The Best Homemade Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This chicken fried steak recipe is a crowd-pleaser, with its crispy coating and juicy center, perfect for a comforting meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make, even if you’re new to cooking.

• Crispy perfection: The golden-brown crust stays crunchy, giving every bite a satisfying crunch.
• Tender and juicy: The steak stays moist inside, thanks to a simple buttermilk soak.
• Versatile flavors: Pair it with creamy gravy or your favorite sides for a meal that never gets old.

Recipe

ORIGINAL TEXT:

Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern comfort food, featuring tenderized beef steak coated in seasoned flour, fried to golden perfection, and served with creamy gravy. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

For the steak:

• 4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the gravy:

• 1/4 cup pan drippings (from frying the steaks)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
3. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture. Shake off excess.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. For the gravy, pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1/4 cup of drippings. Add flour and whisk over medium heat until browned.
6. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve the steaks hot, topped with gravy.

Notes:

– Use cube steaks for tenderness. Confirm the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) for frying to prevent greasy steaks.

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Shallow dishes (for dredging)
• Whisk
• Tongs

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Cuisine:

American (Southern)

Serving:

Serves 4

Nutrition

Chicken fried steak is a hearty dish, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Below is the breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

When I make chicken fried steak, I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up the gravy perfectly. Buttery green beans add a fresh crunch that balances the dish nicely. Trust me, this combo turns a simple meal into something special.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for the perfect side to pair with your chicken fried steak, you can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes—they’re rich, comforting, and just the right balance to that crispy, savory main. I love mine whipped with butter, warm milk, and a pinch of garlic for extra depth. The smooth texture melts into every bite of steak, making each forkful heavenly. Don’t skip the gravy, either—drizzling it over both the potatoes and steak ties everything together. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want to eat chicken fried steak any other way. It’s pure comfort food magic.

Buttery Green Beans

While creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side, sometimes you want something fresh and crisp to balance out that rich chicken fried steak. That’s where buttery green beans come in—they’re simple, flavorful, and add a pop of color to your plate. I love sautéing them in butter with a pinch of garlic until they’re just tender-crisp. A squeeze of lemon brightens them up, and a sprinkle of flaky salt makes every bite irresistible. They’re the perfect contrast to that crispy, golden steak, and they take just minutes to make. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!