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Homemade The Secret to Perfect Chicken Fried Steak recipe photo

The Secret to Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

This Chicken Fried Steak is a crispy, juicy Southern classic with a creamy gravy. Perfect for family dinners and guaranteed to impress!
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Paper Towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Steaks and Breading:

  • 1 to 2 lb cube steaks
  • Kosher salt for seasoning
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour divided
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • ½ cup whole milk for egg wash
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt if using table salt, use ½ teaspoon

For the Gravy:

  • Drippings from the steaks
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for gravy
  • 3 cups whole milk for gravy
  • Salt and pepper to taste for gravy

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat your cube steaks dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with kosher salt and a pinch of black pepper.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, dried parsley, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and ½ cup whole milk.
  • Dredge each steak first in plain ½ cup flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into egg wash, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg wash and seasoned flour coating.

Cooking

  • Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry steaks 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan. Drain on paper towels.
  • Remove all but 2 tablespoons of drippings from the skillet. Return skillet to medium heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons flour. Cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and simmer until thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Plate the chicken fried steak and ladle creamy gravy over the top. Serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Ensure oil temperature is around 350°F to prevent greasy crust.
  • Drain steaks on paper towels immediately after frying to keep crust crispy.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispiness, and reheat gravy gently on stovetop.
Keyword Comfort Food, Crispy, Easy, Gravy