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!