How to Create Golden Chicken Fried Steak: A Simple Guide

If you’ve ever craved crispy, golden fried meat with tender insides that tastes like a dream, you’re likely thinking about chicken fried steak. This comforting Southern dish is a staple in many homes, served with creamy gravy and a side of mashed potatoes or green beans. Luckily, making chicken fried steak at home is not only delicious but also easier than you might think. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to create golden chicken fried steak in simple English, so you can enjoy this classic dish without hassle.

What Is Chicken Fried Steak?

Chicken fried steak is not actually made of chicken—it’s usually a tenderized beef steak (often cube steak, which is pre-tenderized) that’s breaded and fried in the same way as fried chicken. It combines the crunch of fried chicken with the juicy goodness of beef, making it the ultimate comfort food.

The key to getting that golden, crispy coating lies in proper seasoning, coating, and frying techniques. Don’t worry—we’ll break it all down so that even beginner cooks can nail this recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

For the Steak:

4 cube steaks (or thinly pounded steaks like sirloin or top round)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra kick)
2 large eggs
1 cup milk or buttermilk
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Gravy:

4 tablespoons of the oil left after frying the steaks
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 to 2.5 cups milk
Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Take your cube steaks and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry steaks help the coating stick better.
Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to add flavor.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Grab three shallow bowls or plates.
1. In the first bowl, pour 2 cups of flour and mix in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy).
2. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth.
3. Leave the third bowl empty for now.
This assembly line setup will make breading the steaks much smoother.

Step 3: Bread the Steaks

Take a steak and dip it in the seasoned flour, covering it completely.
Then, dip the steak into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s soaked on both sides.
Finally, dip it back into the flour, pressing it down to get a thick coating. This double-dip technique creates a crunchy crust that won’t fall off during frying.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet until it reaches about half an inch deep. Heat it over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for frying. You’ll know the oil is ready if you sprinkle a tiny bit of flour into the pan and it sizzles immediately.

Step 5: Fry the Steaks

Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil. Fry the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can make them soggy instead of crispy.
Cook each steak for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the breading turns a beautiful golden brown.
Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

After frying the steaks, save about 4 tablespoons of oil in the skillet and pour the rest out.
Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of flour into the reserved oil and whisk it together until it forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux).
Slowly add milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Start with 2 cups and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Simmer the gravy for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken fried steak hot with the creamy gravy poured generously on top. Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a classic Southern-style meal.

Tips for Success

Keep the breading crispy: Make sure the oil is hot (but not smoking) before frying the steaks. Too cold, and the steaks will absorb oil and become greasy; too hot, and the breading may burn.
Don’t rush the process: Fry the steaks in batches and let each side cook fully before flipping them.
Rest the steaks: Let the cooked steaks rest on paper towels for a few minutes to drain excess oil before serving.

Final Thoughts

Golden chicken fried steak is pure comfort food that brings restaurant-level deliciousness straight to your kitchen. By following this simple recipe, you can master a crispy, juicy steak draped in creamy gravy that will wow your family and friends. Whether it’s for a weekend dinner or special gathering, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients and start cooking—you’ll be a chicken fried steak expert in no time!

how to create golden chicken fried steak