Crispy & Juicy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe – Easy Southern

Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish that combines the best of crispy fried goodness with tender, flavorful beef. Despite its name, this dish contains no chicken—it’s made from a breaded and fried beef steak, usually cube steak, coated in a seasoned flour mixture and served with rich, creamy country gravy. With its golden brown crust and juicy interior, this dish is a comfort food favorite in homes and diners across the United States.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe, including step-by-step instructions, preparation tips, nutrition details, and everything you need to create the ultimate crispy, delicious meal.

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Active Time: 30 minutes

Resting Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Cuisine: Southern, American

Course: Main Course

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving

Equipment Needed

• Large frying pan or cast-iron skillet
• Meat tenderizer (if needed)
• Shallow bowls for dredging
• Wire rack (for resting cooked steaks)
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

• 4 cube steaks (about 4-6 ounces each)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Country Gravy:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

1. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. In another shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
3. In a third shallow bowl, add cornstarch for an extra crispy texture.

Step 2: Bread the Cube Steaks

1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
3. Dip the steak into the egg-buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Press the steak into the cornstarch for extra crispiness, then dredge again in the seasoned flour mixture.
5. Set the breaded steaks aside on a wire rack and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the coating to adhere.

Step 3: Fry the Steaks

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary.
3. Cook each steak for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove steaks and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Country Gravy

1. Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings.
2. Add butter and flour, stirring constantly, until the flour is golden brown (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Slowly pour in milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Continue cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Place the crispy chicken fried steak on a plate.
2. Generously pour the creamy country gravy over the top.
3. Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or a side of your choice.
4. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Fried Steak!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak

• Use Cube Steak: Cube steak is already tenderized, but if you’re using another cut, pound it with a meat tenderizer.
• Double Dredging: Coating the steak twice ensures a super crispy crust.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Keep the frying oil at 350°F (175°C) to prevent the breading from absorbing too much oil.
• Rest the Coated Steaks: Letting the breading set before frying helps prevent it from falling off.
• Don’t Skip the Gravy: The rich, creamy country gravy is the perfect finishing touch!

Conclusion

This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is the ultimate Southern comfort food, featuring a crispy, golden-brown crust and tender, juicy beef. Paired with creamy country gravy, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a weekend brunch, this recipe guarantees a flavorful and comforting dish every time. Try it today and enjoy a homemade classic that never goes out of style!