Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Steak Recipe That Melts Hearts

My grandma’s secret chicken fried steak recipe always drew crowds at Sunday gatherings.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when this crispy, golden dish hits the table.

Each bite promises a nostalgic journey through tender meat and perfectly seasoned breading.

Comfort flows from the skillet like warm memories of home cooking.

Generations have celebrated this classic meal that connects us through simple, hearty ingredients.

Ranch-style plates welcome this irresistible creation that speaks to heart and hunger.

The aroma promises a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss.

Why Chicken Fried Steak Is Southern Comfort On A Plate

• Quick Comfort Food Adventure: Dive into a classic Southern dish that transforms ordinary cube steak into a crispy, golden masterpiece with minimal cooking skills required.
• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Prepare this entire meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crispy Delight: The double-coating technique ensures an irresistibly crunchy exterior that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Budget-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Using affordable cube steak and simple pantry ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum taste without breaking the bank, proving delicious meals don't need to be expensive.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Fried Steak

• Steak: Classic cut for a hearty Southern comfort dish, preferably tenderized cube steak or round steak for maximum tenderness.
• Tenderized Steak: Helps break down muscle fibers for a softer texture.

• Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Robust seasoning blend for creating a crispy, flavorful crust.
• Eggs, Buttermilk, Hot Sauce: Creates a binding wash that helps flour adhere and adds tangy moisture.

• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for high-heat frying with a neutral flavor.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor to gravy base.
• Milk: Creates smooth, creamy country-style gravy.
• Flour: Thickens gravy and creates roux base.

How To Make Chicken Fried Steak Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce

Lovingly coat each steak by dipping into the seasoned flour, then egg wash, and back into flour. Press firmly to create an irresistible crispy exterior that’ll make mouths water.

Step 2: Create Golden-Brown Perfection

Heat a large skillet with oil until it sizzles at medium-high temperature. Gently slide the breaded steaks into the hot oil. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Let the excess oil drip away on a wire rack or paper towel.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Country Gravy

• Reduce oil to a thin layer
• Sprinkle in flour
• Cook until golden and fragrant

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer and stir until the gravy reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttery green beans
• Sweet corn

Sprinkle with a dash of black pepper for an extra flavor kick.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches safe internal temperature
• Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness
• Choose cube steak for the most authentic texture
• Cast iron skillet works best for achieving that perfect crispy crust

Pro Southern Cook’s Secret: The key to exceptional chicken fried steak is double-dredging and pressing the coating firmly. This creates an incredibly crunchy exterior that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips For Crispy, Juicy Chicken Fried Steak

• Maximize Flour Coating: Press seasoned flour firmly onto steaks to create an extra crispy, golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and adds incredible texture.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil heat, preventing soggy breading and ensuring perfectly crisp, evenly cooked steaks every time.
• Drain Excess Oil Smartly: Let fried steaks rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the bottom crust crispy and prevent unwanted sogginess.
• Smooth Out Gravy Lumps: Whisk milk gradually and continuously to prevent flour clumps, creating a silky, creamy country gravy with restaurant-quality consistency.
• Swap Proteins Easily: Replace beef cube steak with chicken or pork cutlets for a versatile recipe that adapts to different dietary preferences while maintaining the classic crispy coating technique.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Fried Steak

• Refrigerate leftover chicken fried steak within two hours of cooking.
• Transfer the steaks to an airtight container, keeping them whole or sliced.
• Consume refrigerated chicken fried steak within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Separate the gravy and store it in a different sealed container to prevent the crispy coating from becoming soggy.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crunchy exterior.
• Avoid microwaving, which can make the breading soft and less appealing.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored chicken fried steak, looking for unusual odors or discoloration.

Best Sides With Chicken Fried Steak

• Pair with Southern Comfort Sides: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn, or crisp green beans to complement the rich, crunchy steak.
• Sip a Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah to match the hearty flavors of the crispy meat and peppery gravy.
• Refresh with Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or smooth amber ale to cut through the richness and enhance the dish's savory profile.
• Cool Down with Tangy Slaw: Add a side of vinegar-based coleslaw to provide a zesty, crunchy contrast to the heavy, crispy steak.

Ways To Switch Up Chicken Fried Steak

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Fried Steak: Add diced jalapeños and chipotle powder to the flour mixture for a fiery kick. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with salsa verde on the side.
• Herb-Crusted Country Classic: Mix fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the flour coating. Use herb-infused buttermilk for extra flavor depth. Garnish with chopped chives.
• Mediterranean Fusion Version: Replace traditional seasonings with za'atar spice blend. Swap country gravy for a lemony yogurt sauce with mint. Serve alongside roasted vegetable medley for a global spin.
• Ranch-Style Ranch Chicken Fried Steak: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix directly into the flour coating. Create a ranch-infused cream gravy using ranch dressing mix. Sprinkle with fresh dill for bright notes.

FAQs For Chicken Fried Steak

FAQs for Chicken Fried Steak

• What cut of beef works best for chicken fried steak?

Cube steak is the traditional choice. Its tenderized surface helps the breading stick better and ensures a more tender result compared to other cuts.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. The technique remains the same, but you’ll need to press the coating a bit more firmly to help it adhere.

• Why do I need to double-coat the steak in flour?

Double coating creates an extra crispy, thick crust that’s signature to authentic chicken fried steak. The egg wash helps the second flour layer stick, resulting in a crunchier exterior that seals in the meat’s moisture.

• Is chicken fried steak really from Texas?

While closely associated with Texas, chicken fried steak actually has roots in German and Austrian immigrant cuisine. German settlers in Texas brought schnitzel techniques, which evolved into this beloved Southern comfort food.

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern comfort classic Chicken Fried Steak delivers crispy, golden perfection with a rich, creamy gravy that beckons hungry hearts. Tender beef cutlets breaded and fried to golden brown promise a hearty meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 (170 g / 6 oz) cube steaks

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or enough for frying)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the flavor foundation by mixing flour with an aromatic blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish, creating a robust seasoning mix.
2. Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce together in a separate bowl, forming a tangy binding liquid for the coating process.
3. Transform each steak by thoroughly dredging in the seasoned flour, then immersing in the egg mixture, and returning to the flour for a double-layer coating, pressing firmly to ensure a crisp, textured exterior.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet until it reaches a sizzling temperature, preparing for a perfect golden fry.
5. Carefully lower the breaded steaks into the hot oil, allowing each side to develop a rich, amber-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the fried steaks to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate, letting excess oil drain and maintaining the crispness of the coating.
7. Reduce the skillet’s oil to a minimal amount, then introduce flour to create a roux, stirring until it achieves a golden, nutty appearance.
8. Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy base for the gravy.
9. Enhance the gravy with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, simmering and stirring until it reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.
10. Plate the chicken fried steak, lavishly draping it with the velvety gravy, and optionally sprinkle additional black pepper for an extra flavor boost.
11. Complement the dish with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, tender green beans, or buttered corn to complete the meal.

Notes

• Swap cube steak with tenderized beef round or sirloin for a more budget-friendly option without compromising texture.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this dish celiac-friendly while maintaining the crispy exterior.
• Double-dredging technique ensures an extra crunchy coating that locks in moisture and creates a delectable golden-brown crust.
• Control oil temperature carefully to prevent burning; use a thermometer for consistent, perfect frying results every time.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg