Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort food featuring tenderized beef steak coated in a crispy, seasoned breading and smothered in rich, creamy country gravy. It’s delicious served with mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttery biscuits.

Ingredients

For the Steaks

• 4 cube steaks (about 1½ lbs / 680 g total)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Country Gravy

• ¼ cup of the frying oil (or butter)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Breading

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.

2. Bread the Steaks

1. Pat the cube steaks dry.
2. Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour.
3. Dip into the egg mixture.
4. Coat again in the seasoned flour, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
5. Let the breaded steaks rest for 10 minutes before frying.

3. Fry the Steaks

1. Heat about ½ inch (1.25 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.

4. Make the Country Gravy

1. Carefully pour off all but ¼ cup of the frying oil.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
4. Simmer for 4–6 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
5. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and plenty of black pepper.

5. Serve

Place the chicken fried steaks on serving plates and generously spoon the warm country gravy over the top.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Tips

• Letting the breaded steaks rest before frying helps the coating stay in place.
• Use a meat thermometer to maintain the oil temperature near 350°F (175°C) for the crispiest crust.
• For extra-crispy steaks, double-dip them in the egg mixture and seasoned flour.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered corn, green beans, biscuits, or coleslaw for a classic Southern meal.

Enjoy this crispy, golden Chicken Fried Steak with rich homemade country gravy