Irresistibly Crunchy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Southern-style chicken fried steak with a golden, crunchy coating promises pure comfort on a plate.

This classic diner favorite brings hearty flavor to any meal.

The perfectly seasoned breading creates an irresistible crunch that seals in tender beef.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved recipe passed down through family kitchens.

Rich, creamy pepper gravy transforms this dish into a true Southern delection.

Ranch-style sides and fluffy mashed potatoes make the perfect companions to this crispy masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 635 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients to Build a Great Chicken Fried Steak

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the crispy, golden base for the breading, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the coating.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a sweet and savory depth to the seasoning blend.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness and beautiful reddish color to the breading.
• Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the meat and balances the entire dish.
• Black Pepper: Delivers a warm, slightly spicy kick to the seasoning mix.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a vibrant heat that gives the coating an extra punch of excitement.

• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the flour adhere perfectly to the meat.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the meat and adds a tangy richness to the coating.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a zesty, spicy element that elevates the overall flavor profile.

• Cube Steak: A tenderized cut that becomes wonderfully crispy and juicy when prepared correctly, perfect for this classic Southern dish.

Kitchen Gear for the Best Chicken Fried Steak

• Large shallow dish: Perfect for mixing flour and seasonings.
• Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce smoothly.
• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan: Ideal for achieving a golden, crispy crust.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely turning and moving steaks during frying.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Great for draining excess oil after cooking.
• Meat mallet or rolling pin: Useful for tenderizing and flattening steaks before breading.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for measuring ingredients accurately.

Making Chicken Fried Steak

• Whip Up Seasoned Flour

Mix dry ingredients in a wide container, blending spices to create a zesty coating that’ll make your chicken fried steak pop with flavor.

• Create Creamy Egg Bath

Whisk eggs with tangy buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce to build a rich, silky dipping liquid that’ll help your breading stick like a charm.

• Master the Breading Dance

Dive each steak into the seasoned flour, then swim it through the egg mixture, and finish with another flour roll. Press those crumbs firmly to craft a seriously crunchy exterior that’ll have everyone’s taste buds doing a happy dance.

• Heat the Sizzle Station

Warm a heavy skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom, bringing it to a perfect golden-brown temperature that’ll transform your steak into a crispy masterpiece.

• Fry to Perfection

Gently lower each breaded steak into the hot oil, cooking until the outside turns a gorgeous deep brown and the inside remains tender and juicy.

• Rest and Drain

Transfer your crispy creation to a wire rack or paper towels, letting excess oil drip away while the steak stays wonderfully crunchy.

• Serve with Southern Flair

Plate your chicken fried steak with a generous ladle of creamy white gravy, creating a classic comfort food that screams pure deliciousness.

Flavor Tips for Classic Chicken Fried Steak

• Double-dredge the steaks by first coating in seasoned flour, then egg wash, and finally a second flour coating to achieve an extra-crunchy exterior.
• Prepare the steaks up to the breading stage and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying to allow the coating to set and become even crispier.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delicious crunch.
• Instead of deep-frying, try oven-baking the steaks on a wire rack at 425°F for a healthier version with reduced oil content while maintaining a crisp texture.
• Experiment with different spice blends in the flour mixture, such as adding smoked paprika, dried herbs, or even a dash of ranch seasoning to customize the flavor profile.

Ways to Plate and Serve Chicken Fried Steak

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans for a classic Southern-style meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this hearty dish into a weekend brunch star by topping with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh chopped chives for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Gravy Love Affair: Drench the crispy chicken fried steak with rich, creamy white pepper gravy and enjoy with soft buttermilk biscuits to soak up every delicious drop of sauce.
• Ranch Diner Style: Add a side of tangy coleslaw and serve with homemade ranch dressing for dipping to give this traditional comfort food a modern twist that'll make taste buds dance.

Keep Chicken Fried Steak Ready for Later Meals

• Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Revive crispy texture by heating in an oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave to keep the breading crunchy and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze uncooked breaded steaks between layers of parchment paper for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before cooking for best results.
• Prepare seasoned flour and egg wash mixtures in advance. Store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for quick weeknight dinner preparation, saving time and reducing kitchen cleanup.

Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern Chicken Fried Steak delivers comfort with crispy breaded beef smothered in creamy pepper gravy. Rich flavors and golden-brown crunch promise a satisfying meal that brings home-style charm straight to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 (170 g / 6 oz) cube steaks (about 1 kg / 2 lbs total)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or enough for frying)
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Flour Preparation: Blend garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the flour within a shallow dish, creating a robust and aromatic seasoning mixture.
2. Egg Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce together in a separate bowl until thoroughly combined, ensuring a smooth and well-integrated liquid coating.
3. Steak Breading Process: Meticulously dredge each steak first through the seasoned flour, then immerse completely in the egg mixture, and finally return to the flour for a double-layer coating, applying firm pressure to establish a crisp, textured exterior that will transform into a golden, crunchy crust during cooking.

Notes

• Blend spices thoroughly to ensure even distribution and deep flavor penetration throughout the coating.
• Whisk eggs and buttermilk vigorously to create a smooth, uniform mixture that helps the breading adhere better to the meat.
• Press flour coating firmly and evenly, using fingertips to create a compact layer that will result in a golden, crunchy exterior when fried.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and maintain oil temperature around 350°F to prevent soggy breading and ensure even, crisp cooking without burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg