Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

The Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is a classic Southern comfort meal. It features crispy breaded steak served with creamy country gravy. Many families love this dish because it is filling and flavorful.

The Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is perfect for a hearty dinner or weekend meal. If you want a crispy and juicy steak, this recipe is a great choice.

In this guide, you will learn How to make Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak and discover the best Ingredients for Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak.

The Secret Behind This Delicious

The secret to perfect chicken fried steak is the breading. The steak is coated in seasoned flour and fried until crispy.

Another important step is tenderizing the meat. Tenderizing helps the steak cook evenly and stay juicy.

The creamy gravy also makes this dish special. It is made using the flavorful drippings from the pan.

Finally, frying at the right temperature keeps the crust golden and crunchy. These simple steps create a delicious Southern favorite.

Recipe Card

• Recipe Name: Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak
• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large skillet
• Meat tenderizer or mallet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plate for coating
• Spatula

Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak

• 4 cube steaks
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil for frying

For the Cream Gravy

• 3 tablespoons pan drippings
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

These simple ingredients create a crispy steak with creamy gravy.

Instructions

1. Tenderize the Steak

Place cube steaks on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them. This step makes the steak tender.

2. Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Stir well so the seasoning spreads evenly.

3. Prepare the Wet Mixture

In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk and milk. Mix until the ingredients become smooth and well combined.

4. Coat the Steak

Dip each steak into the flour mixture first. Make sure the entire surface is lightly coated.

5. Dip into Wet Mixture

Place the floured steak into the egg mixture. Turn it gently so both sides become fully coated.

6. Coat Again with Flour

Return the steak to the flour mixture. Press lightly so the breading sticks well to the meat.

7. Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet. Heat over medium heat until the oil becomes hot but not smoking.

8. Fry the Steak

Carefully place the breaded steaks into the hot oil. Cook for about four minutes on each side.

9. Drain the Steak

Remove the fried steaks from the skillet. Place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

10. Prepare the Gravy Base

Keep three tablespoons of the pan drippings in the skillet. Discard the remaining oil carefully.

11. Add Flour for Gravy

Add flour to the skillet drippings. Whisk continuously for one minute until the mixture becomes lightly golden.

12. Add Milk Slowly

Slowly pour milk into the skillet while whisking. This prevents lumps and creates a smooth gravy.

13. Season the Gravy

Add salt and black pepper. Continue cooking while stirring until the gravy becomes thick and creamy.

14. Serve the Dish

Place fried steak on serving plates. Pour warm gravy over the top before serving.

15. Enjoy the Meal

Serve immediately while hot. The crispy crust and creamy gravy taste best fresh from the pan.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use cube steak for the most tender texture.
• Pound the meat gently to avoid tearing it.
• Let breaded steaks rest five minutes before frying.
• Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding.
• Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Use chicken broth instead of milk for a lighter gravy.
• Serve with mashed potatoes for a classic meal.
• Add herbs like thyme for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	34 g
Fat	28 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	720 mg

Serving Suggestions

• Chicken fried steak pairs well with many classic sides.
• Mashed potatoes are the most popular option. The creamy gravy tastes perfect over potatoes.
• Buttered corn or green beans also work well. These vegetables balance the richness of the steak.
• Biscuits are another great side dish. They can soak up extra gravy.
• A simple salad also adds freshness to the meal.
• This dish is perfect for family dinners or weekend comfort meals.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• To reheat, place the steak in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy.
• You can also reheat it in a skillet for best texture.
• Avoid microwaving for too long because the crust may become soft.
• Store leftover gravy in a separate container. Reheat it slowly on the stove while stirring.

FAQs about Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak

1. What cut of meat is best for chicken fried steak?

Cube steak works best because it is already tenderized. It cooks quickly and becomes very soft after frying.

2. Why is my breading falling off?

This happens when the coating does not stick properly. Press the flour mixture firmly and allow the breaded steak to rest.

3. Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the steaks earlier. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

4. Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, baking is possible but the crust may not be as crispy. Frying creates the classic texture.

5. How do I make thicker gravy?

Add an extra teaspoon of flour to the drippings. Cook it briefly before adding milk to thicken the gravy.

Conclusion

The Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is a comforting and delicious Southern dish. The crispy steak and creamy gravy create amazing flavor.

Learning How to make Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak is simple with the right steps. The process is easy and perfect for home cooks.

With the right Ingredients for Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak, you can create a hearty meal your family will love.

Try this recipe for dinner and enjoy a classic homemade comfort food experience.