This Chicken Fried Steak recipe features a perfectly crispy golden breading and a rich, flavorful white gravy that will transport you straight to comfort food heaven. With a few simple tips, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Chicken Fried Steak is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. While it’s often a go-to order at diners, it’s surprisingly easy to master at home. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing family and friends, this recipe guarantees tender, juicy steak encased in a crisp, golden crust, smothered in creamy homemade gravy.
Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

This Chicken Fried Steak recipe features a perfectly crispy golden breading and a rich, flavorful white gravy that will transport you straight to comfort food heaven. With a few simple tips, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 cube steaks, each about 1/3 pound
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
Buttermilk Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk, see notes for substitutions
- 2 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons salt
Breading:
- 1 cups flour
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Gravy:
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 3 Tablespoons pan drippings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup half and half
Instructions
Step-By-Step Instructions
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Notes
Buttermilk Substitutes
- ½ cup milk + 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 4 tablespoons milk + enough plain yogurt to make 2 cups.
- 2 tablespoon white vinegar + enough milk to make 2 cups. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice + enough milk to make 2 cups. Let sit for 10 minutes. It'll look curdled. Stir to combine.
Pro Tips:
- Use kitchen tongs to gently flip and remove the fried steak from the pan.
- A cast iron skillet or heavy bottomed dutch oven is ideal for deep frying due to the even heat distribution.