If you’re craving something crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in creamy homemade gravy, this chicken fried steak recipe is going to become your new favorite comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a big family dinner or just want to treat yourself to something cozy and filling, you’ll find that this dish offers all the rich taste of a classic Southern favorite with simple ingredients you already have.
Why We Love This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
There’s something special about a dish that brings both comfort and crunch to the table, and chicken fried steak delivers both. You get that familiar crispy coating from the seasoned flour blend, while the inside stays juicy and tender thanks to cube steak. It’s fast, affordable, and ideal for busy nights when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Another reason to love this recipe is how easily it comes together in just 30 minutes. You’re able to serve a satisfying main dish, complete with rich gravy, in less time than it takes for most casseroles to bake. Plus, it pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or even a simple biscuit.
Even better, this version doesn’t rely on deep frying. A cast iron skillet and a bit of oil are all you need. That means less mess, quicker cleanup, and results that are just as crispy and delicious. You’ll love the texture, the seasoning, and how well the gravy brings everything together.
Ingredients about Chicken Fried Steak
To make a good chicken fried steak, you’ll need a few pantry basics and some fresh ingredients. The seasoned flour gives the crust flavor and texture, while the simple milk gravy ties the whole dish together. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comfort classic from scratch.
For the Steak:
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion granules
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic granules
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 8 cube steaks
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooking oil
For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a well-balanced dish with a crispy coating, savory meat, and a smooth, creamy gravy that complements every bite.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Directions
Making chicken fried steak from scratch may sound like a task for experienced cooks, but you can absolutely master it with a few easy steps. You’ll dip, coat, fry, and whisk your way to a classic dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Start by preparing two separate bowls—one for your wet mixture and one for your dry coating. In the first bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them with the whole milk, a couple of dashes of hot sauce, a pinch of salt, and a bit of pepper. This mix helps the breading stick and adds subtle flavor.
In the second bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, corn starch, paprika, onion granules, garlic granules, pepper, and salt. This seasoned blend is what gives your steak that golden crispy finish. Be sure everything is well mixed.
Now take one cube steak at a time and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off, then place the steak in the flour mixture. Press it firmly into the flour so it sticks to both sides. Lay each breaded steak on a tray lined with parchment paper and repeat the process until all are coated and ready.
Heat your skillet with the cooking oil over medium to medium-high heat. If you’re using a thermometer, aim for around 350°F. Add two or three steaks at a time—don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each steak for about 1½ to 2½ minutes on each side or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the steaks and let them drain on paper towels or a rack. Repeat until every steak is fried and crisp.
To make the gravy, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s fully melted, add the flour and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Raise the heat to medium-high and stir until the gravy thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Once everything is cooked, plate the chicken fried steaks and ladle that warm, creamy gravy right over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if you’d like, and get ready to enjoy every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak is best served hot and crispy, right after frying, with a generous pour of warm gravy over the top. The contrast between the crunchy breading and smooth gravy makes every forkful satisfying. To balance the richness of the dish, serve it alongside something soft and mild like mashed potatoes or roasted carrots.
A biscuit or a piece of cornbread on the side can soak up the extra gravy, making sure nothing goes to waste. You can also include a fresh green salad or steamed green beans to bring in a bit of color and freshness. For breakfast-style meals, try it with hash browns or scrambled eggs for a Southern diner vibe.
Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish stands on its own but also plays well with all kinds of sides. And if you’re serving a group, you can cut the steaks in half or into strips to make sharing easier.
Expert Tips: Chicken Fried Steak
- Choose the Right Cut: Cube steak is perfect for this dish because it’s already tenderized. If you can’t find it, ask your butcher to tenderize a round steak for you.
- Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier crust, dip each steak in the flour, then back into the egg, and then flour again. This double coating holds up well under the gravy.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The cornstarch in the flour mixture helps create that crispy, almost flaky texture that’s key to a good chicken fried steak.
- Keep the Oil Hot: Make sure your oil stays around 350°F while frying. If it cools too much, the breading will absorb oil and become soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Chicken fried steak is best enjoyed fresh. If you wait too long, the breading may lose its crunch, especially under gravy.
How to Store Chicken Fried Steak
If you have leftovers, store the cooked steaks and gravy separately. Let everything cool first, then place the steaks in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gravy can also be stored in a sealed container for the same amount of time.
To reheat the steak, place it on a baking rack over a tray and warm it in a 350°F oven for 4 to 5 minutes. If it’s frozen, heat it straight from the freezer for 12 to 15 minutes until it’s hot and crispy again. For the gravy, warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often to prevent clumping.
Avoid reheating the steak in the microwave if possible—it can turn the breading soggy.
Variation of Chicken Fried Steak
You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a kick of heat. You can also increase the hot sauce in the egg mix.
- Buttermilk Marinade: Let the cube steaks soak in buttermilk for a few hours before breading. This adds flavor and tenderizes the meat even more.
- Air Fryer Method: To reduce oil, try air frying the breaded steaks at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch, and make the gravy with gluten-free flour as well. Always check product labels to be sure.
- Mini Chicken Fried Steak Bites: Cut cube steak into smaller pieces and fry as bite-sized snacks. These are great for appetizers or parties and cook more quickly.
These tweaks let you enjoy the same great flavor in different ways, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
FAQ: Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
What is chicken fried steak made of?
Chicken fried steak is made from cube steak, which is a tenderized cut of beef. It’s coated in seasoned flour, pan-fried, and served with creamy gravy.
Is chicken fried steak actually made with chicken?
No, despite the name, there’s no chicken in it. It’s called “chicken fried” because it’s prepared in the same way as fried chicken.
Can you make chicken fried steak ahead of time?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can store and reheat it. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
What goes well with chicken fried steak?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, or cornbread are perfect sides. Anything that soaks up gravy will work well.
Can I freeze chicken fried steak?
Yes, once cooked, let it cool and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.
Chicken Fried Steak
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion granules
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic granules
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 8 pieces cube steaks
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare two bowls: one for the wet mixture (eggs, milk, hot sauce) and one for the dry coating (flour, corn starch, paprika, onion granules, garlic granules, pepper, salt).
- Dip each cube steak into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, pressing to coat. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat (about 350°F). Fry steaks 1½ to 2½ minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove steaks and drain on paper towels. Repeat until all are fried.
- For the gravy, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while whisking. Raise heat to medium-high and stir until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Plate the chicken fried steaks and ladle warm gravy over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
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