The Best Chicken Fried Steak
Few dishes scream Southern comfort food quite like Chicken Fried Steak. It’s golden, crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and smothered with creamy gravy that makes each bite irresistible. If you’re craving a hearty, homemade meal that feels like a hug on a plate, this recipe is the one to try.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect chicken fried steak—from the ingredients to the step-by-step cooking process, plus tips, variations, and storage methods. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Chicken Fried Steak is one of those classic dishes that feels special yet approachable. It combines the best of two worlds: the crunchy breading you’d expect from fried chicken and the tenderness of steak, all brought together with rich, homemade gravy.
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy here—you likely already have most of what you need in your pantry.
- Comforting flavors: Crispy coating plus creamy gravy equals ultimate comfort food.
- Crowd-pleasing: This dish works just as well for Sunday family dinner as it does for impressing guests.
- Customizable: From spice levels to gravy variations, you can adapt this recipe to fit your taste.
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak
Before diving into the cooking steps, let’s get our ingredients ready. I’ve included precise measurements, but feel free to tweak seasonings to suit your preference.
For the Steaks
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 4–6 ounces each)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if buttermilk isn’t available)
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2–3 cups depending on pan size)
For the Cream Gravy
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (from the pan drippings)
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Fried Steak
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have the crispiest, juiciest chicken fried steak you’ve ever tasted.
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Cube steaks are already tenderized, but if yours aren’t, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a meat mallet until about ¼ inch thick. This ensures tenderness and even cooking.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
This double station makes it easy to dredge the steaks properly.
Step 3: Dredge the Steaks
Take one cube steak and dip it into the seasoned flour mixture, coating both sides. Shake off excess.
Next, dip the steak into the egg and buttermilk mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
Finally, return the steak to the flour mixture, pressing the flour firmly onto the meat. This double coating gives you that signature crunchy crust.
Repeat with the remaining steaks. Place them on a wire rack while you prepare the oil.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) until it’s about ½ inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop in a pinch of flour—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Step 5: Fry the Steaks
Carefully place one or two steaks into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pan). Fry each side for about 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if cooking in batches.
Step 6: Make the Gravy
Once all the steaks are fried, pour off all but ¼ cup of the oil and drippings from the skillet. Keep the browned bits—they’re full of flavor.
Sprinkle in ¼ cup of flour and whisk until it forms a paste (this is your roux). Cook for about 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Place a crispy chicken fried steak on a plate, ladle creamy gravy over the top, and serve hot with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak
Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your chicken fried steak restaurant-worthy:
- Don’t skip the double dredge: This is what makes the coating thick, crispy, and flavorful.
- Use cast iron: A cast iron skillet holds heat evenly and gives the best crust.
- Rest before frying: After dredging, let the coated steaks rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the breading stick better.
- Check your oil temperature: Too hot and the coating burns before the steak cooks; too cool and the breading turns greasy.
- Season at every step: A little salt and pepper in the flour, eggs, and gravy makes a big difference.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Here are some easy swaps:
- Cube steak substitute: Use round steak or sirloin pounded thin.
- Buttermilk substitute: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Flour substitute: Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if needed.
- Milk for gravy: Half-and-half makes it richer, while low-fat milk works if you want it lighter.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Chicken Fried Steak is its versatility. While the classic version is always a hit, you can easily adjust flavors and techniques to create fun new spins. Here are some tasty variations to keep things interesting:
- Spicy Chicken Fried Steak: Kick up the heat by adding extra cayenne, chili powder, or even a pinch of smoked paprika to the flour. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for a bold flavor.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken Fried Steak: Add dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, or parsley to the flour mixture. The herbs create a fragrant crust that pairs beautifully with the creamy gravy.
- Cheesy Gravy Twist: Upgrade your gravy by whisking in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar. This gives the sauce a rich, cheesy flavor that makes your chicken fried steak even more indulgent.
- Country-Style Baked Steak: For a slightly lighter version, brown the breaded steaks in a skillet, then place them in a casserole dish, cover with gravy, and bake. This variation keeps the dish comforting but reduces the amount of oil used.
- Garlic Lovers’ Chicken Fried Steak: Mix garlic powder into both the flour and the gravy for a subtle but irresistible garlic kick.
- Tex-Mex Chicken Fried Steak: Top with jalapeños, serve with Mexican-style rice, and swap the gravy for a spicy queso sauce. It’s a bold, flavorful twist.
These variations let you enjoy Chicken Fried Steak in fresh ways, ensuring the dish never feels repetitive while still keeping all the comfort food goodness you love.
What to Serve with Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken Fried Steak is hearty enough to stand on its own, but classic Southern sides make it unforgettable. Pair it with:
- Mashed potatoes (a must for soaking up gravy)
- Biscuits or cornbread
- Green beans or collard greens
- Mac and cheese
- Coleslaw
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken fried steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the gravy in a separate container.
- Freezer: Wrap cooled steaks individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat steaks in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness. Warm the gravy separately on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Final Thoughts on Chicken Fried Steak
There’s a reason Chicken Fried Steak has remained a classic in Southern kitchens for generations. It’s the perfect balance of crispy, golden breading and tender, juicy steak inside, all topped with rich, creamy gravy that ties every bite together. This dish isn’t just food—it’s comfort, tradition, and a reminder of the kind of meals that bring family and friends closer around the table.
The beauty of making Chicken Fried Steak at home is that you can adjust it to your taste, experiment with seasonings, or keep it as simple and traditional as you like. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite veggies, it always feels like a hearty, satisfying meal worth savoring.
If you’ve never tried making Chicken Fried Steak yourself, this recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s straightforward, uses basic pantry ingredients, and delivers results that taste like something from a beloved family diner. Once you master it, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe whenever you crave true Southern comfort food.
