Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort food that’s become a beloved dish across the United States. This crispy, breaded, and fried steak, smothered in creamy, peppered gravy, is a rich and satisfying meal that will have you coming back for more. While the name might make you think of chicken, it’s actually a hearty beef steak that’s been tenderized, battered, and deep-fried, offering the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and juicy interior.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply a craving for something indulgent, Chicken Fried Steak is sure to please. The great thing about this dish is that it’s relatively simple to make, yet it’s packed with flavor. The key to making the perfect Chicken Fried Steak lies in selecting the right cut of meat, achieving the perfect breading, and making a flavorful, velvety gravy. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate this Southern classic right in your own kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of the process, from choosing the right steak to making the perfect gravy. With these tips, you’ll serve up a Chicken Fried Steak that tastes just as good as what you’d find in the best Southern diners.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Fried Steak

• Crispy and Tender: The combination of a crispy, golden crust and tender, juicy steak inside is simply irresistible.
• Creamy Gravy: The peppered gravy that smothers the steak adds a rich and creamy element to the dish, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
• Hearty and Filling: Chicken Fried Steak is a dish that’s sure to fill you up, perfect for any hearty meal.
• Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables for a complete and well-rounded meal.
• Classic Comfort Food: This is the kind of meal that evokes memories of family gatherings, Southern hospitality, and home-cooked goodness.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-600 calories, depending on portion size and preparation methods.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

• 4 beef cube steaks (approximately 4 oz each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if unavailable)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or enough to cover the bottom of the pan for frying)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (for seasoning the gravy)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steaks

To start, prepare the cube steaks. Cube steaks are typically made from round or sirloin steak that has been tenderized, which makes them perfect for Chicken Fried Steak. If your steaks aren’t already tenderized, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.

Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add a little garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to enhance the flavor of the meat.

2. Prepare the Breading Station

To bread the steaks, you’ll need three shallow bowls or plates.

• In the first bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat. Stir to combine.
• In the second bowl, whisk the eggs together with 1/4 cup of buttermilk. This egg mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick to the steak.
• In the third bowl, place 1 cup of breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs are great for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will also work). Mix the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Bread the Steaks

Take each cube steak and dip it first into the seasoned flour, making sure both sides are well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Next, dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated with the liquid.

Finally, press the steak into the breadcrumbs, making sure it’s completely covered. Gently press down to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for the remaining steaks.

4. Fry the Steaks

In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of breadcrumbs into the oil. If they sizzle immediately, it’s ready.

Carefully add the breaded steaks to the hot oil, one at a time, without overcrowding the pan. Fry the steaks for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip the steaks halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Once the steaks are crispy and golden, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Make the Gravy

After frying the steaks, you can use the same skillet to make the gravy. There should be some oil and bits of crispy breading left in the pan, which will add flavor to the gravy.

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan and whisk it together to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, until it turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty.

Gradually add the 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 4-5 minutes.

Season the gravy with salt, black pepper, and a dash of garlic powder, if desired. For extra flavor, you can add some of the pan drippings from the steaks as well.

6. Serve the Chicken Fried Steak

To serve, place a fried steak on each plate and generously spoon the creamy gravy over the top. You can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a little parsley for color, though the simplicity of the dish is just as delicious without any additional garnishes.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

• Choose the Right Steak: The best cut for Chicken Fried Steak is a tenderized cube steak. If you can’t find cube steaks, you can use other cuts like round steak or sirloin, but make sure they are tenderized before cooking.
• Temperature of the Oil: It’s crucial to fry the steak at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the steak cooks through. If it’s too cold, the breading will become soggy. Aim for an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
• Use Buttermilk for Extra Flavor: Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Crispier Breading: If you want an extra-crispy coating, use Panko breadcrumbs or double-dip your steak in the breading. After dipping in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, dip it back into the egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Gravy Variations: You can make the gravy richer by adding some of the fried steak drippings, or you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick. For a smoother gravy, use heavy cream instead of milk.

Variations of Chicken Fried Steak

• Spicy Chicken Fried Steak: Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for a spicy version of this classic dish.
• Gravy with Sausage: For a more traditional Southern twist, make a sausage gravy by browning breakfast sausage in the skillet before making the gravy. The sausage adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the steak.
• Chicken Fried Chicken: For a variation on the classic, substitute the beef steak with chicken breasts. Tenderize the chicken, bread it, and fry it the same way as the steak for a delicious Chicken Fried Chicken version.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Storing Leftovers: Leftover Chicken Fried Steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the breading.
• Freezing: You can freeze the fried steaks for up to 1 month. After frying, allow the steaks to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the steaks to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak is a hearty and filling dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to complete your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy mashed potatoes complement the crispy steak and soak up the delicious gravy.
• Fried Okra: A classic Southern side dish, fried okra adds crunch and flavor to the meal.
• Collard Greens: These savory greens are a perfect accompaniment to the richness of the Chicken Fried Steak.
• Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is a great way to scoop up extra gravy and add a little sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Green Beans: A simple, sautéed green bean dish adds freshness and a pop of color to the plate.

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Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak is the ultimate Southern comfort food, combining crispy, flavorful breading with tender, juicy meat and topped with a rich, creamy gravy. This dish is sure to impress, whether you’re serving it for a family meal, a special occasion, or simply because you’re craving something indulgent. With the right ingredients and a little care in preparation, you’ll have a homemade Chicken Fried Steak that rivals any Southern diner. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.