The Best Chicken Fried Steak: Crispy, Comforting, and Full of Flavor!
Nothing says comfort food like Chicken Fried Steak, a southern classic with a crispy, golden crust and tender, juicy steak inside. Served with creamy country gravy, this dish is perfect for a hearty dinner or weekend brunch. Let’s dive into the ultimate Chicken Fried Steak recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
4 beef cube steaks (about 4 oz each)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Country Gravy:
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steaks:
If the cube steaks are thick, you may want to pound them with a meat mallet to about ¼-inch thickness for even frying.
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. Set Up the Dredging Station:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce for a bit of extra flavor.
3. Coat the Steaks:
Dip each steak into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture. Press the flour into the steaks to create a thick, even coating.
Set the coated steaks on a wire rack and allow them to rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
4. Fry the Steaks:
In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
Fry the steaks in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Once cooked, place the steaks on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Country Gravy:
After frying the steaks, carefully drain most of the oil, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons of oil and the brown bits in the pan.
Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a little heat if desired.
6. Serve:
Serve the Chicken Fried Steak hot, topped with the country gravy. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or fluffy biscuits on the side!
Details:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Tips:
For Extra Crispiness: Double-dip the steaks in the buttermilk and flour mixtures for an even thicker crust.
Temperature Matters: Make sure your oil stays between 350°F and 375°F while frying. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; too low, and the steak will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
Gravy Perfection: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
This Chicken Fried Steak recipe will satisfy your cravings for a down-home southern meal. Crispy, juicy, and smothered in gravy, it’s a guaranteed hit for comfort food lovers!
Enjoy 
