Chicken Fried Steak

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Chicken fried steak is a country classic featuring tenderized steak coated in a crispy flour mixture, pan-fried until golden brown, and smothered in creamy gravy. It’s a delicious and hearty dish perfect for a comforting meal.

Hungry for a taste of Southern comfort that’s as crispy as it is comforting?

Or do you remember those warm, fuzzy feelings of childhood dinners?

If yes is your answer, then our chicken fried steak is perfect indulgence yet boasts a satisfying crunch with every bite and guaranteed to score big with your guests!

This iconic country-fried steak is a classic dish, with its crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior, is a staple in Southern cuisine.

It starts with a tenderized steak, usually a tougher cut like cube steak, which is then dunked in a seasoned flour mixture, buttermilk and egg mixture and finally coated in a final layer of more flour. The result is a crunchy exterior encasing a succulently juicy piece of beef and usually topped off with an indulgent creamy gravy.

For a fun twist on classic flavors, try Maple Dijon Chicken and Chicken Vesuvio.

Why I love this recipe

When it comes to hearty, down-home cooking, chicken-fried steak reigns supreme. This recipe never disappoints. Here’s why I love this recipe:

• crispy and golden exterior with a tender and juicy interior
• easy to make with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand
• a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to family gatherings

Ingredients

• steaks
• all-purpose flour
• salt
• pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• buttermilk
• egg
• vegetable oil
• beef broth
• heavy cream

Steps by step

1. Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Create buttermilk mixture: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until well combined.
3. Dredge the steaks: Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the coated steak into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it in flour again. Ensure the steak is thoroughly coated.
4. Heat oil: In a large, heavy skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until very hot, reaching about 320-340 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Fry the steaks: Carefully place the coated steaks into the hot oil and cook until browned, approximately 3 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Make the white gravy: Reduce the heat to medium and remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 3 tablespoons. Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the skillet and stir continuously, cooking for about 2 minutes or until browned. Gradually pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to simmer for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy thickens. Season to taste with salt and ground black pepper.
7. Serve: Serve the chicken fried steaks smothered in the creamy gravy, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!

Serving suggestions

Here are some classics to serve alongside chicken fried steak:

• Mashed potatoes, creamy and buttery, make the perfect bed for that rich gravy.
• Southern green beans, collard greens, or creamed corn add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
• Buttermilk biscuits, drop biscuits, or cornbread are ideal for sopping up every last drop of gravy.
• Need more ideas? See all of our favorite ideas for What to Serve with Chicken Fried Steak to elevate your country-fried chicken steak.

Add-in ideas

While the classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe is delicious on its own, you can always mix things up a bit. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Spicy Chicken Fried Steak: Add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a kick of heat.
• Cheesy Chicken Fried Steak: Top the finished steaks with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and broil until melted and bubbly.
• Herb Chicken Fried Steak: Add some dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture for an earthy flavor.

Remember, the best part about cooking at home is that you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes. So don’t be afraid to get creative!

Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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