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Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak

A quick and crispy Southern classic, Chicken Fried Steak features tender cube steaks coated in a spiced flour batter and fried to golden perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish delivers a crunchy texture and savory flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve with creamy gravy and traditional Southern sides for an irresistible home-cooked meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 tenderized cube steaks (around 4–6 ounces each)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough for about 1 inch deep in skillet)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with buttermilk. This organization speeds up the coating process.
  2. Coat the Steaks: Dip each steak first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour again, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating that will crisp up well during frying.
  3. Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat to 350-375°F. Fry the steaks for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain oil temperature.
  4. Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked steaks to a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep the crust crisp. Serve immediately with creamy gravy or your choice of Southern-style sides.

Notes

  • Use tenderized cube steak for an easy, juicy bite.
  • Double dredging the steaks ensures an extra crunchy crust.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F to avoid greasy or undercooked coating.
  • Rest fried steaks on a wire rack, not paper towels, to keep the crust crispy.
  • Season both the meat and flour mixture generously for full flavor.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Can be made Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 steak (approx. 4-6 oz)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: chicken fried steak, Southern recipe, crispy beef, comfort food, quick dinner, gluten-free option