If there’s one Southern comfort classic that brings a smile to my face every single time, it’s The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak. This crispy, golden-fried masterpiece is generously smothered in creamy, peppery gravy and absolutely bursts with flavor in every bite. Trust me, it’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs meal you’ll crave again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Crispy Coating: Every steak boasts a thick, golden crust that delivers a satisfying crunch with every forkful.
- Peppery Cream Gravy: The homemade gravy is the secret hug on top, velvety smooth and loaded with black pepper bite.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Comfort: All you need are pantry staples and a handful of fresh steaks for a meal that’s endlessly comforting and perfect for sharing.
- Diner-Style Nostalgia at Home: Bring the magic of your favorite roadside diner right to your family table—no road trip required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak is how it transforms humble pantry staples into something truly special. Each component plays its part, from the tender cube steaks to the bold dash of spices in the flour—making every bite a little celebration!
- Cube steaks: These tenderized cuts fry up beautifully, soaking in all the flavor from the breading and gravy.
- All purpose flour: The base of our crisp coating, it creates that classic, crunchy shell we all love.
- Fresh ground black pepper: Don’t be shy—pepper is essential here for a robust, slightly spicy background.
- Kosher salt or sea salt: Seasoning both the steaks and breading ensures every layer is packed with flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and warm color—totally worth the extra teaspoon!
- Onion powder & garlic powder: These build savory depth right into the breading, making every bite extra tasty.
- Baking soda & baking powder: The dynamic duo for extra lift and crunch in the crust—don’t skip them!
- Buttermilk: Its tangy richness tenderizes the steaks and helps the breading stick.
- TABASCO® Sauce (original): A splash gives the egg wash boldness and subtle heat—just enough to keep everyone guessing (and grinning).
- Eggs: These help bind everything together, so you get that gorgeous, clinging crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Pick a neutral oil for frying with a high smoke point for golden results every time.
- Steak gravy ingredients (grease, flour, whole milk, heavy whipping cream, salt, pepper): Whisked into a luscious, pour-over gravy that’ll have you licking the spoon.
Variations
The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak is fabulous exactly as written—but it’s the perfect blank canvas for riffing and swapping based on what you have or what you love. Don’t be afraid to experiment—and let your cravings guide you!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce into the buttermilk mixture for extra heat in every bite.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend for a crispy, celiac-friendly version.
- Dairy-Free Gravy: Use plant-based butter and unsweetened oat or almond milk for a creamy gravy that’s friendly for dairy-free diners.
- Chicken Version: Try boneless chicken breasts or thighs, pounded thin and breaded just like the steak for a fun twist!
How to Make The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
Step 1: Mix Up the Seasoned Flour and Buttermilk Breading
Start by whisking together all your dry breading ingredients in one shallow bowl—flour, salt, pepper, paprika, onion and garlic powders, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, TABASCO® Sauce, and eggs. This double-dipping method is what guarantees that unforgettable, craggy crust.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Cube Steaks
Pat your cube steaks absolutely dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of crispiness!). Sprinkle them with salt and pepper, let them rest for a few minutes, then give them another quick pat—this step is essential for maximum flavor and that signature crunch.
Step 3: Dredge for Crunch Power
Start by dipping the steaks in the flour mixture, shake off any excess, then soak them in the buttermilk-egg bath. Finish with a second a roll in the flour mixture, making sure they’re entirely coated. Press in any leftover breading for that restaurant-worthy, rugged exterior.
Step 4: Rest, Then Fry to Golden Bliss
Let the breaded steaks rest on a rack or sheet pan for about 10 minutes—this little pause helps the coating really stick. Meanwhile, preheat your oven low and warm, and get your skillet hot with about 1/4-inch of oil. Fry two steaks at a time, flipping only once, until both sides are deep golden brown. Keep the finished steaks warm in your oven while you work through the batch.
Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Gravy
Don’t drain that pan! Use the flavorful drippings to make your gravy base. Whisk in some flour to create a rich roux, then slowly add the milk and cream. Keep whisking until it’s velvety smooth. Season well—with lots of pepper for that signature finish! Pour over your steaks and get ready for happy sighs all around.
Pro Tips for Making The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
- Crust Commitment: Always press the flour mixture firmly into the steaks for that thick, restaurant-style crust that sticks through frying and gravy.
- Oil at the Right Temp: Aim for your oil to shimmer but not smoke, between 320–340°F—use a thermometer if you have one for pro results!
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry just one or two steaks at a time to keep the oil hot and the coating from slipping off—patience equals crispness.
- Build the Gravy Slowly: Add the milk mixture to your roux a little at a time, whisking constantly, for luxurious, lump-free gravy every time.
How to Serve The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
Garnishes
Give your chicken fried steak a finishing flourish with a shower of fresh cracked black pepper, a handful of chopped chives, or a pinch of smoked paprika. The pop of green and bold aroma make each plate look (and taste) extra special.
Side Dishes
No ultimate steak experience is complete without a pile of creamy mashed potatoes to catch every drop of that dreamy gravy. Add sautéed green beans, sweet corn, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits and you’ve got a meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak on a large wooden board with mini cast iron skillets of gravy for dipping. Or, slice the steak into strips and layer it on a sandwich bun with pickles and gravy drizzle for a playful Southern-inspired twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (a big “if!”), cool the steak completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the gravy separate so your crust stays as crisp as possible.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled, breaded steaks between layers of parchment and freeze in a zip top bag or airtight container for up to one month. The gravy can also be frozen, but whisk it well while reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy magic, reheat steaks in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 10–12 minutes until hot. Warm the gravy over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin, and spoon it generously over your reheated steak.
FAQs
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What cut of steak is best for The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak?
Cube steak is traditional and most convenient because it’s already tenderized and ready to go. If you can’t find cube steak, you can use top round or sirloin pounded thin with a meat mallet for a similar texture and flavor.
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How do I keep the breading from falling off during frying?
The trick is to pat the steaks dry, dredge well, firmly press in the flour, and let them rest 10 minutes before frying. Always fry in batches so the oil stays hot and don’t flip more than once.
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Can I make The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak ahead of time?
Yes—bread the steaks and keep them refrigerated up to a few hours before frying. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to regain crispiness, and store the gravy separately for best results.
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Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can try baking the breaded steaks on a wire rack at a high temperature or use an air fryer for less oil. Using half-and-half or reduced-fat milk in the gravy can also lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
If your soul needs a little Southern comfort, I can’t recommend The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak enough. It’s the kind of dinner that’s as much about the smiles and shared stories as it is about the perfectly crispy steaks and rich, peppered gravy. Get your skillet ready—your new favorite comfort food adventure awaits!
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The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe for The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish that is sure to impress. Tender cube steaks are coated in a flavorful seasoned breading and fried to crispy perfection. Served with a rich and creamy gravy, this dish is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 1/3 lb each)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper, divided
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt or sea salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons TABASCO® Sauce (original)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
For the Chicken Fried Steak Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons grease
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 to 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Fried Steak: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, black pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, TABASCO® Sauce, and eggs. Season cube steaks with salt and pepper, dredge in flour mixture, dip in buttermilk mixture, then coat again in flour mixture. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat oil in a skillet, fry steaks until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in oven.
- Make the Gravy: Reserve grease in skillet, whisk in flour until golden. Slowly add cream and milk, whisking constantly. Simmer until thickened, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve the chicken fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when frying the steaks.
- Adjust seasoning in the gravy to taste.
- For a lighter version, you can oven-bake the breaded steaks instead of frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Estimated 600 calories
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
