Why You’ll Love this Golden Chicken Fried Steak
Every home cook needs this Golden Chicken Fried Steak recipe in their arsenal.
I’m talking about crispy, golden-brown perfection with a tender, juicy cutlet inside that practically melts in your mouth.
Why will you love it? The double-dredging technique creates that incredible crunchy crust that stays put with every bite, while the seasoned flour adds just the right kick.
And the gravy, oh the gravy.
Rich, creamy, and flecked with bits of caramelized goodness. It’s comfort food at its finest, the kind that makes dinner guests go silent as they savor.
Perfect for Sunday suppers or impressing company.
What Ingredients are in Golden Chicken Fried Steak?
Creating the perfect Golden Chicken Fried Steak starts with gathering all the right ingredients. This classic comfort food relies on simple components that, when combined properly, create that signature crispy exterior and tender interior we all crave.
The magic happens in the double-dredging process, where cube steaks get coated in seasoned flour and a tangy buttermilk mixture before hitting the hot oil. And let’s not forget about the creamy gravy that ties it all together—a smooth, savory blanket that transforms this dish into something truly special.
- 6 cube steaks
- 4 cups flour
- 5 teaspoons salt (divided between coating and gravy)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 5 cups peanut oil (for frying)
- 1 onion, finely minced (for gravy)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (for gravy)
- 3 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon additional pepper (for gravy)
When shopping for this recipe, quality matters in a few key areas. Look for nicely tenderized cube steaks that aren’t too thick—they should be about 1/4-inch thick for best results. Real buttermilk makes a noticeable difference in the tang and tenderness of the coating, so try to avoid substitutes if possible.
And while peanut oil might seem like a splurge, its high smoke point makes it ideal for the high-heat frying that gives chicken fried steak that gorgeous golden crust. Just remember that if you have peanut allergies in your household, canola or vegetable oil can work as alternatives.
How to Make this Golden Chicken Fried Steak
Making golden chicken fried steak is all about the technique—those crispy, craggy edges don’t happen by accident! Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees and setting up a wire rack on a baking sheet, which will be your holding station for the finished steaks.
In one dish, combine 4 cups of flour with 5 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne for that perfect seasoning blend. In a second dish, whisk together 2 large beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 cup of buttermilk until it gets a bit foamy—this is the secret to that extra-crispy crust we’re after.
The dredging process might seem fussy, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. Take each of your 6 cube steaks and pat them gently with paper towels—not too rough, we’re just removing excess moisture.
Then it’s time for the three-step tango: flour first, then egg mixture, then back to flour again. I like to use tongs for this dance to keep my fingers from becoming breaded themselves. After coating each steak, let them rest on a wire rack while you heat 5 cups of peanut oil to 375 degrees in a deep Dutch oven.
For even more consistent results, consider using a premium food processor to finely mince your seasonings and achieve that perfect texture every time.
Fry the steaks for exactly 2 1/2 minutes per side until they’re deeply golden brown, then drain briefly on paper towels before transferring to your warm oven.
Don’t wash that pan yet—the best gravy comes from those crispy bits left behind! Strain your oil, reserving 2 tablespoons and the strained bits for the gravy base.
Investing in a quality chef cookware set will make this entire process more enjoyable and yield better results with even heat distribution.
Sauté 1 finely minced onion in the oil and crumbs until softened, then add 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds—just long enough to become fragrant without burning. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour, whisking constantly until it browns slightly, then gradually pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth (still whisking to prevent lumps), followed by 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Let this mixture come to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer until it thickens into that velvety gravy that makes chicken fried steak so utterly irresistible. Spoon this liquid gold generously over your crispy steaks and watch them disappear faster than you can say “comfort food.”
Golden Chicken Fried Steak Substitutions and Variations
While this classic golden chicken fried steak recipe is perfect as written, flexibility is the name of the game in home cooking.
I’m all about making recipes work with what you’ve got.
Don’t have buttermilk? No problem—mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Vegetable oil works fine if peanut oil isn’t in your pantry. You can even swap cube steaks for thinly pounded round steak or sirloin.
For flavor twists, try adding paprika or garlic powder to your flour mixture, or sprinkle some hot sauce in your egg wash.
The gravy, too, welcomes customization—herbs like thyme or sage add wonderful dimension.
What to Serve with Golden Chicken Fried Steak
Now that you’ve got your perfectly golden chicken fried steak ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it.
I’m a firm believer that mashed potatoes are the ideal companion, creating the perfect landing pad for that peppery gravy. Add some buttery corn or green beans for color and freshness.
Want to go full Southern comfort? Consider adding buttermilk biscuits, mac and cheese, or collard greens to round out the meal.
Cornbread works beautifully too, especially if you’ve got honey butter to slather on top. Simple, unfussy sides let your crispy, golden masterpiece remain the star of the show.
Final Thoughts
This golden chicken fried steak recipe truly stands as a tribute to Southern cooking at its finest. The crispy, seasoned coating paired with that peppery cream gravy creates comfort food magic on a plate.
I’ve always believed the secret lies in those little details—maintaining oil temperature, double-dredging the meat, and letting those browned bits form the foundation of a silky gravy.
Isn’t there something special about serving up a meal that brings people together around the table? You can almost hear the forks cutting through that crunchy exterior to reveal tender beef within.
For those seeking another bowl of comfort, a homemade chicken noodle soup with tender chicken breast and aromatic vegetables makes a perfect complement to this hearty dish.
For an Italian twist on comfort food, try making a creamy carbonara with penne pasta, where residual heat perfectly cooks the egg mixture.
Pure Southern bliss, no matter where you call home.
