classic chicken fried steak Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further! This classic chicken fried steak is a much-loved Southern favorite that takes crispy, golden breading and tender cube steak to a whole new level of deliciousness. Bathed in creamy, peppered gravy, every forkful is hearty, satisfying, and packed with that nostalgic flavor you crave. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special family get-together, classic chicken fried steak truly shines as the cozy meal you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making classic chicken fried steak is how these familiar, pantry-friendly ingredients each play an essential role in capturing the texture and savory flavor that makes this dish a standout comfort food classic.

• Cube steaks: The heart of our classic chicken fried steak, cube steaks turn meltingly tender when cooked this way and soak up all those irresistible flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the crispy coating and is also the backbone for that signature, luscious gravy.
• Garlic powder: Adds a fragrant depth that keeps each bite flavorful.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning blend with its subtle sweetness.
• Smoked paprika: Provides a faint smoky warmth and beautiful color to the breading.
• Salt and pepper: The most important seasoning duo, essential for bringing all the other flavors to life.
• Eggs: Help bind the flour to the meat for that classic chicken fried steak crunch.
• Milk: Keeps the egg wash extra tender and is key for the creamy gravy, too.
• Vegetable oil: Perfect for shallow-frying thanks to its high smoke point and neutral taste.
• Reserved frying oil (for the gravy): Uses the flavorful bits left from frying to enrich the gravy—waste nothing!
• Extra all-purpose flour (for the gravy): Thickens the gravy, giving it that signature silky-smooth texture.

How to Make classic chicken fried steak

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Stations

Start by setting yourself up for breading success! In one shallow dish, combine the flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plenty of salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Having this assembly line ready not only keeps things tidy, but makes coating each piece of steak quick and seamless.

Step 2: Dredge the Steaks

Take each cube steak one at a time and coat it fully in the flour mixture. Next, dip it into the egg and milk bath, then return it to the flour for a second, super-crispy layer. Each pass through the flour ensures a thick, crunchy crust that defines classic chicken fried steak, so press the coating on well and don’t rush!

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour enough vegetable oil into your largest skillet to give the steaks plenty of space. Heat the oil over medium-high until it shimmers (a pinch of flour should sizzle instantly). Fry the steaks in batches for about 4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to fuss with them too much, until every piece turns gorgeously golden and crisp. Move to a paper towel-lined plate while you whip up the gravy.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy

For that signature creamy topping, reduce the heat and use 2 tablespoons of the reserved oil in your skillet (all those crispy bits are flavor gold). Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute, then slowly add milk, stirring constantly to smooth out any lumps. Keep whisking as the gravy thickens to silky perfection—don’t forget a generous grinding of black pepper and a final pinch of salt!

Step 5: Serve Hot with Gravy

Transfer the crispy steaks to plates and pour that steamy, freshly made gravy over the top. The combination of tender steak, that ultra-crunchy coating, and creamy-spiced gravy captures everything we love about classic chicken fried steak—get ready for “seconds, please!”

How to Serve classic chicken fried steak

Garnishes

While classic chicken fried steak is a beauty on its own, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness. If you love a little zip, a dash of hot sauce alongside the gravy can make each bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes (perfect for catching the extra gravy!), sweet buttered corn, green beans, or a crisp cabbage slaw. For the ultimate Southern comfort experience, don’t forget a flaky buttermilk biscuit on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the steaks into strips or bite-sized pieces for an irresistible finger food platter. Serve on mini slider buns with gravy for a fun twist, or layer over waffles for a savory brunch. However you serve it, classic chicken fried steak will steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover classic chicken fried steak to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the steaks in an airtight container with parchment between layers, and keep the gravy in a separate container. Everything will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days in the fridge.

Freezing

For longer keeping, freeze the breaded, cooked steaks on a parchment lined tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Don’t forget to freeze the gravy separately in a freezer-safe container! Both will keep their best quality for up to two months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the crust extra crispy, reheat steaks in a 350ºF oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. Warm the gravy gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash more milk if needed to smooth it out. Spoon over the steaks and enjoy just like fresh.

FAQs

What exactly is cube steak?

Cube steak is usually top round or top sirloin that’s been tenderized by pounding, giving it that distinctive texture and helping it absorb flavors. It’s the traditional cut for classic chicken fried steak, making it both affordable and deliciously tender.

Can I use another type of meat besides beef?

Absolutely! While beef cube steak is classic, you can try thin pork cutlets or even chicken breasts pounded thin for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your meat.

Why does my breading sometimes fall off?

The key is to firmly press the flour onto each steak and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the breading stick and crisp up beautifully for that signature classic chicken fried steak crunch.

How can I make the gravy extra flavorful?

Using the reserved frying oil plus all those stuck-on browned bits in the skillet creates a richly savory gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes an extra pinch of smoked paprika or black pepper is just what you need!

Can I make this dish in advance for a crowd?

Definitely! You can fry the steaks in advance and keep them on a rack in a low oven (about 200ºF) to stay crisp. Make the gravy just before serving for best texture. It’s a fantastic way to bring classic chicken fried steak to a hungry crowd without stress.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes deliver pure comfort quite like classic chicken fried steak. There’s something truly special about transforming humble ingredients into a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full hearts. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your own kitchen!

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