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Chicken Fried Steak

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern

Description

A Southern classic, Chicken Fried Steak is a crispy, golden-fried beef cutlet smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Perfectly seasoned and served with mashed potatoes or biscuits, this dish is pure comfort food!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Steak:

  • 4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

  • 1/4 cup pan drippings (from frying the steak)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne (if using). In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and whole milk.

  • Bread the Steaks: Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and coat it again in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the steak to help it adhere. Place the breaded steaks on a plate and let them rest for 10 minutes.

  • Fry the Steaks: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F/175°C), fry each steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

  • Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and discard excess oil, leaving about ¼ cup of drippings. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Serve: Pour the gravy over the crispy steaks and serve immediately with mashed potatoes or biscuits.


Notes

  • If cube steak isn’t available, use top round steak and tenderize it with a meat mallet.
  • For extra crispy coating, repeat the flour-egg-flour breading step twice.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne to the gravy for a slight kick.