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Crispy Southern Loaded Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Easy Gravy

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A quick and easy southern comfort food featuring crispy chicken fried steak topped with cheese, bacon, green onions, and served with creamy peppery gravy. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cube steaks (about 6 oz / 170 g each), trimmed
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (180 g)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups / 480 ml)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (60 g)
  • ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 2 slices)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (42 g)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (24 g)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml), warmed
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne for subtle heat

Instructions

  1. Prep the Steaks: Pound cube steaks lightly with a meat mallet to about ½ inch thickness. Place in a shallow dish and pour in buttermilk and beaten egg. Soak for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Make the Breading: Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a wide plate or shallow bowl. Mix well.
  3. Bread the Steaks: Remove one steak from buttermilk bath, let excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in seasoned flour, pressing coating onto meat. Set aside and repeat with remaining steaks.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into skillet to about ½ inch depth and heat over medium-high until 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the Steaks: Place steaks carefully in hot oil without overcrowding. Cook each side 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  6. Make the Gravy: Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until light golden. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until thickened (4-5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
  7. Load the Steaks: Place crispy steaks on plates. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. Pour warm gravy generously over the top. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Use buttermilk to tenderize steak and help breading stick. Maintain oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt crust. Whisk gravy constantly to prevent lumps. Press flour firmly onto steak but shake off excess to avoid cakey crust. Reheat leftovers gently in skillet to keep crust crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried steak, southern comfort food, crispy steak, loaded chicken fried steak, easy gravy, comfort food, fried steak recipe

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/crispy-southern-loaded-chicken-fried-steak-recipe-with-easy-gravy/