honoring the state's deep‑fried food culture.

cultural
Q

What traditional side dishes are served with chicken fried venison in Texas?

A

Typical accompaniments include garlic mashed potatoes, cracked pepper gravy, coleslaw, and biscuits. These sides balance the rich, crispy venison with creamy and savory flavors that are staples of Texas comfort food.

cultural
Q

Is chicken fried venison considered a lunch or dinner dish in Texas?

A

It is often enjoyed as a hearty lunch or dinner, especially during celebrations like Texas Independence Day, because it is filling enough to serve as the main protein while still being easy to pair with classic sides.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of chicken fried venison exist within Texas cuisine?

A

Some regions add Cajun spices to the breading, while others use cornmeal instead of flour for a Southern twist. In West Texas, smoked paprika is sometimes incorporated for a smoky flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a true Texas‑style chicken fried venison?

A

Key ingredients include fresh venison backstrap, a double‑dredge of flour and Meat Church chicken fried breading, Peanut oil for its high smoke point, and Meat Church Blanco seasoning. Substitutes can be used, but these give the authentic flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken fried venison at home?

A

Common errors include not pounding the meat thin enough, frying at the wrong oil temperature, and overcrowding the pan, which all lead to a tough steak or soggy crust. Follow the double‑dredge method and keep oil steady at 350°F.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a double dredge instead of a single coating?

A

The double dredge creates a thicker, more resilient crust that stays crunchy even after the meat rests. The first flour layer helps the egg wash adhere, while the second flour‑bread mixture locks in the crunch.

technical
Q

Can I prepare the chicken fried venison ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. You can slice, tenderize, and coat the steaks up to 4 hours ahead; keep them covered in the refrigerator. After frying, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a 300°F oven to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Meat Church BBQ specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Meat Church BBQ focuses on Texas‑style barbecue, game meat preparation, and bold, meat‑centric recipes. Host Ryan Bouchard emphasizes technique, flavor, and using quality ingredients to create restaurant‑level dishes at home.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Meat Church BBQ's approach to Texas game‑meat cooking differ from other BBQ channels?

A

Meat Church BBQ blends traditional Southern frying methods with game‑meat expertise, offering detailed tutorials on tenderizing, seasoning, and double‑dredging. Unlike many BBQ channels that focus on smoking alone, Meat Church showcases versatile cooking techniques for venison, elk, and wild boar.

channel

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