Chicken Fried Steak

5 from 2 votes

Chicken Fried Steak is a beloved comfort dish featuring tender beef coated in a crispy, seasoned crust. Fried to golden perfection and topped with rich, creamy gravy, this meal is both hearty and satisfying.

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Total Time35

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 968kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

For the Steak:

4 cube steaks about 4-6 ounces each
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
salt and pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a shallow dish, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
In another shallow dish, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of buttermilk.
Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat again in the flour mixture. Press the flour into the steak to ensure it adheres well.
In a large skillet, heat ½ cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the coated steaks to the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the fried steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Remove all but ¼ cup of oil from the skillet. Add ¼ cup of flour to the hot oil and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, continuing to whisk until the gravy thickens and comes to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve the chicken fried steak hot, topped with the creamy gravy. Enjoy with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw.

Notes

Choose the Right Cut: Use cube steaks for their tenderness, but thin-cut beef chuck or sirloin also work well.
Enhance the Crunch: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture for an extra crispy coating.
Let It Rest: Allow the coated steaks to sit for 10 minutes before frying to help the crust adhere better.
Customize Your Gravy: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to give the gravy a unique twist.
Reheat with Care: Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the crispy exterior instead of using the microwave.

Nutrition