Southern Chicken Fried Steak
Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Chicken Fried Steak recipe, a crispy, golden masterpiece smothered in rich, homemade gravy. Tenderized cube steaks are dredged in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture—featuring garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper—then fried to a satisfying crunch in a cast-iron skillet. The creamy milk gravy, made with the flavorful pan drippings, takes this dish to the next level, making it the epitome of Southern soul food. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a serving suggestion of classic mashed potatoes and green beans, this hearty, family-friendly meal is a celebration of tradition and comfort. Perfect for Sunday dinner or a midweek indulgence, this Southern Chicken Fried Steak delivers on flavor and nostalgia every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces cube steaks (tenderized beef steak)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil or shortening
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Place the cube steaks on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to further tenderize them if necessary. Set aside.
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and 1/2 cup of milk until fully combined.
Dredge each cube steak first in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Shake off any excess flour, then dip into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully covered. Return the steak to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing firmly again. Repeat with all steaks.
Place a large cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil or shortening. Heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small pinch of flour sizzles when dropped in.
Gently place the breaded cube steaks into the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
After frying, carefully remove all but 2 tablespoons of the oil from the pan, leaving the browned bits. Add the butter to the pan and stir until melted.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the reserved seasoned flour into the pan and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the gravy over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the fried steaks hot, smothered in the creamy gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional Southern meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1205 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.1 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.1 g | 115% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 226 mg | 75% | |
| Sodium | 706 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.5 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 47.0 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 186 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 736 mg | 16% | |
*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.
