When it comes to ultimate comfort food that never fails to delight, Chicken Fried Steak sits right at the top of my list. Imagine a perfectly seasoned and crisply fried beef steak, its golden crust hiding the tender meat inside, and crowned with creamy, peppery gravy — pure Southern bliss on a plate. Whether you grew up with this dish or are craving a dose of hearty nostalgia, this Chicken Fried Steak recipe brings all the crunchy, savory, and soul-warming magic you could hope for.

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love about Chicken Fried Steak is that you probably have most of the ingredients on hand already. Each item on this list adds its own pop of flavor and helps create that amazing texture, so don’t skip the little details!

Beef Cube Steaks: These tenderized steaks are the heart of Chicken Fried Steak and fry up perfectly for that signature crunchy exterior and juicy inside.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the crispy coating and thick, velvety gravy.
Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish, used both in the steak and the coating for full seasoning.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the rich flavors and perks up the creamy gravy.
Garlic Powder: Gives the breading a delicious depth and aromatic background.
Onion Powder: Brings subtle sweetness and savory notes to the seasoned crust.
Paprika: Adds a lovely hint of color and just a touch of smokiness to the breading.
Large Eggs: Help the flour stick to the steak and give that crackly crust.
Whole Milk: Used in the egg wash and the gravy, this makes everything extra luscious and creamy.
Hot Sauce (optional): A dash in the egg wash adds subtle warmth and character to the crust.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral flavored oil ideal for frying up Chicken Fried Steak to crispy perfection.
Butter: Adds richness to the gravy, making it creamy and full-bodied.
Salt and Pepper (for gravy): Season the gravy just the way you like it to round off the dish perfectly.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak

Step 1: Prep the Steaks

Start by patting the cube steaks dry with paper towels — this little move really helps their coating cling. Sprinkle both sides generously with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper, giving the steaks time to absorb those seasonings while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Next, grab two shallow dishes. In one, combine the flour, the rest of your salt and pepper, plus the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This gets your coating bursting with savory flavor. In the second bowl, whisk up the eggs, milk, and hot sauce if you want a little zing. Prepping these side by side makes breading a breeze!

Step 3: Bread the Steaks

Coat each steak in the seasoned flour, then dip it gently in the egg mixture, and finally dredge it through the flour again — press that flour on so every nook is covered. For crispiest results, let the coated steaks rest for about 10 minutes so the breading really sets.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a big skillet and heat over medium until shimmering. Add the steaks in batches — don’t crowd the pan! Fry each for 3 to 4 minutes per side, letting them turn deep golden brown. Transfer the finished steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and keep them warm while you work through the rest.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

After frying, carefully pour off all but about 1/4 cup of the oil. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt, then whisk in the flour. Cook this roux for a minute or two, stirring so it just starts to brown and smells toasty. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and keep going for about five minutes until your gravy is thick and dreamy. Season it with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper for that classic finish.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak

Garnishes

Let the showstopping Chicken Fried Steak take center stage, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds freshness and lovely color contrast. A final pinch of cracked pepper over the gravy makes it pop visually and gives an extra kick.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for a classic Southern spread. I always recommend serving Chicken Fried Steak alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, which get absolutely drenched in that rich gravy, and a big spoonful of buttery green beans for color and crunch. A soft buttermilk biscuit doesn’t hurt either!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your Chicken Fried Steak, try slicing the steak into strips and serving it family style with gravy on the side for dipping. Another option is to layer the steak atop a bed of mashed potatoes, drizzle with gravy, and finish with pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist. You could even make Chicken Fried Steak sliders for a fun party appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Chicken Fried Steak and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The steak stays good for about 2 days, and the gravy will keep for up to 3 days — just give it a quick stir before reheating.

Freezing

Chicken Fried Steak actually freezes quite nicely! Once cooled, wrap the steaks individually in foil and tuck into a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The gravy can be frozen in an airtight container, but for best texture, fresh is always your friend.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Chicken Fried Steak in a 350°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet; this keeps it crispy. The gravy reheats well in a small saucepan over low heat — whisk in a splash of milk if it gets too thick.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Chicken Fried Steak?

Yes! While cube steak is traditional because it’s already tenderized, you can substitute with top round or sirloin that’s been pounded thin. Just make sure the meat is well-tenderized for the best possible bite.

How can I keep the breading from falling off?

The secret is all about the double dredge and letting the coated steak rest for at least 10 minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere and creates that coveted crispy, craggy crust.

Is Chicken Fried Steak spicy with the hot sauce in the batter?

Not at all — the hot sauce is totally optional and just lends a gentle warmth. If you like things extra spicy, feel free to add a dash or two more, or sprinkle some cayenne into the flour.

Can I make this gluten free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten free flour for both the dredging and the gravy. Everything else stays nearly the same for a gluten free Chicken Fried Steak that everyone can love.

What’s the best type Main Course

Neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying Chicken Fried Steak. They let the flavors of your steak and breading shine without overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Chicken Fried Steak at home, you’re in for a crispy, creamy, utterly craveable treat that warms you right to your toes. Give this recipe a go and share it with your favorite people — your taste buds will thank you!

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe. Tender cube steaks are coated in a flavorful seasoned breading, fried until crispy, and smothered in creamy gravy. It’s a hearty Southern favorite that will satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

4 beef cube steaks (about 4–6 ounces each)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt (divided)
1 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Season the Cube Steaks: Pat cube steaks dry and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups flour, remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Prepare Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and hot sauce (if using).
Bread the Steaks: Dredge each steak in seasoned flour, dip into egg mixture, then dredge again in flour, pressing to adhere.
Fry the Steaks: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, fry steaks for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Make the Gravy: Melt butter in the skillet, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Serve: Serve steaks hot with gravy poured over the top.