Chicken Fried Steak Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
By Captain Cooking
Ever wanted something warm, golden, and deeply satisfying? This easy chicken fried steak recipe is just that. It turns a simple, affordable cut of beef into a dish that feels like your favorite comfort food.
Making homemade chicken fried steak is easier than you think. It’s a Southern classic that’s ready in just over 30 minutes. It’s great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without spending hours cooking.
The secret to a crunchy chicken fried steak is the double dredge method. This technique makes the crust thick and golden, with a satisfying crunch. The steak stays tender and juicy inside, while the outside is crunchy.
You’ll need basic pantry ingredients for this recipe. Cube steak becomes unforgettable when coated and fried right. Your crispy chicken fried steak will be just as good as any diner’s.
Key Takeaways
What Is Chicken Fried Steak and Why You’ll Love It
Chicken fried steak is tender beef cooked using the same method as fried chicken. It’s breaded and deep-fried until it’s golden and crunchy. The name might be confusing, but it’s all about the cooking technique, not chicken.
This dish is inspired by the Austrian Wiener schnitzel. It’s crunchy on the outside and juicy inside. Many love it for its comfort food taste and restaurant-quality flavor. It’s a favorite in many American kitchens.
Best Cut of Beef for This Recipe
The right beef cut is key to a great recipe. Look for tender, affordable cuts that cook quickly.
“The secret to great chicken fried steak lies in choosing quality beef and using proper tenderizing methods.”
Cube steak is the best for chicken fried steak. It’s already tenderized, making your job easier. It ensures a tender result every time.
Beef thickness is important too. It should be between one-quarter and one-half inch thick. Thinner cuts cook faster and get crisper. Pound your steak gently to ensure even thickness before frying.
Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Making chicken fried steak at home is easier than you think. This dish is all about juicy, tender beef with a crispy, golden crust on the outside. And the best part? With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make something that tastes just like a restaurant meal right in your own kitchen.
Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 pounds beef cube steak about 4 pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Coating
- 2 to 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
For the Gravy
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup reserved frying oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh thyme or chicken broth
Instructions
Prepare the steaks
- Pound cube steaks to about ¼-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
Prepare dredging station
- In one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
Coat the steaks (double dredge)
- Dip steak in flour → then buttermilk → then back into flour. Press gently so coating sticks.
Heat oil
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet to 325–375°F (medium heat).
Fry steaks
- Fry each steak 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a wire rack.
Keep warm
- Keep fried steaks warm in a 200°F oven.
Make the gravy
- In the same pan, keep ¼ cup oil + brown bits.
- Add flour and cook 2–3 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thick (6–7 minutes).
- Season with salt & pepper.
Serve
- Serve hot chicken fried steak topped with creamy gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Steaks
Preparing your steaks correctly is key. Start by pounding your beef cube steaks to about ¼-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender results.
Get your dredging station ready with two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine all your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, salt, and a little minced garlic. In the second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and a splash of hot sauce.
Pat your steaks dry with paper towels. This step really helps you get that nice golden-brown crust. Take each steak and dredge it first in the flour mixture, then in the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it again in the flour mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres properly.
Frying Your Steaks
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a cast-iron skillet to 325-375°F over medium to medium-high heat. The oil temperature is essential for creating that perfect golden brown crust without burning the coating.
Fry your steaks in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
Keep your finished steaks warm in a 200°F oven while you prepare the gravy. This keeps them hot and keeps the coating crispy.
Making the Gravy
Pour off most of the oil, reserving ¼ cup plus the flavorful brown bits in your skillet. Return the skillet to medium-low heat and whisk in ¼ cup of flour, cooking for 2-3 minutes until it smells like pie crust.
Add your minced garlic and fresh thyme if desired. Cook for about 30-45 seconds. Slowly whisk in the milk, raising the heat to medium, and simmer for 6-7 minutes until the gravy thickens nicely. Add kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve your chicken fried steak hot and pour that creamy gravy right over the top.
Tips for Making the Perfect Crispy Coating and Creamy Gravy
Creating the perfect chicken fried steak takes practice and focus. The coating and gravy are key to its success. Learn the secrets chefs use to achieve that perfect texture and flavor at home.
How to Achieve a Crispy Golden Brown Crust
The double dredge technique is crucial for a crispy crust. First, pat your steaks dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, helping the breading stick.
Press the flour into the meat with your fingers during dredging. Use firm pressure to ensure the coating adheres well. Heat your oil between 325°F and 375°F. This temperature ensures a crispy outside without burning the inside.
Making the Best Milk Gravy
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Chicken fried steak sides are just as important as the main dish. Choose sides that complement the rich flavors of your meal.
Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, and fresh corn on the cob. Creamed spinach and biscuits or dinner rolls are also great choices. They soak up the gravy perfectly.
Consider serving with coleslaw for a fresh contrast. Mac and cheese adds comfort. Roasted root vegetables add nutrition and texture. A simple garden salad balances the meal.
The best chicken fried steak meal combines quality ingredients and careful technique. Every element on your plate deserves the same attention as the main dish.
Conclusion
You now have all the tools to make restaurant-quality chicken fried steak at home. This guide has given you detailed steps and expert tips. You can now make this Southern favorite with ease.
The dish is special because of its crispy coating and tender steak. It’s smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Home cooks have made this recipe a hit, impressing even those from the South.
This recipe is easy to make and uses affordable ingredients. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday meals, or breakfast. Salting and peppering your steaks before dredging adds extra flavor, as community feedback suggests.
Go into your kitchen with confidence. The dish you make will wow your family and friends. It’s time to enjoy this classic comfort food.
