Salisbury Steak with Ground Chicken (Easy 40-Minute Dinner)

Salisbury steak is a classic comfort food of a seasoned meat patty smothered in rich mushroom onion gravy, and this version swaps in ground chicken for a lighter, juicy result. Ready in under 40 minutes, it delivers all the cozy, savory flavor of the original with less fat and more protein.

Below you will find what makes this dish special, exactly what goes into it, how to make it step by step, popular variations, and answers to common questions.

What Is Salisbury Steak?

Salisbury steak is an American comfort-food classic: a seasoned, oval-shaped ground meat patty pan-seared until browned, then simmered in a savory mushroom and onion gravy. It has been a family dinner staple since the 1800s, often compared to hamburger steak but distinguished by its rich, gravy-forward preparation. This version uses ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter, leaner take that still delivers all the same cozy, satisfying flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lighter than the classic — ground chicken instead of beef.
• Rich mushroom gravy — deeply savory and comforting.
• Ready in under 40 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly — a nostalgic dinner everyone loves.
• Simple ingredients — nothing hard to find.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is what goes into this dish. Exact amounts are in the printable recipe card below.

• Ground chicken — the lighter base for the patties.
• Breadcrumbs and egg — help bind the patties together.
• Worcestershire sauce — adds deep, savory flavor.
• Mushrooms and onion — the heart of the gravy.
• Flour and chicken broth — for a rich, thickened sauce.

How to Make Salisbury Steak

1. Mix the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, then shape into oval patties.
2. Sear the patties in a skillet until browned on both sides, then set aside.
3. Cook the mushrooms and onion in the same skillet until softened.
4. Stir in flour, then whisk in the broth and simmer until the gravy thickens.
5. Return the patties to the pan and simmer until cooked through to 165°F per FoodSafety.gov.

Tips for the Best Results

• Do not overwork the meat mixture — mix just until combined for tender patties.
• Sear over medium-high heat for a good crust without drying out the chicken.
• Deglaze with the broth to lift up all the flavorful browned bits.
• Simmer gently so the patties finish cooking without toughening.
• Adjust the gravy thickness with a splash more broth if needed.

Easy Variations

• Meatballs: shape the mixture into balls instead of patties for a fun twist.
• Slow cooker: sear the patties, then simmer everything in the crockpot for 4 to 6 hours on low.
• In the oven: bake the seared patties in the gravy at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
• French onion style: add extra caramelized onions for a deeper, sweeter gravy.
• No mushrooms: leave them out for a simple onion gravy instead.

What to Serve With It

This dish is rich and hearty, so classic comforting sides pair perfectly:

• Mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy
• Buttered egg noodles or rice
• Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
• A simple side salad

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing the patties and gravy together keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Salisbury Steak Recipe

Here is the full printable recipe. Save it for your next comforting weeknight dinner.

Salisbury Steak with Ground Chicken

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 340

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the patties

• 1.5 lb ground chicken
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

For the gravy

• 2 tbsp butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cup chicken broth

Method

 

1. Mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 to 6 oval patties.
2. Sear the patties in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the mushrooms and onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the flour and cook 1 minute, then whisk in the broth and remaining Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
5. Return the patties to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, and simmer 8 to 10 minutes until cooked through.

Notes

Ground chicken is leaner than beef, so avoid overcooking the patties or they can dry out. Chicken broth keeps the gravy lighter than a beef-based version.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Ground Chicken Recipes
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Crockpot Crack Chicken
• Chicken Marinade

Frequently Asked Questions