Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Steak Recipe That Wows

Southern comfort shines through this hearty chicken fried steak that promises pure culinary delight.

Crispy golden breading wraps tender beef in a nostalgic embrace of flavor.

Grandma’s kitchen whispers secrets into every crunchy bite of this classic dish.

Ranch hands and home cooks alike would celebrate such a satisfying meal.

Weekend warriors seeking maximum satisfaction can rally around this comfort food masterpiece.

Creamy peppered gravy adds the perfect finishing touch to make you swoon.

Savor every delectable moment and let this recipe become your next dinner triumph.

Get the Best Results with These Chicken Fried Steak Tips

• Boost Flour Flavor: Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the seasoned flour for an extra layer of aromatic depth and complexity.
• Achieve Crispy Perfection: Use a meat tenderizer to pound steaks evenly, ensuring uniform thickness and helping the coating adhere better for maximum crunchiness.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for desired kick.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep oil around 350°F, preventing soggy coating and ensuring golden-brown, crispy exterior.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow fried steaks to drain on a wire rack for a few minutes, which helps maintain crispiness and prevents sogginess from excess oil.

Reheating and Saving Chicken Fried Steak the Smart Way

• Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover each piece with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and retain moisture.
• Warm the steak in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, placing it on a baking sheet to maintain crispiness.
• Skip the microwave to prevent soggy breading and preserve the original crispy texture of the chicken fried steak.

Things That Go Great with Chicken Fried Steak

• Rich, buttery mashed potatoes create the perfect comfort food companion, soaking up the delicious gravy and complementing the crispy chicken fried steak.
• Crunchy, zesty coleslaw cuts through the heaviness of the fried steak, adding a refreshing contrast and balancing the rich flavors with its vinegary kick.
• A hoppy amber ale or crisp lager helps cleanse the palate, its carbonation and subtle bitterness enhancing the savory, crunchy texture of the chicken fried steak.
• Tart, acidic pickled vegetables like okra or cucumber provide a sharp counterpoint to the dish, adding brightness and helping to cut through the deep-fried richness.

Fresh Ways to Tweak Chicken Fried Steak

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with a mix of rice flour and cornstarch for a crispy, gluten-free coating that maintains the classic crunch.
• Healthier Baked Version: Swap deep-frying with oven-baking on a wire rack, using a light spray of olive oil to reduce calories while keeping the golden exterior.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken fried steak with breaded portobello mushrooms or seitan, using the same seasoning and coating technique for a plant-based option.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of traditional flour, creating a low-carb breading that's rich in flavor and protein.

Chicken Fried Steak FAQ List

• What makes the flour coating special?

The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper creates a complex, flavorful breading that adds depth and kick to the traditional chicken fried steak.

• Why use buttermilk in the egg wash?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy flavor, making the steak more moist and flavorful while helping the breading stick better to the meat.

• How important is the double-dredging technique?

Double-dredging ensures a thick, extra crispy crust by creating multiple layers of seasoned flour and egg wash, which gives the chicken fried steak its signature crunchy exterior.

• Can I adjust the spice level in the seasoning?

Yes, you can easily modify the cayenne pepper amount to make the coating milder or spicier according to your personal heat preference.

Chicken Fried Steak: Why It’s a Classic

• Requires basic cooking skills with straightforward steps that even beginner home cooks can easily follow, making restaurant-quality meal preparation stress-free.
• Flexible seasoning blend allows personal spice preferences, enabling cooks to adjust cayenne and hot sauce intensity for mild or bold taste experiences.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and weekend gatherings where hearty, crispy protein becomes an instant crowd favorite that satisfies multiple hunger levels.
• Double-coating technique guarantees an incredibly crunchy exterior with a golden-brown finish, delivering satisfying texture in every single bite without complicated preparation methods.

Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: A base for creating a crispy, golden coating that helps seal in the meat's juices.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic seasoning to the coating.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky warmth and rich color to the flour mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a gentle heat and subtle kick to the coating.

• Eggs: Helps the flour coating stick to the meat and creates a binding layer.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the meat and adds a tangy, rich flavor to the coating.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a spicy element and adds extra depth to the egg wash.

• Cube Steak: A tenderized cut of beef perfect for chicken fried steak, typically made from round or top sirloin.

Cook Chicken Fried Steak Without the Fuss

Step 1: Mix Flavor-Packed Flour Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Stir all dry ingredients in a wide, shallow bowl until perfectly blended, creating a magical seasoning mix that will transform your steak.

Step 2: Create Creamy Egg Dip

• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce

Whisk ingredients together in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined, forming a tangy, rich coating.

Step 3: Double-Dunk Steak for Ultimate Crunch

Grab each steak and perform the incredible three-part dance:

• First, roll the meat completely in seasoned flour
• Next, dive into egg mixture
• Finally, return to flour for a second generous coating

Press flour firmly onto every inch of meat, ensuring a seriously crispy exterior that will make taste buds dance.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm a heavy skillet with oil until shimmering and ready for action.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place coated steaks into hot oil, cooking until each side turns a gorgeous deep golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let steaks rest on paper towels to drain excess oil, then plate immediately for maximum crispiness.

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty Chicken Fried Steak, where crispy golden breading embraces tender beef. Hearty flavors and rich gravy promise a classic diner-style experience that transports you straight to Texas hospitality.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 (170 g / 6 oz) cube steaks
• 2 large eggs

Seasonings and Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Fats:

• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or enough for frying)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ cups whole milk

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful seasoning blend by mixing flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a wide, shallow container.
2. Create a creamy egg wash by whisking eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce together in a separate mixing bowl.
3. Meticulously coat each steak by first dredging it completely in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring thorough coverage.
4. Immerse the flour-coated steak into the egg wash, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
5. Return the steak to the seasoned flour, pressing firmly and thoroughly to create a robust, textured crust that will crisp beautifully during cooking.
6. Gently shake off any excess flour, preparing the steak for its final cooking stage with a perfectly adhered, seasoned coating.

Notes

• Boost flavor by marinating steaks in buttermilk for 2-4 hours before coating to tenderize and add depth.
• Use a meat mallet to pound cube steaks uniformly thin, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a crunchy alternative.
• Keep oil temperature consistent at 350°F when frying to prevent soggy breading and achieve golden-brown perfection.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1165 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg