Best Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

As a Texas girl I grew up knowing that chicken-fried steak is a true southern delicacy. I’m going to show you how to make the perfect Texas Roadhouse chicken fried steak that even the most discerning southern grandma would approve of. 

Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Ingredient List

For the steaks:

• tender cube steak
• all-purpose flour
• garlic powder
• cayenne pepper
• salt and black pepper
• buttermilk (or milk and lemon juice)
• eggs
• vegetable oil

For the gravy:

• all-purpose flour
• butter
• milk
• salt and black pepper

Tools

• large skillet
• baking sheet with wire rack
• paper towels
• shallow bowl (need 2)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Chicken-Fried Steak

In a shallow bowl combine the flour, garlic powder, cayenne powder, salt, and black pepper to make the seasoned flour mixture that you will become the crispy breading on the outside of your chicken fried steak.

In a second shallow bowl whisk together your eggs and buttermilk.

Note: If you do not have buttermilk you can substitute by combining one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice.

Using a paper towel pat down each side of your tender cube steak to remove any excess moisture from the meat.

Breading The Steak With Your Flavorful Batter

Working with one piece of meat at a time place the meat first into the seasoned flour mixture and coat both sides very well.

Next, place the flour covered steak into the buttermilk mixture and turn to coat both sides.

Finally, removing the steaks from the milk and egg mixture you will place the steak back into the seasoned flour mixture to be coated again. Be sure to turn the steak so that both sides are covered. 

Place the coated steaks onto a plate and repeat with the remaining steaks.

Ready For The Frying Pan

The first thing to do is heat up about 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in the bottom of your large skillet over medium-high heat. You want to have about an inch of oil in the bottom of the pan. Too much oil will cause you to completely deep fry the steaks and that is not what we want to do.

To test the oil to see if it is hot enough sprinkle a little flour into the oil. When the flour begins to sizzle then the oil is ready. If the flour begins to brown immediately then your oil is too hot.

Cook the meat, 2 pieces at a time, until the edges start to look golden brown, about 2-3 minutes each side.

Remove the cooked country-fried steak to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Then place on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack into a oven that is heated to your lowest setting. This will keep the steaks warm while you are frying up the rest of the batch. The wire rack will help to maintain a crispy crust which gives the best results.

How To Make Creamy Gravy

Making homemade gravy may feel intimidating the first time but with a few simple ingredients and a little patience you will find that a creamy country gravy is truly easy to achieve.

Leaving approximately 1/4 cup of the remaining grease in your pan add in the butter, allow it to melt, and then add in the flour. Use a whisk to mix the flour with the butter and grease until you have created a golden-brown paste, or roux.

Slowly pour in your milk being sure to whisk constantly until the gravy is smooth and thick. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes. Next add in your salt and black pepper, tasting as you go, until the gravy is sufficiently seasoned. You do not want under seasoned gravy so be generous and taste the gravy to check that it is seasoned properly.

If at any time the gravy becomes to thick you can add a splash more of milk. If the gravy becomes to thin you can add a bit more flour.

What Are The Best Sides For Chicken Fried Steak?

You are now ready to serve the ultimate southern comfort food. Plate up your juicy steak, top with a generous helping of creamy white gravy, and add your favorite sides.

Traditional sides include green means and creamy mashed potatoes.

You now have a delicious and hearty southern dinner!

Helpful Tips

Ingredients and Preperation

• Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Use tenderized cube steak, which is already pounded thin and perfect for this dish.
• Breading Station Setup: Set up your breading station before you begin so that everything is easily accessible and ready to use.
• Breading: Use just one hand or a set of tongs during breading so that both of your hands do not end up covered in breading and creating a big mess for yourself.

Cooking Tips

• Use a Heavy Skillet: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for frying as it retains and evenly distributes heat.
• Preheat Oil Properly: Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) before frying.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Fry Until Golden Brown: Cook the steaks for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid flipping too often.

Making The Gravy

• Use Pan Drippings: After frying the steaks, use about 1/4 cup of the leftover oil and drippings in the pan to make the gravy.
• Gradually Add Liquid: Slowly whisk in milk continuing to stir until the gravy thickens. Do not rush this step. Take your time.
• Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to the gravy. Do not leave the gravy underseasoned.

Frequently Asked Questions

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