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Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak delivers crispy, golden breading and tender, flavorful steak smothered in creamy, homemade gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food everyone loves!
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Chicken fried steak is the ultimate comfort food with crispy, golden breading and tender, juicy steak inside. This classic dish pairs perfectly with creamy gravy and a side of mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty meal that’s great for weeknights or when you crave something indulgent and satisfying. Get ready to impress your family with this homemade favorite!
This country fried steak recipe is easy to make, and you can follow the detailed guide below for foolproof results. We’ve included step-by-step photos and directions to make every step simple. Discover pro tips and tricks for perfecting the dish and answers to the most frequently asked questions!
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Chicken fried steak takes just 30 minutes to make and delivers crispy, golden perfection with every bite. This hearty dish, smothered in creamy gravy, shines as a family dinner or potluck favorite. The juicy steak and crunchy coating make it a standout comfort food everyone will love. Make this at home to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen!
Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients
What you'll need to make this chicken-fried steak recipe:
Steak Ingredients
- 2 to 3 cups peanut oil (enough to come up at least 1-inch of oil in your skillet)
- 2 pounds (6 – 5-ounce pieces) cubed beef steak pieces, room temperature
- ¼ cup of milk
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon season salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Pro Tip
If you can not find cubed steak at your local grocer, you can use thin slices of sirloin beef and tenderize it with a meat mallet. Follow all other directions for this dish.
Gravy Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your chicken fried steak recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These easy changes make it uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
- Substitute All-Purpose Flour: Try almond flour or gluten-free flour for a lighter or gluten-free version of this crispy dish.
- Add Spices to the Coating: Mix in paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to give your chicken fried steak a bold and flavorful kick.
- Swap Gravy Options: Replace the classic white gravy with mushroom gravy or peppercorn sauce for a different but equally delicious topping.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak
Follow our step-by-step instructions and pictures to create the ultimate chicken fried steak. Check out the tips and tricks below for extra guidance. Let’s get started and make this delicious meal together!
Pro Tip
The amount of servings for this dish is very adjustable. If you have a smaller family, just reduce the amount of the ingredients (except for the oil in your skillet, that will be consistent to the size of your skillet) or vice versa if you have a larger family.
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a baking rack into a large baking sheet tray. Very lightly spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
SECOND STEP: In a large skillet (at least 3-4 inches deep), on medium-high heat, place the peanut oil. Heat the oil to 350°F. While your oil is heating, you can coat your cubed steak pieces.
Pro Tip
I highly recommend using peanut oil for frying any type of breaded chicken or beef. It has a higher smoke point which means it will not burn as quickly as vegetable or canola oil will. Remember that no matter which oil you use, you will need to keep your oil temperature around 350°F, and the more pieces you fry, the darker your oil will get.
THIRD STEP: Set up a breading station (deep-dish pie plates work great for this) by placing the milk and eggs in one dish and whisking to combine.
FOURTH STEP: In a separate shallow bowl, place the flour, season salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly the breading for chicken fried steak.
FIFTH STEP: Dip one piece of steak at a time into the seasoned flour mixture, lightly coating both sides. Then dip the steak into the egg and milk mixture on both sides, and finally back into the flour mixture.
Make sure the cubed beef piece is evenly coated, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Place breaded cubed steak on a large plate or rimmed baking tray, and repeat until all your cubed pieces of steak are breaded.
SIXTH STEP: Very carefully place 2 to 3 pieces (depending on the size of your skillet) of the breaded cube steak into the hot oil. Cook steak for 1 ½ minutes on each side or just until a light golden brown color.
Pro Tip
Don’t worry, you will finish cooking your chicken fried steak in the oven. It will get slightly darker in the oven.
SEVENTH STEP: Remove the golden brown pieces of chicken fried steak from the oil, allowing any excess oil to drip off, then place the pieces onto the prepared baking tray.
EIGHTH STEP: Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the remaining steaks until all your pieces of meat are fried.
NINTH STEP: Place your fried cubed steak that is on the sheet tray into the oven to finish cooking for 20 minutes.
TENTH STEP: While your steak is in the oven, you can make your chicken fried steak gravy by placing, in a medium saucepan, the 4 tablespoons butter and ¼ cup flour.
Cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking until the butter has absorbed the flour and is a pale gold color.
Slowly pour the milk, constantly whisking to avoid lumps, into the saucepan with butter and flour mixture. Add the kosher salt and black pepper to the gravy and allow it to cook and thicken. This will take about 5 minutes.
Make sure to whisk often to avoid burning the milk.
ELEVENTH STEP: Once the gravy has thickened, turn off the heat.
TWELFTH STEP: When the chicken fried steak is done cooking, plate each piece and top with the gravy.
How to Serve Breaded Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak is versatile and works for any occasion. Whether for dinner, parties, or seasonal gatherings, it always impresses. Here are three great ways to serve this recipe:
- Family Dinner Favorite: Chicken fried steak is perfect for weeknight dinners when the family craves something hearty. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal everyone will love. Kids especially enjoy the crispy coating and rich gravy!
- Special Occasion Showstopper: Serve this recipe at celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries to wow your guests. Add carrots and homemade dinner rolls for a complete and impressive spread.
- Seasonal Comfort Food: This dish shines during cooler months when you want cozy, satisfying meals. Serve it alongside fried potatoes and make a warm apple dump cake for dessert. It’s the ultimate comfort food to enjoy on chilly fall or winter evenings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe For Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak is a cherished classic for so many reasons! Its bold flavors, satisfying texture, and comforting charm make it irresistible. Here’s why our readers agree, this is the best chicken fried steak recipe!
- A Crunchy, Flavorful Delight: The crispy coating locks in the steak’s juicy tenderness, delivering an unforgettable crunch with every bite. The rich, savory flavors in this dish keep everyone coming back for more, making it a go-to comfort food.
- Perfect for Comfort and Nostalgia: This recipe reminds readers of family dinners and home-cooked meals filled with warmth and love. The creamy gravy and crispy steak create a dish that feels like a warm hug from home.
- Quick, Easy, and Always Delicious: With a simple cooking process and just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish fits into even the busiest schedules. Its reliability and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a trusted favorite in kitchens everywhere.
Chicken fried steak brings the perfect mix of flavor, comfort, and convenience to your table. It’s a must-try recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Recipe FAQ
How do I make the breading extra crispy?
Use fresh oil for frying and double-dip the steak in the flour mixture for a perfectly crispy coating.
What cut of steak works best for chicken fried steak?
Cube steak is the top choice because it’s tenderized and cooks quickly. You can also use round steak if needed.
How can I ensure the gravy is smooth and creamy?
Whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.
Why is my coating falling off the steak?
Pat the steak dry before breading and press the coating firmly onto the surface to help it stick better.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve chicken fried steak at dinner?
Serve it hot and fresh from the pan on individual plates, topped with warm gravy for maximum flavor.
Should I slice the steak before serving?
Keep the steak whole for a traditional presentation, or slice it into strips for easy sharing and portion control.
How can I make the presentation more appealing?
Drizzle the gravy artfully over the steak and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a polished and appetizing look.
Is chicken fried steak kid-friendly?
Kids love the crispy breading and mild flavors, making it a great choice for family meals that everyone will enjoy.
Storage FAQ
Follow the tips below for optimal storage, making ahead, and reheating your chicken fried steak. From preserving its crispy coating to enjoying it later, we’ve got all the answers you need!
Can I prepare chicken fried steak ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the steak and refrigerate it for up to a few hours before cooking. This helps the coating stick better.
What’s the best way to store leftover chicken fried steak?
Place the cooked steaks in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Can I freeze cooked chicken fried steak?
Yes, let the steaks cool completely, then wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight container for up to three months.
How should I reheat chicken fried steak to keep it crispy?
Reheat the steak in an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy coating without drying it out.
Can I reheat chicken fried steak in the microwave?
Yes, but use short increments of 30 seconds and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
Chicken Fried Steak
Chicken fried steak delivers crispy, golden breading and tender, flavorful steak smothered in creamy, homemade gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food everyone loves!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
Steak
- 2-3 cups peanut oil (enough to come up at least 1 inch in your skillet)
- 2 pounds cubed beef steak pieces (room temperature, six 5 ounce pieces)
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon season salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Gravy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a baking rack into a large baking sheet tray. Very lightly spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large heavy-duty skillet (at least 3 to 4 inches deep), on medium-high heat, place the peanut oil. Heat the oil to 350°F. While your oil is heating, you can coat your cubed steak pieces.
- Set up a breading station (deep-dish pie plates work great for this) by placing the milk and eggs in one dish and whisking to combine.
- In a second dish, place the flour, season salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
- Dip one piece at a time of the cubed steak, into the flour mixture lightly coating both sides, then into the egg mixture on both sides, and finally back into the flour mixture. Make sure the cubed beef piece is evenly coated, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Place breaded cubed steak on a large plate or rimmed baking tray, and repeat until all your cubed steak pieces are breaded.
- Very carefully place 2 to 3 pieces (depending on the size of your skillet) of the breaded cube steak into the hot oil. Cook for 1 ½ minutes on each side or just until a light golden brown color. Don’t worry, you will finish cooking your chicken fried steak in the oven. It will get slightly darker in the oven.
- Remove the golden brown pieces of chicken fried steak from the oil, allowing any excess oil to drip off, then place the pieces onto the prepared baking tray.
- Repeat steps 6 and 7 until all your pieces of meat are fried.
- Place your fried cubed steak that is on the sheet tray into the oven to finish cooking for 20 minutes.
- While your chicken fried steak is in the oven, you can make your gravy by placing, in a medium saucepan, the 4 tablespoons butter and ¼ cup flour. Cook on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking until the butter has absorbed the flour and is a pale gold color. Slowly pour the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, into the saucepan with butter and flour mixture. Add the kosher salt and black pepper to the gravy and allow it to cook and thicken. This will take about 5 minutes. Make sure to whisk often to avoid burning the milk.
- Once the gravy has thickened, turn off the heat.
- When the chicken fried steak is done cooking, plate each piece and top with the gravy.
Notes
- If cubed steak isn't available, thin slices of sirloin are a great alternative. Tenderize them with a meat mallet, then follow the usual recipe steps.
- This recipe scales easily. Reduce ingredients for smaller families, keeping oil quantity consistent with skillet size, or increase for larger groups.
- Use peanut oil for frying to benefit from its high smoke point, which prevents burning. Maintain oil at around 350°F; note that frequent frying may darken the oil.
- Finish cooking your chicken fried steak in the oven. It might darken slightly but will be thoroughly cooked.
Nutrition
Calories: 1274kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 105g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 25g | Monounsaturated Fat: 45g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 274mg | Sodium: 1756mg | Potassium: 869mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 696IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 279mg | Iron: 5mg
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Comments
Cathy says
Such a good old fashioned hearty dinner! Family loved it 🙂