Chicken Fried Steak: A staple in Southern cuisine, this hearty dish combines the irresistible crunch of fried chicken with the savory satisfaction of steak for a family dinner, or hosting a weekend brunch.
What Is Chicken Fried Steak?
Contrary to its name, Chicken Fried Steak doesn’t involve chicken at all! The term refers to the cooking method—coating a tenderized piece of beef in seasoned flour and frying it to crispy perfection, much like fried chicken. Typically made with cube steak or round steak, this dish is often served with a generous helping of creamy white country gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
Choose the Right Cut of Meat
Opt for cube steak, a pre-tenderized cut of beef, for the best results. If cube steak isn’t available, you can use round steak and tenderize it yourself using a meat mallet.
Season Well
Layering flavor is key. Season both the meat and the flour dredge generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder.
Double Dredge for Maximum Crunch
Dip the steak in the flour mixture, then into an egg wash, and back into the flour. This double coating ensures a thick, crispy crust.
Monitor Your Oil Temperature
Fry the steaks in 350°F (175°C) oil. Too hot, and the crust will burn before the steak cooks through. Too cool, and the coating will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
Rest Before Serving
Let the steaks rest on a wire rack for a few minutes after frying. This prevents the coating from steaming and losing its crunch.
Variations of Chicken Fried Steak
While the traditional recipe is beloved for a reason, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond or rice flour.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper to the flour dredge and serve with spicy sausage gravy.
- Baked Chicken Fried Steak: For a lighter version, bake the steaks at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, turning halfway through.
- Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak: Coat the steaks as usual and cook them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak
The classic accompaniment to Chicken Fried Steak is a generous ladle of white pepper gravy. Made with the flavorful drippings left in the pan, this creamy gravy is a must-have. Pair your steak with:
Coleslaw: For a refreshing contrast, serve with a tangy coleslaw.
Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food duo.
Buttermilk Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up extra gravy.
Vegetables: Southern-style green beans, sautéed spinach, or roasted carrots complement the richness.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Steak
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Fried Steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the steaks individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) or in an air fryer. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak: A staple in Southern cuisine, this hearty dish combines the irresistible crunch of fried chicken with the savory satisfaction of steak for a family dinner, or hosting a weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks (about 1/3 lb each)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika
- 2 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided
- 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- ½ tsp baking soda and baking powder
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp TABASCO® Sauce
- 1 cup vegetable oil
For the Gravy:
- 2-3 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp grease (from frying the steak)
- 4 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Coatings:
- Mix flour, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, paprika, onion, and garlic powder with baking soda and powder in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, TABASCO®, and eggs.
Season and Dredge:
- Pat cube steaks dry, season with remaining salt and pepper, then pat dry again.
- Coat steaks in flour mixture, then the buttermilk mix, and back into the flour. Press extra flour onto the steaks for a crispy finish. Let them rest for 10 minutes.
Fry the Steaks:
- Heat ¼ inch of oil in a heavy skillet to 320–340°F. Fry two steaks at a time for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a 225°F oven.
Make the Gravy:
- Save the flavorful grease! Add 4 tbsp back to the skillet, whisk in flour, and cook until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until smooth and creamy (5–7 minutes). Add more milk if it thickens too much. Finish with plenty of black pepper.
- 5. Serve and Savor: Plate the crispy steaks, smother them in that dreamy gravy, and serve alongside mashed potatoes and green veggies. Enjoy every bite of Southern comfort at its finest!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 1294Total Fat 93gSaturated Fat 24gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 62gCholesterol 245mgSodium 1470mgCarbohydrates 67gFiber 2gSugar 24gProtein 48g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Still Hungry! try these Chicken recipes:
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Authentic Chicken Enchiladas
- Teriyaki Chicken Breast
- Indian Style Chicken Tikka Masala
So, Guys, I hope you enjoy this Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe which I make on weekly basis. All the Chicken Lovers who are looking for Chicken Fried Steak will enjoy this recipe. And if you like this recipe then Don’t forget to share it with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media platforms. And do follow us on facebook, twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram.
