Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe – Comfort Food Delight

Name: Chicken Fried Steak
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb round steak; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 2 cups milk (for gravy); 4 tbsp butter (for gravy); 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

December 8, 2025

Updated:

December 8, 2025

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There’s something undeniably magical about the crunch of golden, crispy chicken fried steak. It’s like a warm hug from your grandmother mixed with the excitement of a carnival. Picture this: tender beef coated in a crispy, seasoned crust, smothered in creamy gravy that just begs to be soaked up by fluffy mashed potatoes. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and comfort, making it the perfect dish for Sunday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try this chicken fried steak recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.

This dish holds a special place in my heart. I still remember the first time I tried it at my aunt’s house; I was eight years old, and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. The sound of sizzling meat and the tantalizing aroma wafting through the kitchen made my stomach growl louder than a bear in hibernation. Now, every time I make it, I’m flooded with memories of family gatherings filled with laughter, love, and a bit too much gravy on everything. It’s simply an irresistible way to bring people together around the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This chicken fried steak is incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice cooks

The flavors meld beautifully to create a comforting dish that everyone will adore
Its golden crust adds visual appeal that will impress your guests at any gathering

Perfect for family dinners but versatile enough to serve on special occasions or casual get-togethers

I still remember my friends’ faces when they first tasted it; their eyes widened like kids in a candy store!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Round Steak: Choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness and flavor; don’t skimp on quality.

Flour: All-purpose flour works best for coating; sift it for an even texture.
Eggs: Use large eggs for binding; fresh eggs give better flavor.
Buttermilk: This adds tanginess and helps tenderize the meat; opt for full-fat buttermilk if possible.

Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika brings out all the flavors.
Cooking Oil: Go for vegetable or canola oil; these oils have higher smoke points.
Gravy Ingredients: Milk, butter, and flour create the base; don’t forget to season well!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Steak: Start by tenderizing your round steak with a meat mallet until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Create the Buttermilk Bath: In a bowl, combine buttermilk with some salt and pepper. Let your steaks soak here for at least 30 minutes—this makes them juicy!

Coat the Steaks: In another bowl, whisk together flour with garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor. Remove steaks from buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly in this seasoned flour.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add your coated steaks and fry until golden brown on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side.

Make the Gravy: After frying all steaks, remove them from the skillet but leave some drippings behind. Melt butter in that same skillet before whisking in additional flour until smooth. Gradually add milk while stirring until gravy thickens.

Serve It Up!: Plate your crispy chicken fried steak generously smothered in that rich gravy alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fresh greens—whatever tickles your fancy!

With each step leading closer to that first heavenly bite of chicken fried steak smothered in gravy, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating dinner time like never before!

You Must Know

The secret to a fantastic chicken fried steak lies in the seasoning and the double breading technique

Don’t rush it; let those flavors meld together for a delightful crunch
The aroma while cooking is enough to make anyone weak in the knees

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by tenderizing the steak, then season it generously. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat again with flour before frying. This sequence ensures a crispy coating while sealing in juices.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to spice things up! Add cayenne pepper to your flour mix or a splash of buttermilk in the egg for extra richness. Customizing is half the fun.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven until crispy again, about 10-15 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to tenderize steak evenly for better texture

Always ensure oil is hot enough before frying; test with a breadcrumb for perfect results
Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches for that golden brown finish

Cooking chicken fried steak brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed alongside sizzling sounds from the kitchen, making it feel like home every time I whip it up.

FAQs

FAQ

What cut of meat is best for chicken fried steak?

Tenderized round steak or cube steak works best for this dish.

Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate before frying for later use.

What can I serve with chicken fried steak?

Pair it with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, or collard greens for a complete meal.

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