Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern comfort food staple, made by breading and frying tenderized cube steaks until crispy and golden. It’s served with a creamy, peppery gravy that’s made from the pan drippings. This hearty meal is perfect for dinner or a weekend brunch, especially when paired with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
Ingredients for Classic Chicken Fried Steak
- 4 cube steaks (about ⅓ pound each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons of reserved frying oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions for Classic Chicken Fried Steak
1. Prepare the Steak
- Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Dredging Station
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs and ¼ cup milk until smooth.
3. Dredge the Steaks
- Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, then return it to the flour mixture for a second coating. This double-dipping ensures a thick, crispy crust.
4. Heat the Oil
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about ¼ to ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for frying.
5. Fry the Steaks
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated steaks into the skillet. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the steaks are golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs to flip the steaks, ensuring both sides are evenly cooked.
- Once the steaks are done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep warm while you prepare the gravy.
6. Make the Gravy
- After frying the steaks, reserve 2 tablespoons of the frying oil in the skillet, discarding the rest.
- Over medium heat, whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour into the reserved oil to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in 2 cups milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the gravy thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve
- Serve the fried steaks hot, topped with the creamy gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a classic Southern meal.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Cube Steaks: Cube steaks are typically pre-tenderized, but if you can’t find them, you can tenderize round steaks by pounding them with a meat mallet until they are about ¼ inch thick.
- Gravy Consistency: If your gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If it’s too hot, the crust will burn before the meat is cooked through; if too cool, the coating will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Variations for Chicken Fried Steak
1. Spicy Chicken Fried Steak
- Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture or flour mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak
- Replace the regular milk in the egg mixture with buttermilk for added tang and tenderness in the breading.
3. Herb-Gravy Variation
- Stir in some chopped fresh parsley or thyme into the gravy for an herby twist that adds extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Chicken Fried Steak ahead of time?
Yes! You can fry the steaks ahead of time and keep them warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven. Prepare the gravy just before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the crust crispy.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Fried Steak?
Yes! You can freeze the fried steaks after cooling. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes to maintain crispiness.
A Classic Southern Comfort Dish
Chicken Fried Steak is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy coating and rich, creamy gravy, this meal is a Southern classic that brings comfort and flavor to the table. Pair it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite sides, and enjoy the comforting flavors of the South!
