** A crispy chicken fried steak, golden brown and served with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Chicken fried steak is a Southern classic made with beef that’s tenderized, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection. It’s served with creamy gravy and mashed potatoes, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Introduction
Chicken fried steak is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for any occasion. Despite the name, it’s made with beef, not chicken. The beef is tenderized, coated in a flavorful breadcrumb batter, and fried until golden and crispy. It’s then smothered in creamy gravy, making it the ultimate Southern comfort food.
This recipe for chicken fried steak is easy to make and will transport you straight to the heart of Southern cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Steak
- Crispy and tender: The beef is breaded and fried to crispy perfection, while staying tender inside.
- Comforting: Paired with creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy, it’s a meal everyone will love.
- Easy to make: Ready in under 45 minutes, with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Serve with your favorite side dishes and gravy.
Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak (Beef)
Ingredients:
- Beef steaks (4, cube steaks or sirloin): The main protein for the dish.
- Flour (1 cup): For breading the beef.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For the crispy outer coating.
- Eggs (2, beaten): For dipping the beef.
- Milk (1/2 cup): To make the breading mixture.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): For cooking the steaks.
- Cream gravy (1 cup): For topping the steaks.
Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Step-by-Step
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1. Prepare the beef. Tenderize the beef steaks by gently pounding them with a meat mallet.
- 2. Bread the beef. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Dip each beef steak first in the egg mixture, then coat in the flour-breadcrumb mixture.
- 3. Fry the beef. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded steaks for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- 4. Make the gravy. In the same skillet, add flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5. Serve. Serve the chicken fried steaks with mashed potatoes, top with gravy, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Reader Review: “This chicken fried steak is perfectly crispy, and the gravy is just the right amount of creamy!”
Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the steaks in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a meat mallet: Tenderizing the beef ensures it stays juicy and tender after frying.
- Make the gravy in the same pan: Cooking the gravy in the same pan adds extra flavor from the leftover bits.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use chicken breasts: For a lighter version, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of beef.
- Add mushrooms to the gravy: For a mushroom gravy variation, add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn on the cob.
- Pair with a glass of red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you make this chicken fried steak, leave a rating and comment! How did you customize your recipe?