Chicken Fried Steak
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Chicken fried steak is a tasty treat that’s easy to make at home. You can whip up this Southern favorite in just 40 minutes. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with a creamy gravy that will make your mouth water.
The key to great chicken fried steak is the breading. You’ll dip cube steak in seasoned flour, then eggs and buttermilk, and back in flour again. This double coating gives you that perfect crunch.
The gravy is made right in the same pan, using the flavorful bits left from frying. It’s a simple but delicious meal you’ll love making for family and friends.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious chicken fried steak:
For the steak:
- 1.5 pounds cube steak (4 patties)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
For the cream gravy:
- 1/4 cup oil and drippings
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/3 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 40 minutes to make.
Instructions
Start by getting your ingredients ready. Mix the flour, baking powder, and spices in one bowl. In another, combine buttermilk and eggs.
Season your cube steaks with salt and pepper. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps the flavor sink in.
Now for the fun part! Dip each steak in flour, then egg, then flour again. Press the flour on to make sure it sticks.
Heat oil in a large skillet. It’s hot enough when flour sizzles in it. Carefully add the steaks, one or two at a time.
Cook for 4 minutes on each side. Spoon hot oil over the top while cooking. This helps the coating stick.
When golden brown, put the steaks on a wire rack in a warm oven. This keeps them crispy.
For the gravy, keep 1/4 cup of oil in the pan. Add flour and spices. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often.
Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Keep stirring until smooth. Let it simmer for 5-8 minutes until thick.
Serve your steaks hot with a big spoonful of gravy on top. Enjoy your homemade chicken fried steak!
Possible Substitutes List
You can make some swaps in this chicken fried steak recipe if needed. Here are some options:
- Meat: Try pork cutlets or chicken breasts instead of cube steak
- Flour: Use gluten-free flour for a GF version
- Buttermilk: Mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice as a substitute
- Oil: Swap vegetable oil for canola or peanut oil
For the gravy:
- Milk: Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk
- Heavy cream: Try half-and-half or evaporated milk
- Spices: Play with seasonings like cayenne or dried herbs
Remember to adjust cooking times if using different meats. Pork may cook faster than beef. Chicken needs to reach 165°F internal temp.
You can also try baking instead of frying for a lighter version. Coat the steaks as directed, then bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make chicken fried steak more diabetes-friendly, try these easy swaps:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the coating.
- Replace buttermilk with low-fat milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Bake the steaks instead of frying them. Coat them as usual, then bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
For the gravy, use:
- 1% milk instead of whole milk and cream
- Cornstarch to thicken instead of flour
- Low-sodium beef broth for extra flavor
You can also try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. Season it well with herbs and spices to boost flavor without adding salt or fat.
Remember to watch your portion sizes. Stick to a 3-4 ounce serving of meat, and fill half your plate with non-starchy veggies.
By making these changes, you can still enjoy this classic dish while keeping your blood sugar in check.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best chicken fried steak, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. Test it by sprinkling a bit of flour – if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry just 1-2 steaks at a time so they get nice and crispy. Spoon hot oil over the tops while cooking to help the batter stick.
Keep cooked steaks warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack. This keeps them crispy until serving.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce to your egg mixture. You can also mix some grated parmesan into the flour coating.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
Freeze uncooked breaded steaks for quick meals later. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the fry time.