How to Make Chicken Fried Steak

Immerse yourself in the heart of Southern cuisine with this quintessential Chicken Fried Steak recipe, a dish that epitomizes comfort food with its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Paired with a rich, creamy gravy, this meal turns any dinner table into a celebration of traditional flavors and home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re longing for a taste of the South or simply in the mood for a hearty meal that satisfies the soul, Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into making this beloved classic that’s perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or a fulfilling family dinner.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Fried Steak:

• Savory Satisfaction: The combination of a crispy coating with tender steak offers a mouthwatering experience.
• Homestyle Comfort: Brings the warmth and comfort of Southern cooking right to your kitchen.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for any time of day, from a hearty brunch to a satisfying dinner.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the seasonings in the steak breading and gravy to cater to your taste preferences.

Ingredients Notes For Chicken Fried Steak:

• Steak: Typically made with tenderized cube steak, which ensures a tender chew and quick cooking time.
• Breading: A mixture of flour, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavorful crust.
• Eggs and Milk: Used for dipping the steak to help the breading adhere during frying.
• Gravy: A simple roux-based gravy made with the drippings from the steak, flour, milk, and seasonings, resulting in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
• Oil: For frying, ensuring a crispy, golden crust. Canola or vegetable oil are preferred for their high smoke points.

Recipe Steps:

1. Prepare the Steak: Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and another plate of seasoned flour.
2. Bread the Steak: Dredge each steak first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and again in the flour, ensuring a thorough coating.
3. Fry the Steak: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, leave about 2 tablespoons of oil and some steak drippings. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Place the chicken fried steaks on plates, smother with creamy gravy, and serve with your favorite sides.

Storage Options:

• Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
• Freeze: Freeze the fried steaks and gravy separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven and stovetop, respectively.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Steak:

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup reserved pan drippings
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Steaks:

1. Tenderize: If your cube steaks aren’t already tenderized, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness.
2. Season Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Dip each steak first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and again in the flour mixture, ensuring a thorough coat.
4. Fry: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.

Make the Gravy:

1. Pan Drippings: Pour off all but about 1/4 cup of the oil from the skillet, leaving the flavorful bits in the pan.
2. Roux: Over medium heat, sprinkle the flour over the reserved pan drippings. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook and stir until the gravy thickens, about 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

• Plate the chicken fried steaks and pour the creamy gravy over them. Serve hot with sides of your choice, such as mashed potatoes and green beans, for a complete comfort meal.

• Author: Maria