Chicken Fried Steak
Cube steak pounded thin, breaded, and fried until shatteringly crisp, then drowned in creamy pepper gravy — Chicken Fried Steak is Southern comfort at its finest. It is hearty, golden, and deeply satisfying.
- Prep time
- 20 mins
- Cook time
- 30 mins
- Total time
- 50 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Calories
- 680
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Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks (about 1.5 lb total)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour, for the gravy
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, for the gravy
- Mashed potatoes, to serve
Instructions
- Pound the cube steaks to 1/4 inch thick between sheets of plastic wrap. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Whisk the eggs and buttermilk in a second dish.
- Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, dip in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour again, pressing firmly so the coating sticks.
- Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the steaks for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack.
- For the gravy, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the milk gradually, whisking constantly, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until thick and creamy. Season generously with black pepper and salt.
- Serve the steaks hot with mashed potatoes, ladling the creamy gravy over everything.
Pro tips
- Pound the steaks evenly so they cook at the same pace and stay tender.
- Double-dredge for the crispiest crust — the second coat is what makes it shatter.
- Let the coated steaks rest 5 minutes before frying so the crust sets and does not fall off.
- Keep the fried steaks on a wire rack, not paper towels, so the bottoms stay crisp.
Frequently asked questions
What is chicken fried steak?
A Southern dish of cube steak, breaded like fried chicken and pan-fried until crisp, then served with creamy white gravy. Despite the name, it contains no chicken.
What cut of beef should I use?
Cube steak is traditional — it is already tenderized. Round steak pounded thin also works well.
Can I bake chicken fried steak?
You can, but it will not be as crisp. Bake on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, flipping once, and spray with oil.
How do I keep the crust from falling off?
Press the flour on firmly, rest the coated steaks for 5 minutes, and do not move them in the pan until the crust has set.