Traditional American Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Chicken fried steak is a staple in American cuisine, especially popular in Southern kitchens. This traditional American chicken fried steak recipe is easy to follow and promises a mouth-watering dish that combines the deliciousness of crispy batter with tender, flavorful beef.

What is Chicken Fried Steak?

Despite its name, chicken fried steak doesn't contain chicken. Named for the style of cooking that resembles fried chicken, this dish features a breaded and fried beef cutlet. The most common cut used is cube steak, known for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. Chicken fried steak is typically served with creamy gravy and a side of mashed potatoes or vegetables.

Ingredients for a Traditional American Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

To create a truly authentic traditional American chicken fried steak recipe, gather the following ingredients:

4 cube steaks
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the gravy:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing Your Ingredients

Preparing the ingredients properly is crucial to ensuring your traditional American chicken fried steak recipe comes out just right. Here's how you can prepare:

Seasoning: In one large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your seasoned flour mixture for the steak.
Buttermilk Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until well combined. This will be your liquid base for dredging the steaks.
Preparing the Steaks: Pat the cube steaks dry with a paper towel to ensure they hold the batter better. Season each steak lightly with additional salt and pepper.

Cooking Your Chicken Fried Steak

The cooking process for this traditional American chicken fried steak recipe is straightforward but requires attention and the right technique.

Dredging: Dip each steak first into the flour mixture, pressing down to ensure an even coat, then into the buttermilk mixture, and back again into the flour mixture. Make sure each steak is well coated.
Frying: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the steaks in batches, frying each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Drain: Once cooked, remove the steaks from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Preparing Creamy Gravy

No traditional American chicken fried steak recipe is complete without a rich, creamy gravy to complement the crispy steak.

Make a Roux: Using the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons and any leftover bits from the steak. Add the flour and whisk continuously for a minute or two until the flour is golden.
Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking continually until the gravy thickens.
Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Guide Steps for Making Traditional American Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Prepare the seasoned flour and buttermilk mixtures.
Season and dredge the cube steaks.
Fry the steaks in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Make the creamy gravy in the same skillet.
Serve the fried steak with a generous pour of gravy on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cuts of beef are best for chicken fried steak?

Cube steak is the most traditional cut used in a traditional American chicken fried steak recipe due to its tenderness and affordability. However, some people also use round steak or veal for a different texture.

Can I make a gluten-free version of chicken fried steak?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and making the gravy. Ensure all other ingredients, like seasonings, are also gluten-free.

What's the difference between country fried steak and chicken fried steak?

The primary difference lies in the gravy. Country fried steak is typically served with a brown gravy, while chicken fried steak comes with a white, cream-based gravy.