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A Southern Classic You’ll Want on Repeat
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Introduction
Few dishes say “comfort food” quite like chicken-fried steak. With its crispy, golden crust, tender beef inside, and a smothering of creamy white gravy, this is the kind of soul-satisfying meal that instantly takes you home—even if you’ve never been to the South. Whether served for Sunday supper or a hearty weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to win hearts and appetites.
If you’ve never made it from scratch, don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks, and the flavor payoff is enormous. Let’s dive into this down-home favorite.
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Origin and Cultural Significance
Despite its name, chicken-fried steak contains no chicken. The name comes from the method of preparation—it’s a steak that’s cooked like fried chicken.
Believed to have originated in Texas (with roots traced back to German and Austrian immigrants who brought schnitzel-style cooking to the U.S.), chicken-fried steak has become a staple of Southern cuisine. It’s beloved across diners, family kitchens, and comfort food restaurants nationwide.
Culturally, this dish represents humble ingenuity: taking a tougher cut of meat and turning it into something tender, flavorful, and downright delicious with just a few pantry staples and a whole lot of love.
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Ingredients & Quantity
Ingredient Quantity
Beef cube steaks 4
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Paprika 1 tsp
Garlic powder 1 tsp
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Eggs 2
Buttermilk 1 cup
Oil (for frying) Enough to cover skillet bottom (about ½ inch deep)
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Optional Additions
Want to elevate your chicken-fried steak game? Try these:
🌶️ Cayenne pepper or chili flakes in the flour for a spicy kick
🧀 Grated Parmesan mixed into the breading for added flavor
🌿 Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the gravy
🍖 Double-dip method (flour > egg > flour > egg > flour) for extra crunch
🍽️ Homemade white gravy with pan drippings, milk, and black pepper
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Tips for Success
Use cube steak: It’s already tenderized and perfect for this recipe.
Season every layer: Don’t skimp on seasoning the flour and egg mixture.
Let it rest after breading: A few minutes helps the coating stick better when frying.
Use a cast iron skillet if available—holds heat better and crisps evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil hot and coating crisp.
Always serve with white pepper gravy: It’s practically the law in the South.
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Instructions (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine:
2 cups flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Mix well.
2. Make the Egg Wash
In another bowl, whisk together:
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
Set aside.
3. Dredge the Steaks
One by one, coat each cube steak:
First in the flour mixture
Then in the egg-buttermilk wash
Back in the flour mixture again
Press the flour in firmly to ensure a good crust.
4. Fry the Steaks
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
When oil is hot (350°F/175°C), add steaks.
Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5. Make the White Gravy (Optional but Essential)
In the same skillet:
Drain all but 2 tbsp of oil.
Stir in 2 tbsp flour and whisk until smooth.
Slowly add 1 to 1½ cups milk, whisking constantly.
Simmer until thickened.
Season generously with salt and lots of black pepper.
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Description
Chicken-fried steak is the ultimate blend of crispy and creamy, tender and bold. Each bite delivers a crunch that gives way to juicy, seasoned beef, all tied together with silky, peppery white gravy. It’s rustic, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying. This dish has the soul of a Southern grandmother’s kitchen with the crowd-pleasing appeal of diner-style comfort food.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Steak + Gravy)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~600 kcal
Protein ~35g
Fat ~35g
Carbohydrates ~40g
Sodium ~750mg
Fiber ~2g
Sugar ~3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size, gravy, and oil absorption.
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Conclusion
Chicken-fried steak is more than a meal—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something memorable. With simple ingredients and a foolproof process, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or coleslaw, and you’ve got yourself a legendary Southern feast.
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Recommendation
🥔 Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy
🌽 Add sweet corn or sautéed green beans on the side
🥤 Wash it down with sweet tea or cold beer
🍳 Try it for breakfast with eggs and hash browns—trust us
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Sure, this dish leans indulgent—but with a few tweaks, you can enjoy it with a little less guilt:
Use lean cube steak and pan-fry in avocado or olive oil blend
Opt for low-fat buttermilk and bake instead of deep-frying
Serve with steamed greens or roasted veggies
Make the gravy with unsweetened almond milk or low-fat dairy
It’s about balance—treat yourself, but make mindful swaps when you can.
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Final Note
If you’re thinking, “This recipe is too good not to share”—you’re right.
👉 Like recipes like this? Save it, share it, and follow for more comforting, crave-worthy meals that hit the spot every time.
✨ Recipe Card Below 👇
Now go make dinner unforgettable.
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