Crispy Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe

Crispy chicken fried steak fingers dance between comfort food memories and modern meal magic.

Southern kitchens perfected this delectable plate generations ago.

Tender beef strips coated in golden, crunchy breading make everyone smile around the dinner table.

Pantry staples transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Seasoned flour and buttermilk create a magical coating that seals in juicy flavor.

Each bite promises pure satisfaction with its perfect crunch and rich taste.

Follow along to craft these irresistible fingers that will have people asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

• Beef Steak: Tender cuts perfect for creating crispy, golden fingers.

• All-Purpose Flour, Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crunchy exterior for the steak.
• Eggs, Buttermilk: Help the coating adhere and add rich flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Provide a blend of savory and aromatic flavors to enhance the steak.

• Vegetable Oil: Allows for deep, even frying of the steak fingers.
• Butter, Milk: Form the base of a creamy, classic gravy.
• Flour (for Gravy): Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.

How to Cook Perfect Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning Mixtures

• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

In the second bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk until well blended.

Pour panko breadcrumbs into the third bowl.

Step 2: Coat Steak Fingers

Take each steak piece and fully dredge it through the flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Next, dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, then roll generously in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help breadcrumbs adhere firmly to the meat.

Step 3: Fry Golden Crispy Fingers

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F. Carefully place steak fingers into the hot oil, cooking in batches.

Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy exterior. Transfer cooked fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Gravy

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth roux and scraping up any delicious browned bits.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow gravy to simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes.

Season with salt, pepper, and an optional pinch of garlic powder for extra depth.

Step 5: Plate and Enjoy

Serve hot steak fingers with a generous drizzle of creamy gravy on top or alongside for dipping.

Enjoy your crispy, comforting meal!

Tips to Get Crispy Coating and Tender Meat

• Place fried steak fingers on paper towels to absorb excess oil, ensuring a crispy exterior without greasiness.
• Maintain steady 350F heat while frying to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown coating on steak fingers.
• Pound steak pieces before coating to break down muscle fibers, creating more tender and easier-to-eat chicken fried steak fingers.
• Whisk flour and butter continuously when making gravy to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
• Cook steak fingers in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which leads to soggy breading.

Variations to Change Up Your Steak Fingers

• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the flour mixture for a fiery flavor profile. Top with fresh jalapeños and serve with a zesty chipotle dipping sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme into the breadcrumbs. Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt for a tangy coating. Serve with tzatziki sauce on the side.
• Ranch Style Fingers: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix directly into the flour coating. Use ranch dressing instead of buttermilk for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped chives and serve with ranch dipping sauce.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Steak Fingers

• Flavor-Packed Beverage Pairing: Crisp, cold beer like an amber ale or pale lager cuts through the richness of the fried steak and complements its crispy texture perfectly.
• Southern Comfort Side Companion: Creamy coleslaw with a tangy vinegar base balances the heavy, savory steak fingers and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich gravy.
• Downhome Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah, which stands up to the robust meat and helps enhance the deep, hearty flavors of the dish.
• Zesty Condiment Boost: Prepare a spicy jalapeño ranch dipping sauce to add an extra kick that brightens the classic comfort food and introduces a vibrant layer of heat and complexity.

Storage Advice for Leftovers

Store leftover steak fingers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.

Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chicken fried steak fingers can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing quality.

Preheat oven to 375F. Arrange steak fingers on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating and restore crispiness.

Set air fryer to 370F. Cook steak fingers for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to guarantee even reheating and crisp texture.

FAQs

• What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Cube steak or tenderized round steak are ideal because they’re thin, tender, and perfect for creating crispy, golden steak fingers.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version of the dish.

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

Use a meat thermometer or drop a breadcrumb into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready at around 350F/175C.

• Why should I use buttermilk in the egg mixture?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and creates a tangy flavor while helping the breading stick better to the steak fingers.

Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers to Impress

• Craft Crispy Comfort: Dive into a Southern-style dish that transforms classic chicken fried steak into finger-friendly bites perfect for casual dining and snacking.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn an easy cooking method that requires basic kitchen skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a crispy, golden exterior with a tender meat interior, complemented by a rich, creamy gravy that elevates the entire dish.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or game day treat that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible crunch and savory taste.

Classic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets crispy perfection in this classic chicken fried steak fingers recipe, delivering a nostalgic crunch that whispers home-style comfort. Seasoned breading and golden-brown edges invite hungry diners to savor each tender, flavorful bite of pure Texas-inspired deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound cube steak (or tenderized round steak), cut into fingers

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Gravy Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch garlic powder (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a seasoned flour blend by mixing flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow container, ensuring even distribution of spices.
2. Create a wet coating by whisking eggs and buttermilk together in a separate shallow bowl, forming a smooth, uniform mixture.
3. Prepare a third shallow bowl with panko breadcrumbs for the final crispy layer.
4. Transform each steak piece by first thoroughly coating it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Dunk the floured steak into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off for an even layer.
6. Roll the steak in panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing to create a firm, crisp exterior that will seal in moisture.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350F, creating the perfect environment for golden, crispy results.
8. Carefully introduce steak fingers to the hot oil, cooking in batches to maintain optimal temperature and prevent overcrowding.
9. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown color and crisp texture.
10. Transfer fried steak fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
11. In the same skillet, melt butter and create a roux by whisking in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
12. Gradually incorporate milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy gravy.
13. Simmer the gravy for 3-5 minutes, stirring until it reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.
14. Season gravy with salt, pepper, and an optional pinch of garlic powder to enhance the overall taste.
15. Present the chicken fried steak fingers piping hot, accompanied by the rich, velvety gravy for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

• Tenderize the steak by pounding it gently to break down tough muscle fibers, ensuring a more tender and easier-to-eat result.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or rice flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy coating.
• Keep oil temperature consistent around 350°F to prevent soggy or burnt steak fingers, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
• Experiment with spice blends like Cajun or ranch seasoning in the flour mixture to add unexpected flavor complexity to the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg