The Best Darn Chicken Fried Steak

Learn how do make chicken fried steak like a Texan! This easy recipe uses simple tricks for tender, crispy perfection. No buttermilk needed! Get the cozy cook secret now!

May 31, 2025
By Aidan Rivers.

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how do make chicken fried steak that tastes like pure southern comfort? honestly, this recipe is it. think crispy, golden breading and tender, juicy steak – a flavor combo that's hard to beat.

Brief Overview

Chicken fried steak , despite the name, ain't got no chicken in it! it's a texan staple, born from german schnitzel, featuring tenderized steak, breaded and fried to golden perfection.

This chicken fried steak recipe is a simple one, but it takes about an hour from start to finish. it makes 4 servings.

Perfect for a family dinner!

Main Benefits

Beyond the incredible taste, you’re getting a good dose of protein with this dish. and let's be real, this is the perfect meal for a chilly evening, or anytime you need a little soul-soothing.

What makes this extra special is the double-dredging technique we use, giving you the crispiest crust ever! it's like a the cozy cook chicken fried steak secret weapon.

Ready to get started? Let's dive into what you'll need. Here's the ingredient list.

The Best Darn Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 (6-8 ounce) cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick) (About 170-230g each)
• 1 cup milk (240ml)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, like Tabasco) (5ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180g)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder (10ml)
• 2 teaspoons onion powder (10ml)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) (2.5ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
• 1/4 cup rendered bacon fat (optional, for extra flavor!) (60ml)
• 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (25g)
• 2 cups milk (480ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

• Pound the cube steaks to about 1/4 inch thickness. This is crucial for tenderness!
• Whisk together milk, egg, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
• In a separate shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Dip each steak in the milk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure even coverage. Dip back in the milk, and back in the flour mixture. Double-dredging gives you a superior crust.
• Heat vegetable oil (and bacon fat, if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. (About 350°F/175°C if you're using a thermometer).
• Carefully place the breaded steaks in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
• Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
• Leave a couple tablespoons of oil in the pan. Whisk in flour until smooth. Cook for a minute or two. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• Serve the chicken fried steak hot, topped with gravy (if desired).

What You'll Need to Make Kickin' Chicken Fried Steak

This isn’t fancy, folks. Just good, honest ingredients. We're talkin' steak, flour, and some pantry staples. Don't skimp on the seasoning, though – that’s where the magic happens!

• For the Steak: You'll want 4 (6-8 ounce) cube steaks, about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t be shy about tenderizing them, it makes all the difference.
• The Wet Mixture: 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and a dash of hot sauce (optional). This helps the breading stick like glue. You can use Chicken Fried Steak No Buttermilk , but buttermilk adds a nice tang.
• The Breading: This is where you build flavor. 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy!).
• For Frying: About 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and, if you’re feeling fancy, 1/4 cup of rendered bacon fat. That bacon fat? Oh my gosh! Trust me on this!
• The Optional but amazing Gravy: 2 tablespoons of the frying oil, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of milk, and some salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for that little something extra.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Darn Chicken Fried Steak

Okay, now here’s where I share some secrets that’ll really elevate your Fried Steak Recipes . I learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.

First, pound that steak! i mean really pound it. we're talking chicken fried steak with cube steak so thin you can almost see through it.

Second, double-dredge. it sounds like a lot, but it gives you the crispiest crust, ever.

Third, don’t overcrowd the pan. it lowers the oil temperature, and you'll end up with soggy, sad country fried steak .

And lastly, make sure that is just a little bit of pinkness in the middle when pulling it out of the pan, for a perfect chicken fried steak recipe .

More Tasty Tips

If you want to try a whole foods cube steak, go for it. just be sure to tenderize it well, no matter where it's from! speaking of steak, if you are having a hard time finding a cube steak you can also use a round steak.

If you want to make how to make chicken fried steak easy , always keep in mind the meat thickness for tenderness, and flavor.

Okay, darlin', let's get this chicken fried steak show on the road. we're talkin' about the ultimate comfort food. seriously, how do i make chicken fried amazing? it all starts with the right bits and bobs.

So grab your apron. we’re gonna dive right in.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Foundation of Deliciousness

Main Ingredients – Let's Get Specific!

Alright, here's the deal. Quality matters , especially when it comes to the steak. We want tender, juicy goodness.

• Cube Steaks: 4 (6-8 ounce each), about 1/2 inch thick. That’s 170-230g, for my metric friends. Look for steaks that are already somewhat tenderized, and from Whole Foods for the best cuts.
• Milk: 1 cup (240ml). Full fat is best for flavour!
• Egg: 1 large.
• Hot Sauce: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Optional, but adds a nice kick.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, freshly ground, obvs.

Seasoning Notes – Spice It Up!

Chicken Fried Steak breading is where the magic happens. Don’t be shy with those spices!

• Flour: 1 1/2 cups (180g). All-purpose is your pal.
• Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons (10ml).
• Onion Powder: 2 teaspoons (10ml).
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5ml). This is my secret weapon! Adds smokiness that's insane.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml). Optional, for heat.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

The secret? smoked paprika, y'all. honestly, it elevates the whole thing. if you want to see how to make chicken fried steak easy , don't skimp on seasoning.

I remember one time i forgot the garlic powder. the disaster !

Equipment Needed – Keep It Simple

Listen, you don't need fancy gadgets.

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: For tenderizin'.
• Shallow Dishes: For breading.
• Large Skillet: Cast iron is chef's kiss .
• Tongs: For flipping the steaks.

Don't have a meat mallet? use a rolling pin. no cast iron? any heavy-bottomed skillet will do. we're aiming for delicious.

Now, let's delve on to the next sections about country fried steak and fried steak recipes . we could even call our dish "the cozy cook chicken fried steak ".

Honestly Chicken Fried Steak with Cube Steak is hard to mess up!

Alright, let's dive into how do make chicken fried steak! Honestly, it's easier than you think. Forget fancy dinners, we are doing comfort food tonight.

Chicken Fried Steak: A Taste of Texas

Chicken Fried Steak is basically the best thing ever. No, really. Tender steak, crispy breading, and creamy gravy? It's a trifecta of deliciousness. You know?

Prep Like a Pro

Essential Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organized. pound those cube steaks to about 1/4 inch thick. it’s super important for chicken fried steak with cube steak .

Get your milk and egg mixture ready. prep your breading with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Trust me, it helps.

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Mix up the flour and spices way ahead of time. i mean like hours if not a day. this is a great tip for my the cozy cook chicken fried steak recipe.

A little mise en place will make everything easier, trust me.

Safety Reminders

Be careful with that hot oil! I swear, I burn myself every time. Use tongs, and don't overcrowd the pan.

Let’s Fry! Step-by-Step

Cooking up a storm!

1. Dip each steak in the milk mixture.
2. Dredge it well in the flour mixture. Repeat this!
3. Heat your oil (and maybe some bacon fat because…bacon) to 350° F ( 175° C) . You'll know.
4. Fry each steak for 3- 4 minutes per side.
5. Make sure they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should be 145° F ( 63° C) .
6. Drain on a wire rack.
7. Make that amazing gravy!

Visual Cues for Doneness

You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color. Not too dark, not pale and sad. Golden. Perfection.

Temperature Check

145° F ( 63° C) internally is key. Get yourself a meat thermometer. I found mine at Whole Foods .

Pro Tips That Will Level Up Your Chicken Fried Steak

Secrets from a friend!

• Don't skip the double-dredge. Seriously.
• Don't overcrowd the pan. If you do, you might end up searching google for Fried Steak Recipes .
• For Chicken Fried Steak Breading , consider adding a little cornstarch for extra crispiness!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Under-seasoning is the worst. seriously. don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. it's important to understand how do make chicken fried tasty! some people even make chicken fried steak no buttermilk and it's also awesome.

Make-Ahead Options

You can bread the steaks ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for a few hours. the frying, though? that's best done right before serving.

The country fried steak always taste better fresh. my recipe for chicken fried steak recipe is a hug on a plate, i swear.

Making how to make chicken fried steak easy is my goal.

Alright, so you're ready to tackle chicken fried steak ? ace! let's cover a few essential bits to make your experience even smoother.

These are my recipe notes , distilled from many a happy (and sometimes slightly chaotic) session in the kitchen.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation – 'Cause We Eat with Our Eyes Too, Right?

Honestly, half the fun of how do make chicken fried steak is showing it off! forget being shy, and stack that crispy, golden beauty high on the plate.

Then, drizzle it with creamy gravy. i love pairing this dish with classic mashed potatoes and some garlicky green beans .

For that extra touch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley always does the trick. and hey, don't underestimate the power of a simple side salad to brighten things up.

It's all about balance, innit?

Storage Tips: Leftovers? Yeah, Right! (But Just in Case…)

Okay, real talk: when How To Make Chicken Fried Steak Easy , there are usually no leftovers. Like, zero. But if you manage to restrain yourself, here’s the lowdown:

• Refrigeration Guidelines : Pop those beauties in an airtight container once they've cooled. They'll be good for about 3 days.
• Freezing Options : You can freeze Fried Steak Recipes ! Wrap them individually in cling film, then chuck them in a freezer bag. They'll last for up to 2 months, but the breading might lose some of its crisp.
• Reheating Instructions : For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. You can even try throwing it in your air fryer so you can still enjoy The Cozy Cook Chicken Fried Steak . Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose some crispiness. Pro tip : reheat the gravy separately for best results.

Variations: Playing Around with Flavors & Diets

Fancy a bit of a twist? Here are a couple of my go-to variations:

• Dietary Adaptations : For a Chicken Fried Steak Breading option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. It gives a lovely nutty flavour and is great for a gluten-free approach. For Chicken Fried Steak No Buttermilk you can easily use regular milk as a replacement.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : Swap out the green beans for roasted asparagus in the spring, or butternut squash in the autumn. It keeps things interesting! A visit to Whole Foods can inspire you with the freshest seasonal produce.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel for the Soul (and Body!)

Country fried steak , or chicken fried steak, is a hearty dish, no doubt. a serving will give you a good boost of protein and energy.

Keep in mind that chicken fried steak with cube steak , nutritional info will vary a lot dependin' on what you use.

Now, while it might not be a health food, it is an american classic and worth every single bite of that chicken fried steak recipe .

.

Right then, go forth and conquer that chicken fried steak . you've got this! and remember, the most important ingredient is love (and maybe a little bit of bacon fat!).

Oh my gosh! you got this!