There’s nothing quite like Chicken Fried Steak—a golden, crispy crust wrapped around tender, juicy steak, smothered in rich, creamy gravy. It’s Southern comfort food at its finest, the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. If you’ve never made it at home, trust me, you’re in for a treat! This recipe is easy to follow, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to impress.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
Perfectly Crispy – The coating fries up golden brown and crunchy, giving you that irresistible crispy bite.
Juicy & Tender – A buttermilk soak keeps the steak melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Easy to Make – Simple pantry ingredients come together for a classic Southern dish.
Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves crispy, fried goodness, especially when paired with homemade gravy!
Great for Any Meal – It’s not just for dinner—serve it with eggs and biscuits for an amazing Southern-style breakfast.
Ingredients in Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
Here’s what makes this dish so flavorful and crispy:
Cube Steak: This tenderized cut of beef is perfect for frying.
Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
Eggs: Helps the coating stick for that perfect crunch.
Flour: The base for the crispy coating.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the breading.
Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor.
Baking Powder: A little secret ingredient that keeps the breading light and crispy.
Oil for Frying: Use a high-heat oil like vegetable or peanut oil.
Butter & Milk: The base for the rich, creamy gravy.
All-Purpose Flour (for Gravy): Helps thicken the sauce to perfection.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s break down how to make this crispy Southern favorite:
Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt, and pepper. Add the cube steaks, ensuring they’re fully coated. Let them soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour for maximum tenderness.
Make the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
Coat the Steaks: Remove a steak from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Dip it back into the buttermilk, then coat it in the flour mixture again for a double layer of crispy goodness. Repeat with the remaining steaks.
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Fry the Steaks: Carefully place the steaks in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, remove most of the oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the crispy steaks and generously ladle gravy over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
This dish is best enjoyed with classic Southern sides! Here are some favorites:
Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up that creamy gravy.
Biscuits: Fluffy buttermilk biscuits complement the crispy steak beautifully.
Green Beans or Collard Greens: A fresh veggie side balances the richness of the dish.
Mac and Cheese: Because everything is better with mac and cheese!
Over Breakfast: Serve with eggs and hash browns for a hearty morning meal.
Additional Tips
Double Dip for Extra Crispiness: Coating the steaks twice ensures the ultimate crunch.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches so the steaks cook evenly and stay crispy.
Keep it Warm: If cooking multiple batches, place finished steaks on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to keep them hot and crispy.
Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a little kick.
Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A1: Yes! If you can’t find cube steak, you can use round steak and tenderize it with a meat mallet.
Q2: Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can bread the steaks and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat chicken fried steak?
A4: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
Q5: Can I freeze chicken fried steak?
A5: Yes! Freeze the breaded, uncooked steaks on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Q6: Can I bake instead of frying?
A6: Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be as crispy, but still delicious.
Q7: Can I use an air fryer?
A7: Absolutely! Spray the breaded steaks with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q8: What oil is best for frying?
A8: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Q9: Can I use chicken instead of steak?
A9: Yes! You can make Chicken Fried Chicken by using pounded chicken breasts instead of steak.
Q10: What if my breading falls off?
A10: Make sure to press the coating firmly onto the steak and let it rest for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the breading stick.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak is everything you want in a comfort food dish crispy, juicy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a weekend brunch, or just because you’re craving some Southern goodness, this recipe will not disappoint. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your kitchen!
Print
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Texas Chicken Fried Steak is the ultimate Southern comfort food! Tender cube steak is coated in a seasoned batter, fried to golden perfection, and topped with rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for a hearty family dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken Fried Steak:
- 1.5 pounds cube steak (4 patties)
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
Cream Gravy:
- 1/4 cup oil and drippings
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 200°F.
- Place a wire rack over a large baking sheet and set aside.
- Pour enough oil into a large skillet to be about ¼ inch deep.
-
Season & Bread the Steak:
- Season both sides of the cube steak with salt and black pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- In one bowl, whisk together the flour, additional salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
-
Coat the Steaks:
- Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, pressing the flour into the steak for a good coating.
- Dip into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Return the steak to the flour mixture, coating it again.
-
Fry the Steaks:
- Heat the oil over medium heat. Test by sprinkling a bit of flour into the oil—it should sizzle.
- Fry steaks one or two at a time (depending on skillet size) for about 5 minutes per side, spooning hot oil over the tops to help the batter adhere.
- Once golden brown and juices are visible through the breading, flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from oil and place on the wire rack in the oven to keep warm while cooking the rest.
-
Make the Cream Gravy:
- In the same skillet, leave ¼ cup of drippings and oil.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook until thickened, then season with salt and black pepper.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Plate the chicken fried steak and drizzle with the cream gravy.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg