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Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Crispy, tender chicken-fried steak smothered in creamy pepper gravy. A comforting weeknight classic made with pantry staples.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1.25 lb tenderized beef cube steaks about 4 pieces
  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt for seasoned flour
  • 1.25 tsp black pepper for seasoned flour
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 3.5 oz beaten eggs
  • 0.75 cup neutral frying oil such as canola or vegetable
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter for gravy
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, for gravy
  • 2 cup whole milk for gravy
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper for gravy
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt for gravy, to taste
  • 0.5 tsp hot sauce optional, for gravy

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Set up a dredging station with two shallow bowls and a rack-lined sheet pan.
  • Whisk the dredging flour with baking powder, paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  • Beat the eggs with buttermilk in the second bowl until smooth.
  • Pat cube steaks dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Dredge steaks in seasoned flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat again in flour.
  • Rest breaded steaks on the rack for 10 minutes to set the crust.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
  • Fry steaks in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden. Drain on the rack.
  • Pour off all but 2 tablespoons drippings from the skillet; add the butter.
  • Whisk in the gravy flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly tan and nutty.
  • Gradually whisk in milk. Simmer, stirring, until thick and smooth, 3–5 minutes.
  • Season gravy with salt, plenty of black pepper, and hot sauce if using.
  • Serve steaks hot, smothered with the creamy pepper gravy.

Notes

Variation: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the flour for a subtle smoky note. Keep fried steaks warm in a 200°F oven while making the gravy. Leftover gravy reheats well with a splash of milk; refrigerate up to 3 days.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.