Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved Southern classic that combines tender, crispy breaded steak with a rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday family meals, this recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting meal step-by-step!

What Is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken Fried Steak is a dish made by breading and frying tenderized cube steaks, similar to how fried chicken is prepared. The dish is topped with creamy, peppery gravy, creating the ultimate comfort food. Its crispy coating and rich sauce make it a must-try for fans of Southern cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for all skill levels.
• Classic Comfort: A hearty dish that satisfies every craving for crispy and creamy textures.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Its rich flavors and crispy coating are sure to please kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1½ cups (355 ml) whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• ¾ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) cube steak
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (120 ml) canola or vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Gravy:

• ⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (1 liter) whole milk
• ½ tsp seasoned salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Set Up a Dredging Station: Arrange three dishes for coating the steaks:
   • Dish 1: Beat together milk and eggs.
   • Dish 2: Mix flour, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper.
   • Dish 3: Place cube steaks.
2. Season the Steaks: Sprinkle both sides of the cube steaks with kosher salt and black pepper.

Dredging the Steaks

1. Coat each steak in the seasoned flour mixture.
2. Dip the floured steak into the milk and egg mixture.
3. Return the steak to the flour mixture for a final coating.
4. Place the breaded steaks on a clean plate, ready for frying.

Cooking the Steaks

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add butter.
2. Fry the breaded steaks in batches, cooking each side for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
3. Transfer cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm while you prepare the gravy.

Making the Gravy

1. After frying, pour off excess grease, leaving ¼ cup in the skillet.
2. Sprinkle in ⅓ cup flour and whisk to form a golden-brown paste.
3. Gradually add 4 cups milk, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens.
4. Season with ½ tsp seasoned salt and black pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Fried Steak hot, generously topped with creamy gravy. It pairs beautifully with:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy gravy doubles as a delicious topping.
• Vegetables: Green beans, corn, or steamed broccoli add a touch of freshness.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of gravy.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.
• Gravy: Keep separately in a sealed container; reheat over low heat, adding milk if needed.

Freezing Instructions

• Fried Steaks: Freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Gravy: Freeze in a separate airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
• Low-Fat: Use a non-stick skillet with minimal oil and opt for low-fat milk in the gravy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use thinly pounded sirloin or round steak as an alternative to cube steak.

How can I make the coating extra crispy?
Let the breaded steaks rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.

What if my gravy is too thick?
Simply whisk in more milk, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Chicken Fried Steak is the ultimate comfort food, blending crispy, tender steak with creamy, flavorful gravy. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out today and let us know how it turns out!

Print