Homestyle Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe: Southern Magic

Southern comfort food reaches new culinary summits with Paula Deen’s chicken fried steak, a golden-brown masterpiece of pure gastronomic bliss.

Tender meat undergoes a transformative coating ritual that locks in mouthwatering flavors and creates an addictive crunch.

Sizzling techniques reveal the heart of home-style cooking, where simplicity meets incredible taste.

Regional culinary magic shines through every crispy layer, celebrating unpretentious ingredients with remarkable finesse.

Generations of passionate cooks have refined this technique, weaving family traditions into each delectable bite.

Hearty and soul-satisfying, this dish transcends mere sustenance – it’s a delicious narrative of cultural heritage and culinary passion.

You’ll fall head over heels for this comfort food classic that promises to ignite taste buds and warm hearts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything Inside Paula Deen’s Chicken Fried Steak

• Cube Steaks: Select well-trimmed, fresh cuts with minimal fat for tender, lean results.

• Buttermilk: Choose full-fat version for richer, more delicate tenderizing effect.
• Egg Whites: Opt for fresh, room-temperature whites for smoother coating adhesion.
• Water: Use filtered water for clean, neutral taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for better texture and natural flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Pick freshly ground spices for maximum aromatic intensity.

• Vegetable Oil: Select high smoke-point oil like canola for consistent, even frying.

• Small Onion: Choose sweet varieties like Vidalia for mellow, balanced flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Select low-sodium version to control overall saltiness.
• Whole Milk: Pick fresh, full-fat milk for rich, creamy consistency.

Tools for Frying Chicken Steak the Southern Way

• Large skillet: Perfect for achieving that golden-brown sear on your steaks.
• Shallow dishes: Three are needed for creating your delicious coating stations.
• Whisk: Essential for blending egg whites and mixing flour with seasonings.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps you get precise ingredients for consistent results.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Great for draining excess oil after frying steaks.
• Cutting board: Use for chopping onions finely and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise onion chopping.
• Spatula or tongs: Helps flip and handle steaks while cooking.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring gravy and preventing sticking.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Chicken Fried Steak

• Prep Your Dipping Stations

Create three shallow bowls with buttermilk, whisked egg whites, and seasoned flour mixture. Each station will transform your cube steaks into crispy, golden delights.

• Coat and Dunk Steaks

Lovingly dip each steak first into buttermilk, then egg whites, and finally roll in seasoned flour. Gently shake off excess coating to ensure a perfect, light crunch.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat oil in a large skillet and cook steaks until they’re beautifully golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. The sizzling sound will make your mouth water.

• Whip Up Creamy Gravy

Using the same skillet, sauté onions until soft and translucent. Sprinkle flour, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk. Let the gravy simmer and thicken into a luxurious sauce.

• Serve and Savor

Place those crispy steaks on plates and cascade the hot, silky gravy over the top. Enjoy immediately while the coating remains wonderfully crunchy and the gravy steams with flavor.

Tips for Crispy Chicken Fried Steak

• Customize Coating Crunch: Experiment with breadcrumbs or panko for extra crispy texture, adding unexpected crackle to each bite.
• Swap Seasoning Sensations: Replace garlic powder with smoked paprika or cayenne for bold flavor variations that transform the classic recipe.
• Healthier Frying Technique: Use an air fryer instead of skillet to reduce oil absorption while maintaining that irresistible golden-brown exterior.
• Gravy Game Changer: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gravy for a sophisticated twist that elevates the entire dish's complexity.

Serve Up Paula’s Comfort Classic in Style

• Pair with Comforting Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the crispy cube steaks, soaking up the rich gravy and creating a classic Southern-style meal.
• Southern-Style Weekend Feast: Serve alongside buttery green beans, fresh cornbread, and a crisp garden salad to transform this dish into a hearty family gathering centerpiece.
• Beverage Companions: Refresh your palate with a cold glass of sweet tea or a light beer that cuts through the richness of the fried steak and creamy gravy.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining steaks into next-day sandwiches by adding sliced pickles and a dash of hot sauce between soft bread slices for a delicious lunch option.

Leftover Tips for Chicken Fried Steak

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover chicken fried steaks in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate Right: Sealed containers keep leftovers fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual steaks separately in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to preserve quality for up to 2 months.
• Reheat with Care: Revive crispy coating by warming steaks in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy texture.

Crispy Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort reaches new heights with paula deen’s chicken fried steak, a hearty dish celebrating classic American cuisine. Crispy golden breading and rich, creamy gravy create a memorable meal that welcomes you to savor traditional Southern cooking.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cubed round steak (lean, 4 oz/113 g each)
• 2 egg whites (large)
• ½ cup plus 1 tbsp all purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp plus more to taste ground black pepper
• ¾ tsp plus more to taste salt
• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup milk
• 3 tbsps canola oil
• 3 tbsps finely chopped scallion or onion
• buttermilk (for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Whisk egg whites with water in a shallow dish. In another container, blend flour with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until uniformly mixed.
2. Steak Dredging: Immerse steaks in buttermilk, then coat with egg white mixture, allowing excess to drip. Roll thoroughly in seasoned flour, gently shaking off surplus coating.
3. Searing and Cooking: Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high temperature, adding cooking oil. Position coated steaks in pan, achieving golden-brown exterior by cooking 3-4 minutes per side. Remove to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Gravy Creation: In same skillet, sauté chopped onions until translucent. Sprinkle remaining flour, stirring constantly. Gradually pour chicken broth and milk, whisking smoothly to prevent lumps. Simmer until gravy thickens and bubbles, approximately 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serving: Plate steaks immediately, lavishly draping velvety gravy across the top, creating a rich, indulgent presentation.

Notes

• Buttermilk Bath: Soak steaks in buttermilk to tenderize meat and enhance flavor, ensuring each piece absorbs maximum moisture before coating.
• Coating Technique: Press seasoned flour gently onto steak surface, creating a uniform, crispy layer that adheres perfectly during frying.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning, allowing exterior to crisp while keeping interior juicy.
• Gravy Smoothness: Whisk continuously when adding liquid to prevent flour clumps, creating a silky, lump-free sauce that complements the crispy steak.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 60mg