Traditional Chicken Fried Steak

Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this Traditional Chicken Fried Steak recipe, a timeless Southern classic that delivers crispy, golden-brown perfection paired with velvety, homemade gravy. Tender cube steaks are coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture, dipped in buttermilk and egg for that signature crunch, and fried to mouthwatering crispiness in a cast-iron skillet. The creamy white gravy, made from pan drippings, butter, and a touch of cornstarch, is the crowning glory of this dish, perfect for smothering each bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a hearty weekend feast, this dish comes together in just 45 minutes and pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes or green beans. Whether you're craving home-style comfort or exploring Southern cuisine, this recipe satisfies with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces (about 4-6 oz each) Cube steak
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 2 large Eggs
• 0.5 cup (plus more for frying as needed) Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch

Directions

Step 1

In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper together. This is your seasoned flour mixture.

Step 2

In another shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until well combined.

Step 3

Lightly season both sides of the cube steaks with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Dredge each piece of steak in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Dip it into the buttermilk-egg mixture, then return it to the seasoned flour, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat with all the steaks and set aside.

Step 5

In a large, heavy skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 6

Carefully place the battered steaks in the skillet, cooking only 2 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining steaks.

Step 7

Once all the steaks are cooked, pour out most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind. Add the butter to the skillet and melt it over medium heat.

Step 8

Whisk in 2 tablespoons of the remaining seasoned flour mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 9

Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit more milk. Stir in the cornstarch to thicken further if needed.

Step 10

Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.

Step 11

Serve the chicken fried steaks topped with the creamy gravy and enjoy with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or green beans.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1805.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3680.8

Total Fat 203.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 57.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 77.5g
Cholesterol 993.8mg	0%
Sodium 7607.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 230.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.7g	0%
Total Sugars 36.6g
Protein 225.6g	0%

Vitamin D 428.1IU	0%
Calcium 1094.3mg	0%
Iron 31.6mg	0%
Potassium 3903.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.1%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 25.2%