Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes) 

This recipe for chicken fried steak uses simple ingredients that are easy to find. It is perfect for a family dinner or when you want comforting homemade food.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

This easy chicken fried steak recipe is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The simple breading gives the steak a delicious golden crust.

You can make this meal in about 30 minutes with basic ingredients. It is a great choice for a quick family dinner.

The creamy white gravy makes every bite even better. Serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite side dish.

What Is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken fried steak is a popular Southern-style dish made with tenderized beef steak. The steak is coated in flour and seasonings before frying.

It is called chicken fried steak because it is cooked in a similar way to fried chicken. The steak gets a crispy coating while the meat stays tender inside.

Chicken fried steak is usually served with creamy white gravy. This makes the dish rich, filling, and perfect for a comforting meal.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You only need a few simple kitchen tools to make this easy chicken fried steak recipe. Most of these are common items you may already have in your kitchen.

Large Skillet

A large skillet is needed for frying the steak. A cast iron skillet works well because it heats evenly.

Meat Mallet

Use a meat mallet to tenderize the steak if needed. This helps make the beef softer and easier to cook.

Shallow Bowls

You will need shallow bowls for the flour and egg mixture. These make it easier to coat the steak.

Tongs

Tongs help you safely turn the steak while frying. They also help keep the crispy coating in place.

Whisk

A whisk is useful for mixing the egg mixture and making smooth white gravy.

Paper Towels

Paper towels help remove extra oil from the fried steak. Place the cooked steak on them before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

This chicken fried steak recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find. You will need beef steak, flour, eggs, milk, and a few basic seasonings.

The same pan drippings can also help you make a rich and creamy white gravy. Here is everything you need.

For the Chicken Fried Steak

• Cube steaks or tenderized round steaks
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Cube steak works well because it is already tenderized. If your steak is not tenderized, you can pound it gently before cooking.

For the Crispy Breading

• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Milk or buttermilk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

The flour mixture creates the crispy outer layer. The egg and milk mixture helps the flour stick to the steak.

For the Creamy White Gravy

• Pan drippings from frying
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

The pan drippings add great flavor to the gravy. Cook the flour first, then slowly add the milk to make a smooth gravy.

Best Steak to Use for Chicken Fried Steak

Cube steak is the best choice for chicken fried steak. It is tenderized beef that cooks quickly and works well with a crispy coating.

You can also use round steak or another inexpensive cut of beef. Make sure to tenderize it well with a meat mallet before cooking.

Thin steaks are best because they cook quickly and evenly. This also helps you prepare the meal in around 30 minutes.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak

Making chicken fried steak is simple when you prepare everything before frying. Follow these easy steps for a crispy and tender result.

Step 1: Prepare and Tenderize the Steak

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. If needed, use a meat mallet to gently pound the steaks.

Do not pound the meat too thin. You want the steak to stay tender while still holding its shape.

Step 2: Season the Steak

Season both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper. You can also add garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor.

Make sure the seasoning is spread evenly. This gives the meat good flavor before adding the breading.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station

Place the seasoned flour in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Keeping the bowls ready makes the coating process easier. It also helps you work quickly once you start.

Step 4: Coat the Steak

Dip each steak into the flour mixture first. Then dip it into the egg mixture and coat it again with flour.

Press the flour gently onto the steak. This helps create a thick and crispy coating.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Fried Steak

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the coated steaks to the hot oil.

Fry each side until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the beef is cooked through before removing it from the pan.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Place the cooked steaks on a plate lined with paper towels. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

This removes extra oil and helps keep the coating crispy. Serve the chicken fried steak warm with creamy white gravy.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Gravy

Creamy white gravy is the perfect finishing touch for chicken fried steak. You can make it in the same skillet after frying the steak.

Use some of the leftover oil and browned bits in the pan. They add extra flavor to the gravy.

Make the Roux

Leave about 3 tablespoons of oil or pan drippings in the skillet. Add flour and whisk it well.

Cook the flour for about 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat. This creates a simple roux for the gravy.

Add Milk and Seasonings

Slowly pour the milk into the skillet while whisking. Keep whisking to help prevent lumps.

Add salt and plenty of black pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning before serving.

Cook Until the Gravy Thickens

Cook the gravy over medium-low heat while stirring often. It will slowly become smooth and thick.

If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more milk. Serve it warm over the crispy chicken fried steak.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make crispy chicken fried steak and creamy white gravy at home.

Make the Chicken Fried Steak

1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Place flour and seasonings in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Coat each steak in the flour mixture. Dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it again with flour.
4. Press the flour gently onto the steak. Let the coated steaks rest for a few minutes before frying.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Carefully place the steaks into the hot oil.
6. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Cook until the coating is golden brown and the steak is fully cooked.
7. Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on paper towels. Keep them warm while you make the gravy.

Make the Creamy White Gravy

1. Carefully remove most of the oil from the skillet. Leave about 3 tablespoons of pan drippings behind.
2. Add flour to the skillet and whisk well. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Keep stirring to make the gravy smooth.
4. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for a few minutes until the gravy becomes thick.
5. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more milk. Serve the warm gravy over the chicken fried steak.

Nutrition Information

The nutrition information will vary based on the ingredients and serving size. Fried steak and creamy gravy can be high in calories and fat.

To make a lighter version, you can use less oil or cook the steak in an air fryer. You can also serve it with vegetables for a balanced meal.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

A few simple tips can help you make crispy and tender chicken fried steak. Follow these steps for the best results.

Tenderize the Meat Well

Use a meat mallet if your steak is not already tenderized. Gently pound the meat to make it softer.

Do not make the steak too thin. A medium thickness helps it stay juicy while cooking.

Season Every Layer

Season the steak before adding the breading. Also add seasoning to the flour mixture.

This gives flavor to both the meat and the crispy coating. Do not rely only on the gravy for flavor.

Use the Right Oil Temperature

Heat the oil over medium to medium-high heat. The oil should be hot before you add the steak.

If the oil is too cool, the coating may absorb too much oil. If it is too hot, the breading can burn quickly.

Do Not Overcrowd the Pan

Fry only a few steaks at one time. Leave enough space between each piece.

Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature. This may make the coating less crispy.

Let the Coating Stick Before Frying

After coating the steak, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the breading stick better to the meat.

Handle the steak gently when placing it in the hot oil. This helps prevent the coating from falling off.

Serve the Steak While Hot

Chicken fried steak tastes best when served fresh and hot. The coating will be at its crispiest.

Pour the warm white gravy over the steak just before serving. Enjoy it with your favorite side dishes. 

Easy Variations and Substitutions

You can easily change this chicken fried steak recipe based on what you have at home. These simple variations can help you make the recipe your own.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Yes, you can use round steak or another thin cut of beef. Make sure to tenderize the meat well before cooking.

Cube steak is still the easiest option because it is already tenderized. Choose a cut that cooks quickly and stays tender.

Can I Make Chicken Fried Steak Without Buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk instead of buttermilk. The recipe will still have a crispy and tasty coating.

You can also make a simple buttermilk substitute. Add a little lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes.

Can I Use an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can make chicken fried steak in an air fryer. Spray both sides of the coated steak lightly with cooking oil.

Cook it until the coating is golden and the steak is fully cooked. The result may be slightly less crispy than pan-fried steak.

Can I Make It Spicy?

Yes, you can easily add some heat to this recipe. Mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into the flour mixture.

Start with a small amount and add more if you like spicy food. You can also add a little hot sauce to the gravy.

What to Serve With Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken fried steak goes well with many simple side dishes. You can choose creamy, fresh, or vegetable-based sides.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice with chicken fried steak. They taste great with the creamy white gravy.

You can serve the gravy over both the steak and potatoes. This makes a filling and comforting meal.

Biscuits

Warm, soft biscuits are perfect for serving with chicken fried steak. They are also great for soaking up the extra gravy.

You can serve them with butter for a simple side. Homemade or store-bought biscuits both work well.

Green Beans

Green beans add a fresh and healthy side to the meal. You can steam, boil, or lightly sauté them.

Season them with a little salt, pepper, and butter. They balance the rich flavor of the fried steak and gravy.

Corn

Sweet corn is another easy side dish for this recipe. Its natural sweetness goes well with the savory steak.

You can serve boiled corn, corn on the cob, or buttered corn. It takes only a few minutes to prepare.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy texture to the meal. It also helps balance the rich and crispy chicken fried steak.

You can use creamy coleslaw or a lighter vinegar-based version. Both are great choices for serving on the side.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Fried Steak

Let the chicken fried steak cool before storing it. Place the steaks in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator.

They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Store the gravy in a separate container for the best texture.

How to Reheat Chicken Fried Steak

For the best results, reheat chicken fried steak in the oven or air fryer. Heat it until the steak is hot and the coating becomes crisp again.

Avoid using the microwave if you want a crispy crust. The microwave can make the breading soft.

Final Thoughts

This easy chicken fried steak recipe is a simple meal you can make in about 30 minutes. The steak is crispy, tender, and full of flavor.

The creamy white gravy makes this recipe even better. Serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite vegetables.

If you want a tasty homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe for chicken fried steak is a great choice.

FAQs

Q 1. What Kind of Meat Is Best for Chicken Fried Steak?

Cube steak is the best choice because it is already tenderized and cooks quickly.
You can also use round steak, but tenderize it well before cooking.

Q 2. Why Does My Breading Fall Off?

Make sure the steak is dry before coating it, and press the flour firmly onto the meat.
Let the coated steak rest for a few minutes before frying.

Q 3. How Do I Keep Chicken Fried Steak Crispy?

Keep the oil hot and do not overcrowd the skillet while frying.
Place the cooked steak on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Q 4. Can I Make Chicken Fried Steak Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the steaks ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
For the best texture, fry them close to serving time.

Q 5. Can I Freeze Leftover Chicken Fried Steak?

Yes, let the steaks cool completely and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat in an oven or air fryer for better crispiness.