Chicken Fried Steak

This classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender cube steaks coated in a crispy, golden breading and smothered in rich, homemade gravy. Perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection, this Southern favorite is a must-try for any meal. Learn how to make this delicious, tender steak with a creamy gravy that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or looking for a hearty meal to impress your guests, this Chicken Fried Steak recipe will deliver flavor and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 4 cube steaks (about 1/3 pound each)
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil

For the Buttermilk Marinade:

• 2 cups buttermilk (see notes for substitutions)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 teaspoons salt

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup corn starch
• 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons pan drippings
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ¾ cup half and half

Instructions:

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

1. Lay saran wrap over each cube steak and use the rough side of a meat tenderizer to gently pound the steaks to about ½ inch thickness. This step will help enhance the texture, even though cube steak is already tenderized.
2. Pat the steaks dry using paper towels.
3. In a large casserole dish, combine the buttermilk marinade ingredients. Submerge the steaks in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or up to 12 hours (the longer the marination, the better the flavor).
4. For the breading, mix all the ingredients in a shallow bowl or plate.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. The oil should cover the steaks by about a third of their height.
6. Coat each steak generously in the breading just before frying. Fry the steaks in batches of two, ensuring there is room around each steak. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use tongs to flip the steaks, checking the bottom to ensure it’s golden before turning.
7. Transfer the fried steaks to a wire rack to allow excess oil to drip off. Keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you prepare the gravy.

For the Gravy:

1. Carefully pour the pan drippings into a small heatproof bowl, ensuring the black flecks remain in the bottom of the pan. Skim 3 tablespoons of clean oil from the drippings and set aside.
2. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add the oil drippings and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the seasonings, then gradually add the chicken broth in splashes, stirring continuously.
5. Add the milk and half and half in splashes, continuing to stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Let the gravy simmer and thicken to your desired consistency. Once done, serve over the chicken fried steak.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Fried Steak is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender, seasoned meat with a crispy, golden crust. The creamy gravy adds the perfect finishing touch, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a special gathering, this recipe delivers that classic Southern comfort food taste.

Tips

• Be sure to marinate the steaks for at least 1 hour to allow the buttermilk to tenderize the meat.
• To ensure the breading sticks, make sure the oil is preheated to the correct temperature (350°F) before frying.
• Keep the fried steaks on a wire rack rather than paper towels to preserve their crispiness.

Variations and Substitutions

• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice (1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice).
• You can replace the vegetable oil with peanut oil for a slightly different flavor.
• For a spicier twist, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade or breading.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can marinate the steaks up to 12 hours ahead of time. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts or thighs for the cube steaks. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I freeze Chicken Fried Steak? While the breading may lose some crispiness, you can freeze the cooked steak for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Fried Steak is typically served with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or a side of greens for a traditional Southern meal. You can also pair it with corn on the cob or a refreshing salad to balance the richness of the dish.