Irresistibly Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe for Comfort Food Fans

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when chicken fried steak arrives on the dinner table, promising a crispy, golden masterpiece that melts in your mouth.

Comfort food rarely gets more delicious than this classic dish.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of breading and frying tender beef cutlets to create a meal that speaks directly to the soul.

Crusty exterior and tender meat make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Ranch-style diners and home kitchens alike celebrate the rich, satisfying flavors of this iconic Southern comfort food.

Crisp seasonings and a perfect golden coating await you in this mouthwatering recipe that connects generations through its simple, hearty goodness.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible chicken fried steak.

Ingredients to Make Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

• Beef Steak: A tender cut of beef perfect for creating a crispy, golden-brown chicken fried steak.

• Buttermilk: A tangy dairy ingredient that helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: A flavorful seasoned flour mixture that creates a crispy exterior for the steak.

• Eggs: Helps the flour coating stick to the meat, creating a perfect crunchy layer.

• Cooking Oil: Provides the medium for frying the steak to a golden-brown perfection.

• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil from the fried steak.
• Homemade Gravy: A classic accompaniment that complements the crispy steak.

How to Cook Crispy Chicken Fried Steak

Step 1: Soak Beef in Tangy Bath

Submerge beef cutlets in buttermilk, letting them rest and tenderize for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This magical liquid helps break down muscle fibers, making the meat incredibly soft and flavorful.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Whisk these ingredients together until perfectly blended, creating a seasoned foundation for your crispy exterior.

Step 3: Prepare Dipping Station

Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk until smooth.

Set up a dipping assembly line with buttermilk-soaked beef, whisked eggs, and seasoned flour station.

Step 4: Coat Beef in Crispy Layer

Carefully dunk each beef cutlet into the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage.

Next, roll the wet cutlet through the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to create a thick, even coating.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until it reaches sizzling temperature.

Gently place coated beef into hot oil, cooking each side until deep golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Transfer fried steaks onto paper towel-lined plates to absorb excess oil.

Allow meat to rest briefly before serving with creamy country gravy and classic Southern sides.

Tips for Juicy and Crispy Chicken Fried Steak

• Soak beef in buttermilk overnight to tenderize and add extra flavor, helping break down tough muscle fibers.
• Create a crispy, well-seasoned coating by ensuring flour mixture has balanced spices like garlic powder and paprika.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350F for perfect golden-brown crust without absorbing excess oil or becoming greasy.
• Let steaks rest on paper towels after frying to remove additional oil and keep the breading crisp and delightful.
• Try gluten-free flour or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions while keeping similar coating texture.

Flavorful Twists on Chicken Fried Steak

• Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Steak: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of flour for coating, providing a crispy texture with fewer carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute beef with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or seitan, following the same breading and frying technique.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the flour mixture for a zesty kick, serving with a chipotle-infused gravy.

Pairings That Go Well with Chicken Fried Steak

• Crisp, tangy cabbage salad cuts through the richness of the fried steak, balancing the heavy flavors with bright, refreshing notes.
• Smooth, buttery potatoes create the perfect canvas for soaking up the delicious gravy, enhancing the overall comfort food experience.
• A crisp, light lager like Shiner Bock or Lone Star provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty, crispy chicken fried steak, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Spicy, acidic pickled peppers add a zesty kick that cuts through the dish's richness, bringing a Texas-style heat to the classic comfort meal.

Storage Ideas for Chicken Fried Steak

• Transfer leftover chicken fried steak to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or sealed lid to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Chicken fried steak can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place steaks on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring crispy exterior remains intact.

FAQs

• Why buttermilk for marinating the steak?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat by breaking down tough muscle fibers, making the chicken fried steak more soft and juicy.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

While traditionally made with beef, you can substitute with cube steak or tenderized round steak for similar results.

• How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350F, or drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

• What's the secret to getting a crispy coating?

Pat the meat dry before marinating, ensure a thick even flour coating, and avoid overcrowding the skillet during frying to maintain oil temperature.

Crispy and Tender Chicken Fried Steak

• Master Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic dish that brings the warmth of home-style cooking right to your table, packed with rich flavors and nostalgic memories.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust seasonings in the flour mixture to match your taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully flexible for different palates.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for weekend gatherings, this crowd-pleasing meal satisfies everyone from kids to grandparents with its crispy exterior and tender meat.
• Simple Skill Builder: Beginner cooks can confidently tackle this recipe, learning fundamental cooking techniques like marinating, dredging, and frying without stress.

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in this hearty chicken fried steak, delivering a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece of tenderized beef. Creamy pepper gravy completes this classic Texas diner favorite that satisfies deep hunger and southern culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 g) beef steak (round steak or cube steak)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470 ml) vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

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Instructions

1. Immerse beef cuts in tangy buttermilk, allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 60 minutes, ideally refrigerating overnight for enhanced tenderness.
2. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining flour with aromatic salt, cracked black pepper, pungent garlic powder, and vibrant paprika in a wide, shallow dish.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate container, creating a smooth, golden binding agent for the meat coating.
4. Extract marinated beef from buttermilk, gently dredge each piece through whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Thoroughly coat egg-dipped meat in seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a crisp, even layer of breading.
6. Preheat cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil to precisely 350°F, maintaining consistent temperature for optimal frying.
7. Carefully lower breaded steaks into hot oil, allowing each side to transform into a rich, golden-brown crust within 3-4 minutes.
8. Transfer fried steaks onto absorbent paper towels, letting excess oil drain and preserving the crispy exterior.
9. Serve immediately alongside homemade country gravy and complementary side dishes for a classic southern-style meal.

Notes

• Tenderize tough cuts of beef by marinating in buttermilk, which helps break down muscle fibers and adds tangy flavor.
• Ensure seasoned flour coating is even and thick by using a shallow dish and pressing flour mixture gently onto meat surface.
• Control oil temperature carefully to prevent burning while achieving crispy golden exterior and fully cooked interior.
• Adapt recipe for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumb mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg