The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak is fried to golden perfection and topped with the creamiest gravy you can imagine, sure to quickly become a family favorite. It’s hard to imagine a more quintessential Southern meal than Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy. The hard part is deciding whether you want to make it for breakfast or dinner. My family can’t get enough of these tender steaks with that delightful crispy, crunchy coating. And the gravy? Heaven! Enjoy this amazing dinner with some of my Nana’s green beans and the BEST dinner rolls.
Sponsored by TABASCO® Brand.
Chicken Fried Steak
I figured it was high time I share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you guys. I have been eating this Southern food classic for as long as I can remember. My Nana is the first one that introduced me to this delightful recipe. (Big shocker there – she basically introduced me to all of my favorites…) This recipe is an adaptation of hers – or, at least, as I remember it and I’m pretty sure she’d agree, that this really is the best chicken fried steak recipe out there.
Chicken Fried Steak: Breakfast or Dinner?
There is nothing quite like chicken fried steak when it comes to versatility. We love serving it for dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy and my Nana’s Green Beans to even it all out… 😉 Orrr, if it’s brunch we’re craving, serving this yumminess with a couple sunny side up eggs and hash browns always does the trick.
My boys almost always order chicken fried steak when we’re out for breakfast but the thing is, it’s incredibly easy to make at home! Now, I’ve tried lots of subpar recipes in my lifetime but trust me, this is not one of them.
I’ve developed the ULTIMATE recipe that goes just perfectly with a rich, creamy gravy that that little ole steak is just begging to be smothered in.
How to Properly Season and Flavor
Every layer of this Chicken Fried Steak recipe is seasoned to perfection. The steaks are seasoned with salt and pepper, the flour mixture is seasoned with herbs and spices, and even the buttermilk and egg batter is seasoned with TABASCO® Sauce.
TABASCO® Sauce is a staple in our house (the original is our favorite) and my oldest wants it with and in every.single.recipe. I love the extra flavor it adds to this recipe and if you’re worried about it being spicy, don’t. It really doesn’t add any heat to the dish as much as it brings out the other flavors in the dish.
If you want to, you can always bump up the heat by adding in another teaspoon or so of TABASCO® Sauce, or, you can always just add a dash or two to the top of your steak. That’s how my Grandpa ate his and Reece and Chris do the same.
So, if you’re not familiar with chicken fried steak or country fried steak, let me clear up any confusion…
Why is it called Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken Fried Steak is not made with chicken. Period. No chicken to be found. It’s called this because the steak is breaded and fried much like you would a piece of chicken. Chicken Fried Steak is made with cube steak that you find already tenderized at your grocery store.
The steak is dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in a buttermilk and egg mixture and then back into the flour one last time. Finally, it’s fried to golden perfection and topped with the creamiest, tastiest gravy you’ve ever tried. Some might even say that the gravy is the best part 🙂
Don’t Forget the Gravy!
There are a few secrets to the best Chicken Fried Steak Gravy.
- Do NOT scrape the skillet. Leave all of that goodness in there. Simply remove the grease and add back in just enough to make the creamy gravy.
- Let the flour cook and brown before adding liquids. This builds up flavor and removes that raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the milk AND cream (yes, I use a little cream in this gravy… 😉 ) This keeps lumps from forming and you end up with a smooth, creamy Chicken Fried Steak Gravy.
- Season at the end. My gravy usually doesn’t need any additional salt but I add LOTS of freshly ground black pepper.
Now, I go into detail in my instructions below but I want to highlight a few steps here that I want you to pay close attention to before making this recipe.
Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
- There is no need to deep fry. I shallow fry to golden perfection with a cup of oil – or less. I prefer to use vegetable oil.
- A heavy skillet works best. I use my favorite cast iron skillet but any large, heavy bottomed skillet will work.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. EVER. Two at a time is the way to go. Preheat your oven to 225-250F to keep it warm and crispy while you’re making the gravy.
- Buttermilk keeps the steaks nice and tender and the TABASCO® Sauce adds loads of flavor without being overly spicy. I make mine with about 2 teaspoons but you can go up to 4 teaspoons if you want to up the ante. I like to keep it relatively calm and my family can add a couple of dashes on top if they like.
- You’ll notice the baking soda and baking powder in the breading. This gives it a perfectly crispy coating that you won’t find in other recipes.
- After breading the cube steaks, really press the flour in. You want the steaks to be completely coated with the breading.
- Do not flip the steaks more than once. Wait until they are nice and golden brown before flipping. You don’t want to disturb that crunchy coating.
Refer to the video if you have any more questions or leave me a comment below. I’d love to know what you think when you give it a try!
Favorite Family Dinners
- Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
- The BEST Turkey Meatballs
- Easy Stuffed Shells
- Crockpot Chili
- Tater Tot Casserole
How To Make Chicken Fried Steak
The Ultimate Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks (about 1/3 lb each)
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp fresh ground black pepper, divided
- 2 tsp kosher salt or sea salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tsps TABASCO® Sauce (original)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Chicken Fried Steak Gravy
- 4 tbsp grease
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 to 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, one teaspoon black pepper, one teaspoon salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk , TABASCO® Sauce, and eggs. Set aside.
- Pat cube steaks dry with a paper towel, removing as much moisture as possible. Season with one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes and pat dry again with paper towel.
- Dredge the cube steaks in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dredge in the buttermilk-egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and then once again in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Place breaded cube steaks on a sheet pan or metal rack and press any of the remaining flour mixture into the cube steaks making sure that the entire steak is completely coated. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 225 to 250 F.
- Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. How much oil you need depends on the size of your skillet. You want it to be about 1/4-inch deep. We aren't deep frying the steaks, just shallow frying.
- Test the oil by dropping a bit of the breading into in. The oil should sizzle and bubble around the breading. Look for the oil to be glistening but not smoking - about 320-340 degrees F. Now we're ready to fry.
- Place two steaks into the pan at a time and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Do not flip more than once or the breading will fall off. Do not fry more than two steaks or the pan will be too crowded and the breading will fall off.
- Remove steaks from pan and drain on paper towels. Place in preheated oven. Turn skillet heat to medium.
Chicken Fried Steak Gravy
- Pour the remaining grease into a heat safe bowl or glass measuring cup (I used my Pyrex). Do NOT scrape the skillet clean. We want all of those bits of yumminess to remain in the skillet so they can flavor the gravy.
- Add back in 4 tablespoons of the grease to the hot skillet.
- Whisk in flour and continue whisking for two to three minutes or until nice and golden brown.
- Combine the cream and milk and slowly drizzle in about 2 1/2 cups into the skillet, whisking constantly. It might look a little crazy right at the beginning, but it will all come together.
- Continue whisking and bring the gravy to a simmer. Cook until the gravy is smooth and creamy, about 5 to 7 minutes. If the gravy gets too thick, add in a little more milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (Mine didn't need any salt but LOTS of pepper!)
- Serve chicken fried steak with gravy and mashed potatoes and your favorite green veggies. ENJOY!
Video
Nutrition
Dinner done right!
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Valerie Vincent says
Family loved this recipe so much that I have to double it now. This is definitely our go to Chicken Fried steak recipe now. Going to have to check out more of your recipes!!
Becki says
I followed your recipe to the letter, and this CFS is absolutely the bomb.com!! Each ingredient and each step, leads to pure deliciousness! I look forward to trying more of your recipes.
Kimberly says
I NEVER write reviews, but I sure do read them. Had to do it for this recipe. My husband LOVES chicken fried steak and I’m more of a chicken fried chicken kinda gal. I wanted to try to make this for him and boy did it pay off! We absolutely loved it 🙂 Kudos on a great recipe and thank you for sharing. I frequently use recipes from your site and I am never disappointed. Thank you for making me look like a badass in the kitchen!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I truly appreciate this SO much Kimberly! I hope you have an amazing week!
Angie M from San Antonio TX says
I usually never eat chicken fried steak. It is definitely not my go to meal. But my husband enjoys a good one now and then if we go out to eat. Unfortunately ever since the Covid19 pandemic era we haven’t eaten out in a long time. And I have been in the kitchen more than ever. So when my son suggested that I try making a chicken fried steak dinner I went ahead and looked at different ones online. This one didn’t have as many ratings but it had 5 stars. Also it was slightly different than other recipes so I decided to give it a shot. Oh…My…Goodness!!! This is the most tender delicious chicken fried steak ever. My husband is super picky about his chicken fried steak in restaurants thats why I never make it. But he thinks it is THE Best he has ever had in his whole 51yrs of his life. My son absolutely loved it also. My husband said this recipe is worth keeping. So if you are wondering which of the million chicken fried steak recipes to make, please look no further. You found the right one.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Wow! What a review! Thank you so much Angie! This is definitely one of our favorites and I’m so glad you and your family loved it too! Have a great week!
Mary Shaw says
Thank you for posting this recipe. It was delicious. Six plates were completely empty after the meal… a sure sign of a successful dinner!
David Cockrell says
I have ate and made chicken fried steak many times but this recipe is the bomb!!! I will definitely keep this recipe the gravy was to die for along with mashed taters and corn on the cob. Thanx, for sharing.
Eugene says
a Yummy dish. I make fried chicken steaks often as a quick midweek meal
ROSEANNE PARSLEY says
I want the recipe, where is it?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Can you not see it Roseanne? Can you tell me what browser you are using and if you are running ad blockers? I’m trying to get to the bottom of this and appreciate your help!
Michelle says
Very good recipe. My family really enjoyed it and it was easy to make.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much Michelle!
Cynthia Wiza says
My husband loves chicken fried steak he orders it quite a bit. I on the other hand have never tried it or have had the desire to try it until now. This was so easy to make and I followed this recipe to the T. The gravy was absolutely Amazing!!! This recipe is definitely a keeper. 😊 Oh and Nana’s green beans where out of this world!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You just made my day Cynthia, thank you!
Denise says
So yummy, this got rave reviews from my family. I have made other recipes, but this one is crispier and more flavorful than any other I’ve tried. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
So glad you enjoyed it Denise! Thanks for stopping by!
Donna says
This is my go to recipe for chicken fried steak. It is delicious. Thank you for sharing.
Darlene says
This is the best chicken fried steak recipe I have had. My family absolutely Loved it. I have made it a couple of times already and will be making it again. This is definitely a keeper.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Darlene!
Liz says
I tried your chicken fried steak and loved it! I had tried a similar recipe before but your tips made me chose yours as my keeper. I didn’t have buttermilk but subbed Almond milk H what I had on hand) and my husband used all my Tabasco sauce but a drizzle ,so I subbed Louisiana hot sauce. And I took a page from Michael and used again what I had on hand, Pioneer turkey gravy! And lo and behold it came out delicious anyway! This was a very forgiving recipe and we LOVED it!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Love that you just went for it Liz! Thank you!
Kathleen says
Dumb question… Are the calories for the whole recipe or per serving??
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Per serving, not dumb at all 🙂
Janie Mills says
I made the chicken fried steaks last night using the wonderful directions (my batter always falls off immediately after touching the hot oil!) and it was a huge hit!! I did not deviate from your recipe and the seasoning was great. I did not make the gravy because they were having chicken fried steak sandwiches. Thank you for this delicious and helpful recipe. I’ll be making it again next week!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you!! Love reading this!
Jennifer Michelle Ramos says
Made this today for dinner with homemade mashed potatoes. This is the best chicken fried steak I’ve ever eaten! AND it was husband approved ❤❤❤
Noni says
Fabulous recipe for chicken fried steak !!! Your tips we’re a huge help to me and I thank you for sharing this .
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Noni! I’m so glad you gave it a go!
suzanne battey says
My secret to great gravy is to use Swanson’s chicken broth first, after browning the flour. I add enough to make the gravy a little too thick, just short of perfect. Then I finish it with 1/2 and 1/2 to get the correct thickness and texture. My family and friends know about my great recipe for gravies. This is universal, except for Swanson’s beef broth for beef gravy. Try it! I think you’ll enjoy!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks for the tip!
suzanne battey says
My secret to great gravy is to use Swanson’s chicken broth first, after browning the flower. I add enough to make the gravy a little too thick, just short of perfect. Then I finish it with 1/2 and 1/2 to get the perfect thickness and texture. My family and friends know about my great recipe for gravies. This is universal, except for Swanson’s beef broth for beef gravy. Try it! I think you’ll enjoy!
Theresa Beckett says
the best mac and cheese ever. I made it for the grandchildren and it was gone in a few minutes. It is so tasty and it is the best ever. I will make it many times over for family dinners. thank you.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so, so much Theresa! I hope you’re having a lovely week!
Ursula says
I’m a first timer to making this dish because I always dread the flour/egg dredge process. However this process was easy. It was too tasty that my 2 yo son asked for seconds.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Love reading this Ursula!
Cynthia Niemela says
First ever attempt at chicken fried steak. Thought I had cube steak, turned out to be veal round steak but I used the recipe anyway. Oh my goodness. This was a huge hit, even with our visitor from Missouri. I will make it again, and I will make it with veal steaks again. Fantastic.
michael says
Ok I’m a single man and i’m doing all this EXCEPT for the gravy, I’m afraid of it, so I bought package powder white gravy just boil water… I know I know…. ha lol
Tacy Elting says
Fantastic! I know how to make CFS, but always open to improve it. The buttermilk made a difference, as did the whipping creme in the gravy. If send a picture… But we are it all ?
Bell Gurrola says
I’ve tried different chicken fried steak recipes and they have always been ok or not so tasty. This one was so easy and a hit! Best chicken fried steak recipe I’ve tried so far. Loved it! Thank you for sharing. ?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yay! So glad you gave it a try Bell!
Jonathan Kotz says
This is outstanding. The only change I did was Texas Pete rather than Tabasco. I’m a Texas Pete guy.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Fantastic! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Jolene says
Made this tonight for dinner. My husband loves country fried steak. He said this was the best he’s ever had! I made 4 so 2 are in the freezer for breakfast next weekend. I am looking forward to trying more of your recipes!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
What an amazing compliment! Thank you so much Jolene!
Eric says
I looked at over a dozen recipes on the web and this one looked the most promising. It did not disappoint. The breading had great flavor with the smoked paprika, onion powder, hot sauce, and garlic powder that aren’t in many other recipes. The baking powder and baking soda kept it crispy. And patting the cube steaks dry twice to get the water out before breading kept the breading adhered. I only used whole milk in the gravy because I didn’t have cream on hand, but I didn’t miss the cream. The gravy was plenty thick, smooth and rich with just whole milk. My son said “Why does this taste so good?” Enough said.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Wow. Thank you SOO much. I’m so glad you gave it a try Eric! Have a great weekend!
Sarah says
Made this recipe tonight. I followed the recipe with little deviation (other than indiscriminately adding Tabasco because I love it). Very good. I am not a chicken fried steak fan, I made this because I like to make something special each weekend for my family (working Monday – Friday means quick meals) and my older son requested chicken fried steak. It turned out very crispy and tender with good flavor. I liked the look of this recipe because of the sit times for the steak. I like to let meat sit out and warm up (for an hour or so) so it cooks more evenly, so the idea of letting it sit after seasoning and sit after breading made sense to me. Served it with scalloped potatoes and green beans sauteed with onions, garlic, lemon juice and dill weed. This is now my go-to recipe.
Anna McBee says
Wow!! Delicious chicken fried steak and gravy. Love your recipes. Will be using your recipes from now on.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much Anna!
Karen Knase says
I have made chicken fried steak following a different recipe and was terrified to try making the gravy because of the “don’t let the gravy scare you” comment in the instructions. You made it very easy to follow. This was awesome and I no longer “let the gravy scare me”. ( I did buy two packages for back up tho.) Thank you for sharing. My go to recipe from now on!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Totally made my day with this comment Karen – thank you! Yes, I know gravy can be intimidating but once you make it a few times, trust me, you’ll be a pro. I’m so glad you gave it a try! Thank you so much!
Jennifer says
I made this last night for my mom’s Birthday. It was delicious. Meat was tender, breading was crispy. Everyone loved it. Excellent recipe!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Jennifer! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Have a great weekend!
Joanne says
This recipe is SO crispy! Yum!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s what makes it SO good Joanne! Thank you!
Liz says
That crust!! Whoa! I’m sold!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Haha! It is pretty spectacular 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Ads says
I’d have this both for breakfast and dinner. Any day of the week.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Right?? Same here lol!
Melissa Sperka says
We love chicken fried steak but with a kick? Oh yes!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
The Tabasco adds just the right amount Melissa – so good!