Chicken Fried Steak is one of those old-school comfort food dinners that always hits the spot. You get crispy, golden breaded cube steak, pan-fried until crunchy, then smothered in a simple homemade gravy made right in the same skillet.
What makes this recipe so special is the double-dredge and the gravy. The flour-egg-flour coating gives you that classic crispy crust, and using the browned bits left in the pan makes the gravy extra flavorful. Serve it with mashed potatoes and a veggie on the side and dinner is done.
If you love comforting homemade dinners, try Pot Roast, Chicken Fried Chicken, and Mashed Potatoes.
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Classic Comfort Food: Crispy steak and creamy gravy make a dinner everyone loves.
- Restaurant Style at Home: Enjoy a favorite comfort food without leaving the house.
- Double Dredging: Coating the steak twice creates a crispy breading.
- Flavorful Gravy: The browned bits left in the pan create rich homemade flavor.
Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Forms the crispy coating on the steak.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Seasons the breading and enhances flavor.
- Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a little warmth and flavor.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds color and mild flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a slight kick of heat.
- Egg (1): Helps the breading stick to the steak.
- Water (¼ cup): Thins the egg mixture for easier coating.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps fry the steaks until golden brown.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds flavor and richness while cooking.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Forms the base for the gravy.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Thickens the gravy.
- Chicken Broth (1½ cups): Adds flavor to the gravy.
- Milk (1 cup): Makes the gravy creamy and smooth.
- Salt (1½ teaspoons): Seasons the gravy.
- Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds flavor and a little warmth.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak
PREP. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and water.
DREDGE. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, then dredge again in the flour mixture.
FRY. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add two of the steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp and golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and golden.
Remove the steaks to a serving plate and cover them with foil to keep them warm. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet, and cook the remaining two steaks until golden.
GRAVY. Cover with foil while preparing the gravy. To make the gravy, add the butter to the skillet with the browned bits from the steaks. Add the flour and whisk to form a paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until golden.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the milk, salt, and black pepper, and cook until bubbling and thickened.
SERVE. To serve, spoon gravy over the steaks.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Pound thicker steaks evenly if needed so they cook consistently.
- Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet with about 1 cup of high-heat oil, like vegetable or canola oil. Drain cooked steaks on paper towels.
- Do not overcrowd the pan or the coating may become soggy.
- Flip only once after the first side becomes golden and crisp.
- Let cooked steaks rest on paper towels briefly before serving.
- Add extra cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier version.
Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Video
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 4 beef cube steaks, about ½ pound each
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and water. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, then dredge again in the flour mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add two of the steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp and golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove the steaks to a serving plate and cover them with foil to keep them warm. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet, and cook the remaining two steaks until golden. Cover with foil while preparing the gravy.
- To make the gravy, add the butter to the skillet with the browned bits from the steaks. Add the flour and whisk to form a paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until golden. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the milk, salt, and pepper, and cook until bubbling and thickened. To serve, spoon gravy over the steaks.
Notes
- Pound thicker steaks evenly if needed so they cook consistently.
- Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet with about 1 cup of high-heat oil, like vegetable or canola oil. Drain cooked steaks on paper towels.
- Do not overcrowd the pan or the coating may become soggy.
- Flip only once after the first side becomes golden and crisp.
- Let cooked steaks rest on paper towels briefly before serving.
- Add extra cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicier version.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat in the microwave.
Reheat it without drying it out or having a soggy coating in the oven: Allow the chicken fried steak to come to room temperature for 30-40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and put the steak on the wire rack. Heat for about 10 minutes or an internal temp of 120°F. For a crispier finish, broil it. Watch carefully as broiling can quickly go from crisp to burnt.
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This recipe was first shared August, 2020.
I have always loved chicken fried steak!! The gravy is rich & creamy! It is total comfort food!