The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

If you’re craving crispy, golden comfort food that feels like a Southern hug, look no further than The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak. Smothered in creamy white pepper gravy and irresistibly crunchy, this recipe is my go-to cure for dreary days or whenever company’s coming—because who can resist savory steak in its crispiest, most tender form?

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—each one is a must-have for nailing authentic flavor and texture! Every element, from the flour blend to the spices, gives The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak its signature crunch and rich, savory profile.

• Cube Steaks (4, about 1/3 lb each): The classic cut for this dish—tenderized and ready to soak up flavor and fry up golden.
• All Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): Forms the backbone of that irresistible crispy crust.
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper (2 tsp, divided): Adds a punchy heat to both the breading and seasoning.
• Kosher or Sea Salt (2 tsp, divided): For essential seasoning in every layer—don’t skimp!
• Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Gives a subtle, smoky warmth that takes the breading to the next level.
• Onion Powder (½ tsp): Boosts the overall savoriness without overpowering the meat.
• Garlic Powder (½ tsp): A little bit goes a long way for deep, earthy undertones.
• Baking Soda (½ tsp) & Baking Powder (½ tsp): Create a lighter, crispier breading with that signature puff.
• Buttermilk (1 ½ cups): Helps tenderize the steak and brings tangy richness to the breading.
• TABASCO® Sauce (2 tsp): Don’t worry, it won’t be spicy—it just brings a hint of zip to the coating.
• Eggs (2): The glue that binds your flavorful breading to the steak.
• Vegetable Oil (1 cup): For shallow frying—choose a neutral oil for the best golden crust.
• For the Gravy:
• Grease (4 tbsp): Use the reserved frying oil for maximum flavor.
• Flour (4 tbsp): Thickens and creates a silky, smooth gravy.
• Whole Milk (2–3 cups): For creamy consistency—adjust for thickness as you like!
• Heavy Whipping Cream (½ cup): Makes the gravy extra rich and luscious.
• Salt & Pepper, to taste: Don’t forget a generous grind of black pepper for true Southern flair.

Variations

The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak is endlessly adaptable—don’t be afraid to personalize this classic! Whether you need to swap ingredients for dietary needs or simply want to experiment, you can make it your own with just a few tweaks.

• Gluten-Free: Use a good gluten-free flour blend and double-check your baking powder to keep it safe for everyone at the table.
• Spicy Kick: Amp up the TABASCO® or add a touch of cayenne for a fiery twist in the breading.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free buttermilk (just add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to non-dairy milk) and use plant-based cream for the gravy.
• Gravy Flavors: Stir in a spoonful of chopped fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or even mushrooms to create your own custom chicken fried steak gravy.

How to Make The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Breading and Buttermilk Mixtures

Start by whisking together your flour, spices, baking soda, and baking powder in one bowl (you’ll want everything nice and even for consistent crunch). In a second bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and TABASCO® Sauce—this tangy bath keeps the steaks ultra-juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Season and Dry the Steaks

Pat your cube steaks bone-dry, then sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let them rest for about five minutes so the flavor can soak in, then give them one more pat with paper towels—removing moisture helps that crunchy breading stick like a dream.

Step 3: Dredge for Extra Crunch

This is the secret to The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak: triple-dip those steaks! First coat in the flour mixture, then dunk in the buttermilk-egg wash, and finally back in the seasoned flour for a super-crispy coating. Place your breaded steaks on a rack and gently press on any remaining flour mixture for total coverage—let them rest for 10 minutes so the coating “sets.”

Step 4: Shallow Fry to Perfection

Heat about 1/4 inch vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high until shimmering (test with a pinch of breading—it should sizzle energetically). Fry two steaks at a time, 3–4 minutes per side, until perfectly golden and crisp. Don’t crowd the pan, and only flip once to keep that coating intact!

Step 5: Keep Warm in the Oven

As you finish each batch, transfer your chicken fried steaks to a low oven (225–250°F). This keeps them hot and crispy while you fry the rest—no soggy breading allowed.

Step 6: Make the Country Gravy

Carefully pour off all but 4 tablespoons of grease from your skillet (don’t clean it!), then whisk in flour to make a golden roux. Slowly add milk and cream while whisking constantly, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Simmer until smooth and creamy. Finish with lots of black pepper and, if needed, a pinch of salt. Spoon generously over your steaks!

How to Serve The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak

Garnishes

A classic sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds brightness and color, while an extra grind of black pepper over the top makes it unmistakably southern. For a dinner party, try a dusting of smoked paprika—unexpected and gorgeous!

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all that rich gravy—it’s practically a requirement. Add steamed green beans or skillet corn for balance, or go bold with buttermilk biscuits for the ultimate comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak as a hearty open-faced sandwich on thick Texas toast, or slice it into strips for crunchy “finger steaks” perfect for dipping. For a fun twist, stack steaks and gravy with biscuits in a rustic skillet—family-style and irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store extra gravy separately for easier reheating and to keep your crust as crisp as possible.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, cool the steaks completely, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic, and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Freeze gravy in a separate container—just be sure to leave a little room for expansion.

Reheating

To recapture that signature crunch, reheat chicken fried steak in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, stirring until smooth, then pour over just before serving. Skip the microwave if you can—your breading will thank you!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak at home, this is your sign—go for it! It’s easier than it looks, impossibly satisfying, and downright fun to share with loved ones. Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself to a plateful of Southern comfort—you deserve it!

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