Easy Breezy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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Chicken Fried Steak is a Southern comfort food classic that features a tenderized beef cutlet, typically round or cube steak, that’s seasoned, breaded, and fried until crispy and golden brown. The steak is often smothered in a rich, creamy gravy made from pan drippings and served alongside mashed potatoes or vegetables, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Despite its name, it contains no chicken—it’s named for the fried, crispy coating that resembles that of fried chicken.
Ingredients:

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 4-6 oz each)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
  For the Gravy:
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
  Instructions:
  Step 1: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.

Step 2: Bread the Steaks

1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels.
2. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it sticks. Shake off any excess.
3. Dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Dredge the steak again in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Set the coated steaks aside on a plate.

Step 3: Fry the Steaks

1. Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
2. Carefully place the coated steaks in the hot oil, frying until golden brown on each side (about 3-4 minutes per side).
3. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

1. After frying the steaks, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil
   from the skillet, leaving any browned bits in the pan.
2. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk continuously over
   medium heat for about 1 minute.
3. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue
   to cook until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the chicken fried steak topped with the gravy.
2. Pair with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a
   complete meal.
   Enjoy your delicious and easy, yet delicious chicken fried steak!