Description
Chicken fried steak is a Southern classic that combines crispy, golden-breaded steak with creamy, rich gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
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4 pieces cube steak (or round steak or sirloin)
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1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
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1 cup milk
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
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Tenderize the cube steaks (or other cuts) by using a meat mallet if they aren’t already tenderized.
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In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Dip each steak in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press down gently to ensure the breading sticks.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove the steaks and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
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For the gravy: In the same skillet, add flour to the remaining oil and drippings. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes.
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Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
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Stir in the heavy cream for a rich, smooth gravy.
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Serve the crispy chicken fried steak with the gravy poured generously over the top.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded steak at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
Try adding a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
Food safety: if you cook the chicken yourself, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as recommended by the USDA and Health Canada.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Southern Comfort Food
- Method: Frying, Gravy-making
- Cuisine: American, Southern