Heavenly Chicken Fried Steak Recipe: Crispy Southern Comfort

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible chicken fried steak recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Crispy, golden-brown edges reveal a tender beef cut waiting to steal your heart.

Home cooks adore this classic dish for its satisfying crunch and rich, creamy gravy.

Every bite carries the warmth of traditional Southern cooking, blending rustic flavors with hearty ingredients.

The secret lies in a perfectly seasoned buttermilk coating that locks in moisture and creates an unbelievably crisp exterior.

Generations have savored this soul-warming meal that transforms a simple cut of meat into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to experience a true Southern delicacy that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fun Chicken Fried Steak Variations

• Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Steak: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Chicken Fried Steak: Substitute flour with crushed pork rinds or coconut flour to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic breading feel.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Swap chicken with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or seitan, using the same breading technique for a plant-based recreation of the classic dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use unsweetened coconut milk instead of buttermilk and olive oil in place of shortening to create a dairy-free friendly recipe that still delivers rich flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak Perfectly

• Rustic Ranch-Style Plating: Arrange the crispy chicken fried steak on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh parsley sprigs for a homestyle country presentation.
• Southern Comfort Companions: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, or sweet corn to complete the traditional Southern meal experience.
• Gravy Drizzle Technique: Pour the rich, warm gravy directly over the chicken fried steak at the table for a dramatic and appetizing final touch that enhances flavor and visual appeal.
• Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle finely chopped chives or green onions on top of the gravy for a pop of color and fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the hearty dish.

Storing Chicken Fried Steak Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken fried steak can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken fried steak on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm a cast-iron skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and heated through completely.

FAQs

• What makes the breading crispy and flavorful?

The combination of seasoned flour and buttermilk batter creates a perfectly crisp exterior. The baking powder and baking soda help create extra crunch, while the spices in the flour and buttermilk mixture add deep flavor to the coating.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While the recipe is designed for chicken, you can successfully adapt it to other meats like pork or cube steak. Just ensure you adjust cooking times based on the thickness and type of meat you’re using.

• Why is the oil temperature important?

Maintaining the oil at 325F is crucial for achieving a golden-brown exterior without burning the coating. The right temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs less oil, resulting in a crispy, not greasy, final dish.

The Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Reasons to Try

• Dive into a recipe that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a rich, velvety gravy, delivering a mouthwatering taste experience that's far from ordinary.
• Easily adjust spice levels by playing with hot pepper sauce and black pepper, making this dish perfect for different taste preferences and family members.
• Learn professional breading techniques and gravy-making methods that will boost your cooking confidence and impress dinner guests with restaurant-quality results.
• Create a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone together, transforming a simple chicken dish into a memorable dining event full of warmth and deliciousness.

Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients for Success

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of meat that serve as the foundation of this classic Southern dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential dry ingredients that create a crispy, golden-brown exterior for the chicken.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken while creating a thick coating.
• Egg: Binds the breading mixture and adds richness to the coating.
• Hot Pepper Sauce: Introduces a subtle kick of heat to the dish.
• Minced Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the breading.

• Vegetable Shortening or Oil: Used for deep frying the chicken to achieve a crispy texture.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the gravy.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Final seasonings to adjust the gravy's taste.

• Parchment Paper, Wire Rack, Paper Towels: Essential tools for coating and draining the fried chicken.
• Aluminum Foil: Keeps the cooked chicken warm while preparing the gravy.

Tools for Classic Chicken Fried Steak Night

• Cast-iron skillet: Deep, heavy pan perfect for even frying and making gravy.
• Wire rack: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken and keeps coating crispy.
• Shallow bowls: Essential for dredging chicken in flour and buttermilk batter.
• Plastic wrap: Used to pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
• Paper towels: Absorbs extra oil from fried chicken.
• Whisk: Helps blend gravy ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Parchment paper: Provides clean surface for breaded chicken.
• Foil: Keeps fried chicken warm while preparing gravy.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Easily

Step 1: Tenderize Meat

Place steak between plastic wrap and pound until thin and tender.

Use meat mallet or rolling pin to create even thickness.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Flour Mixture

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder

Mix ingredients thoroughly in shallow bowl.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce
• Worcestershire sauce

Blend until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Coat Steak

• Seasoned flour mixture
• Egg wash
• Flour mixture again

Ensure complete and even coating.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Fat

Pour vegetable oil or shortening into cast-iron skillet.

Heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Fry Steaks

Carefully place coated steaks into hot oil.

Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Create Country Gravy

Remove excess oil from skillet.

Add flour and whisk.

Gradually pour milk, stirring constantly.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Transfer crispy steaks to serving plate.

Pour warm gravy over top.

Enjoy with mashed potatoes or vegetables.

Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken Fried Steak

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to evenly flatten chicken breasts, ensuring uniform cooking and crispy texture.
• Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Maintain a consistent 325F to prevent soggy breading and achieve a golden, crispy exterior without burning.
• Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the breading crisp and prevent sogginess.
• Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy gravy that complements the chicken perfectly.

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort chicken fried steak delivers hearty flavors straight from Texas kitchens. Crispy golden breading and rich cream gravy invite diners to savor classic home-style cooking that satisfies deeply.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Wet and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable shortening or oil for frying
• 4 cups milk
• Kosher salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Tenderize the chicken breasts by gently pounding them between plastic wrap until they reach a uniform 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Distribute flour evenly in a shallow dish for the initial coating process.
3. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, blending baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, and salt to create a seasoned mixture.
4. Whisk buttermilk, hot pepper sauce, egg, and minced garlic into the dry ingredient mixture until thoroughly incorporated.
5. Prepare a deep cast-iron skillet by heating vegetable shortening to 325°F. Position a wire rack over parchment paper for draining breaded chicken.
6. Coat each chicken breast by first dredging in flour, then dipping into the buttermilk batter, and finally pressing back into flour to ensure complete coverage. Transfer breaded pieces to the wire rack.
7. Carefully fry chicken in batches, cooking 3-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and tent with foil to maintain warmth.
8. Drain skillet, reserving 1/4 cup of fat and browned bits. Return skillet to medium-low heat and whisk remaining flour into the reserved fat, creating a roux.
9. Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, increasing heat to medium. Simmer gravy for 6-7 minutes, stirring consistently until it reaches desired thickness. Season with kosher salt and pepper.
10. Plate the fried chicken and generously ladle warm gravy over the top before serving.

Notes

• Tenderize Chicken Carefully: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin with gentle, even strokes to prevent tearing the chicken while achieving uniform thickness.
• Maximize Flavor Boost: Add paprika, cayenne, or garlic powder to the flour mixture for extra depth and complexity in the breading.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain consistent 325F for perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use cornstarch for additional crispiness while maintaining texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg