Chicken Fried Steak (25 Minutes)

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Chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that combines tenderized steak coated in a crispy breading and served with a rich gravy.

The steak is seasoned, dipped in an egg mixture, coated with a seasoned flour mixture, and then fried to golden perfection.

The result is a crispy, flavorful exterior with a juicy and tender interior. The dish is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy biscuits and a generous drizzle of homemade gravy. Delish!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 thin-cut beef cube steaks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
  3. Dip each cube steak into the flour mixture, coating it evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
  4. Dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, making sure it is well coated, then return it to the flour mixture for a second coating. Press the flour mixture firmly onto the steak to ensure it adheres well.
  5. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated steaks to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. To make the gravy, in a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  7. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve the chicken fried steaks hot with a generous drizzle of gravy. They pair well with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite steamed vegetables.

Notes

To ensure the steaks cook evenly and stay tender, make sure they are thin-cut and properly tenderized. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or other spices to the flour mixture.

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for frying for even heat distribution and better browning. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. Serve and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Start by boiling peeled and diced potatoes until they're fork-tender. While they're cooking, gently sauté minced garlic in some butter or olive oil until it's golden but not burnt - this mellows out the sharpness and infuses the butter with garlicky goodness. Drain the potatoes, then mash them up. Add the garlic-infused butter, a splash of milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper. Whip everything together until smooth, or leave a few lumps if you prefer. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives.

Cheddar Biscuits

First, heat up your oven. In a bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of garlic powder for that extra depth. Blend in cold, cubed butter until the mixture looks like chunky crumbs. Fold in a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese, spreading the cheesy joy throughout. Gently mix in milk, just until the dough pulls together. Now, using a big spoon, drop heaping mounds of this dough onto a baking sheet. They'll be imperfect and that's part of their charm! Slide them into the oven, watching as they expand and brown, with bits of golden cheddar making their appearance. Once baked to perfection, let them cool a bit, but serve warm.

Southern Style Collard Greens

"Start by selecting a hearty bunch of fresh collard greens, washing them thoroughly and removing the tough stems. Slice the greens into broad ribbons and set them aside. In a large pot, sauté some diced onions until translucent. Add chunks of savory ham, letting the meat brown slightly and release its smoky aroma. Once the ham is sizzling, pile in your collard greens. They'll seem towering at first, but they'll wilt down significantly. Pour in some chicken broth for added depth and a touch of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Let everything simmer slowly, melding the flavors together.

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