Print

Crispy Diner-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

chicken fried steak - featured image

A diner-style chicken fried steak recipe featuring a shatteringly crisp double-dredged crust and rich, savory gravy. This hearty comfort food is tenderized with a buttermilk brine and fried to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless round steak (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs (divided)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 inch vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for gravy)
  • 1/4 cup flour (for gravy)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk or chicken broth (for gravy)

Instructions

  1. Pound the round steaks between plastic wrap to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Whisk together buttermilk, one egg, salt, and pepper. Pour over steaks, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
  3. In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
  4. In a second dish, beat two eggs with 1/4 cup milk.
  5. Remove a steak from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the flour mixture, flip, and press again. Shake off loose flour.
  6. Dip the floured steak into the egg wash, let excess drip off, then press firmly back into the flour mixture for a second coating.
  7. Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Fry steaks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  9. Remove steaks to a wire rack. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if frying in batches.
  10. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the skillet. Add butter and melt.
  11. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
  12. Slowly whisk in milk or broth. Simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Serve steaks immediately with gravy poured over the top.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with almond/oat milk plus vinegar and use dairy-free butter/milk for gravy. Ensure oil temperature stays around 350°F to prevent greasy results. Let meat rest for a few minutes after frying to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried steak, diner style, comfort food, gravy, fried steak, buttermilk steak, cast iron recipes, easy dinner