Quick & Tender Chicken Fried Steak Recipe: A Family Favorite

When hunger strikes with a southern-style craving, this crispy chicken fried steak recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender beef steaks get coated in a perfectly seasoned breading that crackles with each bite.

The golden-brown exterior promises a delightful crunch that will make mouths water instantly.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish, creating a meal that speaks to hearty appetites and soul-warming traditions.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this crispy, savory masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dinner.

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy for a complete meal that satisfies from the first forkful to the last delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List For Chicken Fried Steak

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, golden shield that locks in moisture and delivers a satisfying crunch.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth without overwhelming the meat's natural flavor.
• Onion Powder: Provides a sweet, mild background note that enhances the overall seasoning profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky complexity that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that amplifies the steak's natural taste and balances other spices.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers a gentle heat that sparks excitement without burning the palate.

• Eggs: Acts as a sticky binding agent that helps the flour adhere perfectly to the meat.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the steak, adding tangy richness and ensuring a juicy interior.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a zesty kick that brightens the entire flavor spectrum.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral medium for achieving that signature golden-brown exterior.
• Whole Milk: Creates a silky, luxurious gravy base with rich, comforting texture.
• Butter: Optional enhancement for roux that adds a luxurious, velvety finish to the gravy.

Must-Have Tools For Chicken Fried Steak

• Large Skillet: Essential for frying steaks and making gravy with even heat distribution.
• Shallow Dishes: Two needed for flour and egg wash coating process.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, buttermilk, and creating smooth gravy.
• Wire Rack or Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried steaks.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Crucial for accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions.
• Tongs: Ideal for safely placing and removing steaks from hot oil.

How To Cook Chicken Fried Steak

• Whip Up Seasoned Flour

Mix flour with a blend of spices, creating a flavor-packed coating that’ll make your taste buds dance. Make sure every inch of flour gets a good shake of garlic, onion, and smoky seasonings.

• Create Egg Dunk

Crack eggs into a bowl and splash in some buttermilk and hot sauce. This magical mixture will help the coating stick like best friends to your steak.

• Bread and Coat Steak

Dive each steak into the seasoned flour, then take a swim in the egg wash, and finish with another flour roll. Press that coating firmly to create a crunch that’ll make everyone at the table go wow.

• Sizzle in Hot Oil

Heat up your skillet with oil until it’s ready to party. Gently slide in the breaded steaks and let them turn golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. They should look like crispy treasure when done.

• Craft Creamy Gravy

In the same pan, whip up a quick roux by stirring flour into the leftover oil. Pour in milk slowly, whisking like crazy to keep things smooth. Let it simmer and thicken into a luxurious blanket of deliciousness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate up those crispy steaks and shower them with the dreamy gravy. Add a sprinkle of black pepper for extra pizzazz. Pair with classic Southern sides and get ready for a meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Helpful Tips For Chicken Fried Steak Perfection

• Oil Temperature Precision: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, preventing soggy or overly greasy results.
• Meat Tenderizing Technique: Pound the cube steak with a meat mallet before breading to break down tough muscle fibers and guarantee a tender bite.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch for extra crispiness while maintaining dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Variation: Replace traditional flour coating with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that delivers similar crunch and flavor profile.

Serving Chicken Fried Steak With Flair

• Hearty Comfort Plate: Pile fluffy mashed potatoes beside the crispy chicken fried steak, drizzling extra gravy over both for maximum deliciousness.
• Rustic Breakfast Twist: Transform leftovers into a morning feast by topping the steak with a sunny-side-up egg and serving alongside buttered toast for a killer weekend brunch.
• Southern Side Symphony: Complement the steak with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttered green beans, and sweet cornbread to create a traditional Southern spread that celebrates down-home cooking.
• Family-Style Feast: Arrange the chicken fried steak on a large platter with multiple side dishes, encouraging everyone to dig in and share a communal, warm meal that brings people together.

How To Store Chicken Fried Steak Properly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Freezing for Future Meals: Wrap individual steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain crispy texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Revive cold steaks in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to prevent soggy bottoms and restore the original crispiness.
• Advance Prep Magic: Bread the steaks up to 4 hours before cooking and keep refrigerated. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying. This technique allows for easier preparation during busy meal times.

Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern comfort classic chicken fried steak delivers hearty flavors with crispy breaded beef smothered in creamy white gravy. Home cooks will savor this rustic Texas-inspired dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cube steaks (170 g / 6 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or enough for frying)
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Blend: Combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish, creating a potent flavor base.
2. Wet Mixture Preparation: Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce together, forming a zesty binding liquid for coating.
3. Coating Process: Thoroughly dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, dip into the egg mixture, then return to the flour, pressing firmly to create a crisp, multi-layered exterior.
4. Oil Heating and Frying: Heat oil in a large skillet until sizzling, then carefully lower breaded steaks, cooking 3-4 minutes per side to achieve a golden-brown, crispy crust.
5. Initial Resting: Transfer fried steaks to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil while maintaining the coating’s crispness.
6. Gravy Creation: Reduce skillet oil, add flour to create a roux, stirring until golden. Gradually whisk in milk, incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, simmering until the gravy reaches a thick, velvety consistency.
7. Plating and Serving: Arrange chicken fried steak on plates, generously pour gravy over the top, and optionally sprinkle additional black pepper. Serve alongside classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttered corn for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Season Strategically: Mix spices thoroughly into flour to ensure every bite of the steak carries maximum flavor complexity.
• Double-Coat for Crunch: Press flour firmly during second coating to create an extra crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture.
• Temperature Control: Maintain oil around 350°F for perfect frying, preventing soggy or burnt coating while ensuring even cooking.
• Gravy Consistency Matters: Whisk milk slowly into roux and stir constantly to avoid lumps, creating a silky smooth gravy that complements the crispy steak.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg