I still remember the first time I had chicken fried steak recipe, I was sitting at a small-town diner in Texas, unsure what to expect from a dish that had “chicken” and “steak” in the same name. But one bite into that crispy, peppery crust and tender cube steak beneath a rich cream gravy, and I was hooked for life.
This chicken fried steak recipe has since become a comfort food tradition in my kitchen. It’s golden, hearty, and unapologetically Southern. Whether you’re feeding your family on a Sunday afternoon or making a cozy meal for two, this dish hits every satisfying note.
While the dish feels indulgent, it’s actually simple to pull off with pantry staples and a bit of frying technique. Served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, or even roasted vegetables, it transforms any dinner into something special. Think of it as down-home cooking at its best, with just the right balance of crunchy coating and juicy meat, all smothered in silky, peppery white gravy.
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What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken fried steak is a beloved Southern dish that brings the best of both worlds: crispy fried coating and tender beef. Contrary to its name, it doesn’t contain chicken. Instead, the name comes from the cooking method, which mimics the preparation of fried chicken. This dish typically features tenderized cuts of beef, such as cube steak, coated in a seasoned batter and fried to golden perfection. It’s then served with creamy white gravy made from pan drippings, adding a luscious touch to its hearty flavor profile.
Originating in the United States, chicken fried steak has roots in German and Austrian immigrant cuisine, particularly dishes like schnitzel. Over time, it evolved into a Southern staple, celebrated for its comforting and satisfying qualities.
How to Choose the Perfect Steak for Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
The key to a tender and flavorful chicken fried steak lies in selecting the right cut of meat. Here’s what to look for:
- Cube Steak: This is the most popular choice for its tenderness and ease of cooking. The meat is pre-tenderized, ensuring it remains juicy and easy to bite into.
- Sirloin or Round Steak: If cube steak isn’t available, opt for thin cuts of sirloin or round steak and tenderize them with a meat mallet.
- Avoid Overly Thick Cuts: The steak should be about ½ inch thick to cook evenly and achieve the perfect crispy-to-juicy ratio.
- Fat Content Matters: A bit of marbling is fine, but avoid cuts with excessive fat or gristle, as it can make frying uneven.
Recipe Card
Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes450
kcalThis chicken fried steak recipe, also known as country fried steak, is a Southern classic that combines tender, breaded beef steak with a crispy golden crust, smothered in creamy gravy. Perfect for family dinners or comforting meals!
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Ingredients
- For the Steak
4 cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Gravy
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp butter
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Optional: Use a third bowl for breadcrumbs to add extra crispiness.
- Step 2: Bread the Steaks
- Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Dip the steak into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Finally, coat the steak with flour again or breadcrumbs for added texture.
- Step 3: Fry the Steaks
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry each steak for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 4: Make the Gravy
- Discard excess oil, leaving about 2–3 tbsp in the skillet.
- Add flour to the skillet, stirring constantly until golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in milk, continuing to stir until thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, and butter, cooking for another minute.
- Step 5: Serve
- Plate the fried steaks and generously pour gravy over the top.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cube steaks are preferred for their tenderness, but you can use sirloin or round steak if needed.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best heat retention and frying results.
- If your gravy becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
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My Pro Tips for Chicken Fried Steak Success
- Season Your Flour Generously: A well-seasoned flour mixture ensures every bite is flavorful. Add cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
- Use the Right Oil: Vegetable oil with a high smoke point works best for frying. Avoid olive oil as it may burn at high temperatures.
- Keep Your Oil Temperature Steady: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F for consistent crispiness.
- Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For an irresistibly crispy coating, dredge the steak twice before frying.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Allow the fried steaks to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to preserve their crunch.
Let’s Talk Variations: Chicken Steak, Your Way
Classic Southern Chicken Fried Steak
This is the version you’ll find at a Texas diner, tender cube steak, seasoned flour, and a creamy pepper gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for the full effect.
Spicy Chicken Fried Steak
Add cayenne, smoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk soak and the flour mixture. This gives the crust a bit of a kick and pairs beautifully with a tangy gravy or slaw.
Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Steak
Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend like Cup4Cup or Bob’s Red Mill. Make sure your cube steak is gluten-free certified and use cornstarch for the gravy thickener instead of flour.
Oven-Baked Chicken Fried Steak
If you want to avoid frying, you can bake the dredged steaks on a greased wire rack at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get quite the same crunch, but it’s a good compromise for a lighter meal.
FAQs
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or a mix of almond and rice flour for a similar texture.
You can bread the steaks a few hours in advance and refrigerate them. Fry them fresh for the best results.
Use a wire rack to drain excess oil instead of paper towels. This prevents steaming and keeps the coating crunchy.
Health Benefits of Chicken Fried Steak:
- Protein-Packed Meal: The steak provides high-quality protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
- Iron Source: Red meat is rich in iron, which is essential for maintaining energy and preventing anemia.
- Calcium from Gravy: If made with milk, the creamy gravy adds calcium to your diet for stronger bones.
While this dish is high in calories and fat, occasional indulgence as part of a balanced diet can satisfy cravings and contribute to an enjoyable meal experience.
Nutrition Information:
While chicken fried steak is an indulgent treat, moderation is key to enjoying its flavors guilt-free. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Wrapping It Up: Chicken Fried Steak That Wins Every Time
This chicken fried steak recipe is the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something memorable. There’s something deeply satisfying about a crispy piece of steak smothered in creamy, peppery gravy that just hits every comfort food note.
Whether you stick with the classic Southern version or spice it up with your own twists, this dish invites you to slow down and savor. It’s not just about taste, it’s about nostalgia, connection, and good cooking that fills your home with the aroma of something wonderful in the skillet.
Looking for another comfort food classic? Try our Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe, a perfect side dish to complement your chicken fried steak!
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