Easy Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe: Crispy Southern Comfort

Southern comfort food reaches new heights with Paula Deen’s chicken fried steak, a crispy, golden-brown delight that promises pure indulgence.

Tender meat gets transformed through a magical coating process that seals in incredible flavor and creates an irresistible crunch.

Each bite delivers a satisfying blend of crisp exterior and succulent interior that speaks to classic home cooking traditions.

Regional culinary techniques shine through this iconic dish, celebrating rich flavors and unpretentious ingredients.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this technique, passing down secrets that elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Hearty and filling, this recipe represents more than just a meal – it’s a connection to cultural roots and family memories.

Prepare to experience a quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table:

What Makes Paula Deen’s Chicken Fried Steak the Ultimate Comfort Food

• Savor Crispy Southern Comfort: This chicken fried steak delivers a perfect golden-brown crunch that hugs tender beef with a deliciously seasoned coating, bringing classic Southern diner flavor right to your plate.
• Master Quick Weeknight Magic: From start to finish, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality dinner without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy Layered Flavor Explosion: The strategic coating method – using buttermilk, egg whites, and seasoned flour – creates multiple flavor dimensions that lock in moisture while producing an irresistibly crispy exterior that gives each bite incredible texture and taste.
• Customize Your Comfort: The flexible gravy technique allows personal seasoning adjustments, letting you control salt, pepper, and richness to match your exact flavor preferences, making this dish adaptable for different palates and meal styles.

Key Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Chicken Fried Steak

• Cube Steak: A tenderized cut perfect for chicken fried steak, typically thin and ready for breading.

• Flour, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasoning blend for creating a crispy, flavorful exterior on the steak.
• Egg Whites, Water: Helps the flour coating stick to the meat and creates a light, crisp layer.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor to the coating.

• Cooking Oil: Provides the medium for frying the steak to a golden brown finish.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the gravy.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory base for the gravy.
• Milk: Helps to thicken and smooth out the gravy's texture.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Chicken Fried Steak

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

• Cube steaks
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Egg whites
• Water
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Vegetable oil

• small onion, finely chopped
• Flour
• Chicken broth
• Whole milk

Step 2: Prepare Coating Stations

• First dish: Buttermilk
• Second dish: Whisk egg whites with water
• Third dish: Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder

Step 3: Dredge Steaks

• First, coat in buttermilk
• Then, dip in egg white mixture
• Finally, cover thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture

Gently shake off excess coating

Step 4: Cook Steaks

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat

Cook steaks 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown

Transfer cooked steaks to paper towel-lined plate

Step 5: Create Creamy Gravy

In same skillet, add remaining oil

Sauté chopped onions until soft, about 3-5 minutes

Sprinkle flour, stir for 1 minute

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk

Simmer until gravy thickens, about 2 minutes

Season with salt and pepper

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Place steaks on serving plates

Pour hot gravy generously over top

Serve immediately while hot and crispy

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

• Maximize Crispiness Technique: Dip steaks twice in flour and buttermilk for an extra-thick, crunchy coating that seals in delicious flavors and creates a stunning golden exterior.
• Rest Coating for Better Adhesion: Place breaded steaks on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying, allowing the breading to set and stick firmly to prevent falling off during cooking.
• Perfect Temperature Detection: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, targeting 60-65°C for juicy, tender meat without risking dryness or undercooking.
• Smooth Gravy Mastery: Whisk continuously while adding broth slowly, eliminating potential lumps and creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that complements the crispy steak.
• Layered Seasoning Strategy: Season flour mixture, meat, and gravy at different stages, tasting and adjusting to build deep, complex flavors throughout the entire dish.

Storing Leftovers of Paula Deen’s Chicken Fried Steak

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by vacuum sealing individual chicken fried steaks. Remove all air to prevent freezer burn and maintain the crispy coating's texture. Preserve for up to 3 months with this professional storage method.
• Freezer Layering: Separate each steak with parchment paper before stacking in freezer containers. Prevent sticking and protect the delicate breading from damage. Quick retrieval becomes effortless with this strategic storage technique.
• Gravy Preservation: Transfer leftover cream gravy into silicone ice cube trays for compact freezing. Pop out individual portions when needed, ensuring zero waste and maximum flavor retention. Thaw quickly in the microwave or refrigerator for instant sauce revival.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Chicken Fried Steak

• Spicy Southern Kick: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the flour mixture for a fiery version of the classic chicken fried steak. Reduce black pepper and increase red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Herb-Crusted Country Style: Mix dried thyme, rosemary, and sage into the flour coating for an aromatic herbal profile. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving to enhance the herbal notes.
• Gluten-Free Ranch Ranch: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and add ranch seasoning powder to the coating. Use gluten-free chicken broth and milk for a celiac-friendly adaptation that maintains the original recipe's rich flavor.
• Buttermilk Marinated Tender Touch: Marinate steaks in buttermilk overnight with minced garlic and onion powder before coating. This method helps tenderize the meat and infuses deeper flavor into each bite of the chicken fried steak.

Final Words on Paula Deen’s Chicken Fried Steak

Southern comfort classics hold profound culinary magic, with Paula Deen’s chicken fried steak embodying hearty kitchen traditions.

Regional cooking techniques elevate simple ingredients into memorable dining experiences.

Crispy golden exteriors give way to tender meat beneath savory gravy layers.

Home chefs can master this iconic recipe through careful technique and quality ingredients.

Texas-style cooking celebrates bold flavors and generous portion sizes.

Soul-satisfying meals connect families around dinner tables, creating delicious memories that last generations.

Hungry for more southern cooking wisdom?

Share this recipe, comment below with your favorite comfort food memories, and spread culinary love across social media platforms!

Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Chicken Fried Steak delivers Southern comfort with crispy golden breading and rich country gravy. Hearty beef cutlets promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table and smiles to hungry guests.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 lean, 4 ounces (113 grams) each cubed round steak
• 2 large egg whites

Dry Ingredients:

• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon plus more to taste ground black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon plus more to taste salt

Liquids and Aromatics:

• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup milk
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped scallion or onion
• buttermilk, for dipping

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Instructions

1. Create a multi-layered coating system by whisking egg whites with 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of water in a shallow dish. In a separate container, blend 1/2 cup (60 grams) of all-purpose flour with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder until uniformly mixed.
2. Transform each steak by first immersing it in buttermilk, ensuring complete coverage. Immediately transfer the moistened meat to the egg white mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip away. Gently roll the steak in the seasoned flour mixture, delicately shaking off any surplus coating.
3. Ignite a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, introducing 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of cooking oil. Carefully position the coated steaks in the pan, achieving a golden-brown exterior by cooking 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the crispy steaks onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
4. Utilize the same skillet by adding the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of oil. Sauté finely chopped onions until translucent and soft, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Gradually incorporate chicken broth and milk, whisking smoothly to eliminate potential lumps. Simmer the gravy until it reaches a thick, bubbling consistency, roughly 2 minutes. Enhance flavor with salt and pepper according to preference.
5. Present the steaks immediately, generously draping the velvety gravy across the top, creating a luxurious dining experience.

Notes

• Layer up coating for ultimate crunch by dipping steaks twice in buttermilk and flour, creating an extra crispy exterior that seals in delicious flavor.
• Let coated steaks relax on a wire rack for 10 minutes, allowing the breading to set and stick firmly before hitting the hot oil.
• Grab a meat thermometer to nail perfect doneness, targeting 60-65°C for juicy, tender steaks that melt in your mouth.
• Whisk gravy with dedication, gradually adding broth while stirring constantly to guarantee a silky-smooth sauce without pesky lumps.
• Taste and season throughout cooking, adjusting salt and pepper to transform a good gravy into an extraordinary flavor bomb that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 630
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 990 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg