The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely loaded with flavor, then Chicken Fried Steak should be at the top of your list. It’s one of those classic comfort foods that brings a sense of warmth and joy with every bite. Seriously, every time I make it, my family can’t help but rave about how amazing it is!

But don’t let the name fool you—Chicken Fried Steak doesn’t actually have any chicken in it! It’s a breaded and fried beef steak, typically served with a creamy, flavorful gravy. And even though it sounds like something that might be complicated to make, trust me, it’s not! With a few simple steps, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. I’m about to walk you through the process, so you can make this delicious dish in your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients. This dish is made with some basic pantry staples, and chances are, you already have most of them. No need for any complicated ingredients or fancy kitchen gadgets here—just good ol’ simple ingredients.

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

• 4 beef cube steaks (tenderized round steaks work too)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (regular milk works fine if you don’t have buttermilk)
• 1 cup cornmeal (this adds that perfect crunch)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, but adds a nice kick)

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started. Making Chicken Fried Steak is actually easier than you might think. The crispy crust, tender steak, and creamy gravy come together in just a few simple steps. So grab your apron, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!

Step 1: Get the Steaks Ready

The first step is to prepare the steaks. Most of the time, I use beef cube steaks because they’re already tenderized and perfect for frying. But if you can’t find cube steaks, don’t worry—round steaks work too. Just make sure they’re thin, so they cook quickly and evenly.

Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. This helps the breading stick better and prevents the steaks from being too soggy. You’ll want the steaks to be dry so the coating stays nice and crispy when they fry.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Now, let’s create the breading station. This is where all the fun happens! You’ll need three shallow bowls to coat your steaks:

1. In the first bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture is what gives the chicken fried steak its signature savory flavor. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
2. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. The buttermilk is key—it helps the coating stick to the steak and gives it a nice, tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily substitute it with regular milk or even a splash of lemon juice mixed with regular milk. Either way, it works like a charm.
3. In the third bowl, add the cornmeal. This is what will give the chicken fried steak its incredible crispy texture. Trust me, the crunchiness from the cornmeal takes this dish to the next level.

Now, let’s bread the steaks! Start by dipping each steak into the flour mixture, coating it evenly on both sides. Then, dip the steak into the egg and buttermilk mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press the steak into the cornmeal, ensuring it’s covered all over. The more cornmeal you add, the crunchier it will be, and who doesn’t love a little extra crunch?

Step 3: Fry the Steaks

Now comes the fun part—frying! Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking, so take your time to get it just right. To test the oil, drop a small amount of flour into the pan. If it sizzles, you’re good to go.

Carefully place the breaded steaks into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You want each steak to have plenty of room to fry and get that perfect golden brown color. If you need to, fry the steaks in batches.

Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until the crust is a rich golden brown. Once done, transfer the steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. You’ll end up with a crispy, golden exterior that’s just begging to be eaten.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Now that your steaks are perfectly fried, it’s time to make the gravy. This creamy, savory gravy is what takes this dish from good to amazing. And the best part is that you can make it in the same skillet you used to fry the steaks—no need to dirty another pan!

Leave about 2 tablespoons of the leftover oil in the skillet. If there’s too much, just drain some out, but don’t worry if there’s still a little oil left. It adds flavor to the gravy.

Add the flour to the skillet and whisk it around to create a roux. Let it cook for about 1 minute, until it turns a light golden brown. This will give the gravy a rich, nutty flavor. Then, slowly add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency. Season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick (this is optional but highly recommended if you like a little heat in your gravy!).

Once the gravy is nice and thick, it’s ready to pour over your perfectly fried steaks. I usually go a little heavy on the gravy because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love extra gravy?

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Now comes the best part—serving up this delicious meal! Place each steak on a plate, then generously pour that creamy gravy over the top. This meal pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple side salad. It’s comforting, hearty, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

• Don’t skip the buttermilk! It really helps make the steak tender and adds flavor to the breading.
• Use a thermometer if you’re unsure about the doneness of the steak. Beef should be cooked to at least 145°F for medium-rare, but if you prefer it more well-done, cook it to 160°F.
• Double bread the steaks if you like your fried chicken extra crispy. Dip them into the egg and flour mixture a second time before frying for an extra crunchy coating.
• Keep the oil at the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the breading will burn before the steak cooks through. If it’s too cool, the steak will soak up too much oil, and nobody wants greasy chicken fried steak.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts comforting and satisfying, this Chicken Fried Steak recipe is the one for you. The crispy, golden coating paired with the tender, juicy steak inside is a combination that can’t be beaten. And let’s not forget about that creamy, flavorful gravy—it brings the whole dish together and makes every bite absolutely irresistible.

This dish is great for family dinners, dinner parties, or whenever you just want to treat yourself to something hearty and filling. The best part is that it’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight but still feels special enough for a weekend meal. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—every time I make it, my family goes crazy for it!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Chicken Fried Steak recipe a try! It’s one of those meals that brings people together, and it’s always a hit. The best part is that you don’t need to be a professional chef to pull it off—just a little patience, some simple ingredients, and you’ll have a dish that’s bound to impress. And trust me, the crispy, tender steak and creamy gravy will make you feel like you’re dining in a five-star restaurant.

So, next time you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to make but feels indulgent, make some Chicken Fried Steak. It’s sure to become a family favorite!