Chicken Fried Steak

Classic Chicken Fried Steak Recipe: Crispy, Comforting, and Delicious

Watch recipe video

Chicken fried steak is a Southern comfort food favorite that blends crispy, golden breading with tender beef, topped with creamy gravy. Despite the name, it doesn’t actually involve chicken. Instead, it's a tenderized cut of beef, typically cube steak, that's fried like chicken. Whether you’re new to this dish or want to perfect your technique, this recipe will help you create the ultimate chicken fried steak with rich, flavorful gravy.

What You’ll Need

For the Steak:

• 4 cube steaks (tenderized round steaks)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup flour (use leftover seasoned flour from dredging the steak)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steaks

Start by preparing the cube steaks. These are tenderized cuts of beef that have been mechanically pounded to break down the muscle fibers, making them softer. If you can't find cube steaks, you can buy round steak and tenderize it yourself by pounding it with a meat mallet.

1. Season the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the steaks sit at room temperature while you prepare the dredging station.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

For that signature crispy crust, you'll need a two-step dredging process—one for a flour mixture and one for a liquid coating.

1. Seasoned Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl or pie dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
2. Egg Mixture: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.

Step 3: Dredge the Steaks

Take each seasoned steak and follow these steps for coating:

1. Flour Dredge: Dip the steak into the flour mixture, making sure it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Egg Wash: Dip the floured steak into the egg and buttermilk mixture, making sure both sides are fully covered.
3. Final Flour Dredge: Return the steak to the flour mixture and coat it again, pressing the flour mixture into the steak to create a thick, crispy coating.

Place the coated steaks on a wire rack or baking sheet and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better when frying.

Step 4: Fry the Steaks

Chicken fried steak is typically pan-fried rather than deep-fried, which gives it a crisp, golden crust.

1. Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron), pour enough oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

2. Fry the Steaks: Carefully place the steaks in the hot oil, frying 2 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy.

3. Drain the Steaks: Once fried, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining steaks.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy

No chicken fried steak is complete without a rich, peppery gravy. You can make this gravy directly in the same skillet using the flavorful drippings left behind from frying.

1. Remove Excess Oil: Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet, leaving any browned bits (those add flavor to the gravy).

2. Add the Flour: Whisk in 1/4 cup of the seasoned flour mixture left over from dredging the steaks. Cook the flour over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This helps cook off the raw flour taste and develops a rich, nutty flavor.

3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Season: Stir in salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Once your gravy is ready and the steaks are crispy, it’s time to serve your chicken fried steak. Place each steak on a plate and generously ladle the creamy gravy over the top. You can also serve the gravy on the side for dipping.

What to Serve with Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak is best served with classic Southern sides. Here are a few favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect companion for soaking up the rich gravy.
• Green Beans: A simple vegetable side balances out the richness of the meal.
• Biscuits or Cornbread: Either option is perfect for mopping up the gravy.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the fried steak.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

1. Cube Steak is Key: Cube steak, which is mechanically tenderized, is the ideal cut for this dish. If you can’t find it, tenderize round steak with a meat mallet to achieve a similar texture.

2. Double Dredge: The key to a crispy coating that sticks to the steak is the double dredging process. Make sure to press the flour mixture into the steak to ensure it adheres well.

3. Control the Frying Temperature: Maintain an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Too hot and the coating will burn before the inside is cooked; too cool and the coating will become soggy and greasy.

4. Don't Skip the Rest: After dredging the steaks, let them rest for about 10 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to set, ensuring it doesn’t fall off during cooking.

Conclusion

Chicken fried steak is a hearty, comforting meal that brings together crispy breading, tender beef, and rich, creamy gravy. By following this classic recipe, you can achieve a perfectly fried steak with a crunchy crust and juicy interior. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special Southern-style meal, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Pair it with your favorite sides, pour on the gravy, and enjoy!