Description
This classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe from The Pioneer Woman is a comfort food favorite! Crispy breaded steak served with a creamy, peppery gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice. A southern delicacy that’s easy to make at home and sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (from the dredging mixture)
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak:
Season both sides of the beef cube steaks with salt and pepper. - Dredge the Steak:
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, hot sauce (if using), and buttermilk. - Coat the Steaks:
Dip each steak into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk and egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture to coat thoroughly. - Fry the Steaks:
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test by sprinkling a little flour into the pan, it should sizzle), add the breaded steaks to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the steaks from the pan and drain on paper towels. - Make the Gravy:
For the gravy, remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Sprinkle the reserved flour from the dredging mixture into the pan and whisk to form a roux. Let the flour cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens (about 4-5 minutes). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in butter for extra richness if desired. - Serve:
Place the crispy chicken fried steaks on a serving plate and spoon the gravy over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken fried steak, double coat the steaks by dipping them in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice.
- You can add additional seasonings to the gravy like a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh herbs for more flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can try pan-frying the steaks in less oil or using an air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken fried steak with gravy
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg