This chicken fried steak recipe beat Grady Spears—cowboy food legend, James Beard award-winner, and my great friend, at the Golden Chile Awards, to take its place as the definitive chicken fried steak recipe, and today I am sharing the whole process, including my secret ingredient, with you.
For being the birthplace of chicken fried steak, Texas has high standards for this famous dish. It’s as Texan as chili or the Alamo, so keep in mind that each recipe uses similar ingredients but in different ways.
As a chef, I have been on a quest to gather everyones best techniques and this post is really about the chicken fried steak secrets that chefs and excellent cooks utilize, combining them all together, and providing you with a recipe for the Ultimate Texas Chicken Fried Steak.
Let’s go over the basics for our friends all over the country and the world, because the thought of anything chicken-fried is making a lot of people confused.
Are you craving a classic Southern comfort food but don’t want to deal with the mess and grease that comes with frying? I have great news for you! You can make crispy chicken fried steak in the oven that tastes just as good as fried but is so much better for you.
After trying a few different recipes, I think I got this one right, and to be honest, it’s pretty fun! The best part is that you won’t have to clean up any oil splatters, and you’ll eat a lot less calories without giving up that crispy coating we all love.
Why Oven-Baked Chicken Fried Steak Is Better Than Fried
Before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you why I’ve switched to making chicken fried steak in the oven:
- Healthier: Uses minimal oil compared to deep frying
- Less mess: No oil splatters all over your stove and countertops
- Easier: No need to stand over a hot skillet flipping steaks
- More consistent: Even cooking throughout the meat
- Crispier: The oven heat circulates around the entire steak
What You’ll Need for Oven-Baked Chicken Fried Steak
Let’s gather our ingredients before we start. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray
Tools:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- 3 shallow dishes for breading station
- Meat mallet (if your steaks aren’t already tenderized)
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s make some delicious oven-baked chicken fried steak!
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is important for achieving that crispy exterior. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
I like to create an assembly line with three shallow dishes:
In the first dish, mix the flour with half of the pepper, salt, and garlic and onion powders.
Dish 2: Whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
Dish 3: Combine the breadcrumbs with remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Prepare the Steaks
If your cube steaks aren’t already soft, put them between two pieces of waxed paper and use a meat mallet to pound them to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. This step helps tenderize the meat and ensures even cooking.
4. Bread the Steaks
Now for the fun part! Follow this sequence for each steak:
- Dredge the steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides and shaking off excess
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage
- Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the coating adheres well
Pro tip: For an extra crispy coating, after completing these steps, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating!
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the breaded steaks on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Lightly spray both sides of the steaks with cooking spray – this helps achieve that golden brown, crispy exterior without deep frying.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time. The steaks should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F for medium doneness.
7. Rest Before Serving
Let the steaks rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tender bites.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
We all love having options for meal prep and leftovers, so here’s how to handle your oven-baked chicken fried steak:
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Make ahead: You can bread the steaks up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
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Refrigerate: Store leftover steaks in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
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Freeze: These steaks freeze beautifully! Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes the coating soggy.
Delicious Gravy to Complete Your Meal
No chicken fried steak is complete without gravy! Here’s a simple recipe for country gravy that pairs perfectly with your oven-baked chicken fried steak:
Country Gravy Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth
- Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Keep warm until ready to serve
Perfect Side Dishes for Chicken Fried Steak
Complete your comfort food meal with these classic side dishes:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Green beans or collard greens
- Corn on the cob
- Buttery biscuits
- Coleslaw
- Garden salad
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these variations:
- Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper to your breadcrumb mixture
- Parmesan crusted: Mix 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumb mixture
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
- Extra crunchy: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular
- Herb-infused: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to your breadcrumb mixture
Troubleshooting Tips
Having trouble with your chicken fried steak? Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
Coating falls off during cooking
- Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the steak
- Let the breaded steaks sit for 5-10 minutes before baking
- Ensure your egg wash completely covers the steak
Steaks aren’t crispy enough
- Make sure to spray both sides with cooking spray
- Check that your oven is fully preheated to 400°F
- Try placing the baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven
- Bake a few minutes longer if needed
Steaks are tough
- Make sure to tenderize the meat adequately before cooking
- Don’t overcook – check earlier than the recipe suggests if your steaks are thin
- Let the steaks rest after cooking
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ve been making oven-baked chicken fried steak for years now, and it’s become one of my family’s favorite meals. Here’s why we love it:
- It’s so much healthier than traditional fried versions but still satisfies that comfort food craving
- Clean-up is a breeze compared to stovetop frying
- The oven does all the work while I prepare sides or help kids with homework
- It’s a budget-friendly meal that makes everyone happy
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make amazing sandwiches the next day
Final Thoughts
Making chicken fried steak in the oven is one of those game-changing cooking techniques that’ll have you wondering why you ever bothered with the mess and hassle of frying. The result is a healthier, equally delicious version of a classic comfort food that your whole family will love.
Happy cooking!
Is Texas Known for Chicken Fried Steak?
Chicken fried steak comes from Texas, and it’s a must-make dish for people with Texan roots. Texas has even made October 26th, Texas Chicken Fried Steak Day a state holiday. This was passed in October 2011.
Now that weve settled all that, lets get cooking…
How to Make the Best Gravy for Chicken Fried Steaks
Well, I told you I was going to give you my chicken fried steak secret, and here it is. Its really a secret my grandmother handed down to me from using in her multiple Texas cafes. For the best gravy–award-winning, trophy gravy, always use evaporated milk.
I know! I have seen so many people look at me like why? Why does that work? How would that matter?.
Evaporated milk creates a warmer, richer, buttery gravy that heavy cream or whole milk just cannot replicate. Evaporated milk is canned milk. It is not the same as condensed milk, which is a sweet dessert-like substance. When milk is canned, it is heated, which gives it caramel and toasty notes. My recipe also calls for seasoning with garlic powder and onion powder and a drop of lemon juice for brightness. Im telling yall, its the gravy to end all gravies.
Since we prepared the chicken fried steaks in our large skillet we will also be able to use those decadent pan drippings for a creamy country gravy with notes of the steak. Occasionally this gravy will look like a brown gravy but since brown gravy is a rich dark gravy, I like to describe it as golden. The pan drippings give it this beautiful color and flavor.
To finish the chicken fried steaks you can plate up with mashed potatoes or green beans and coat the chicken fried steak with plenty of gravy!
Now lets look at some common problems:
Oven-Fried, Chicken-Fried Steak : Great Steaks
FAQ
How long do chicken steaks take to cook in the oven?
Oven. Instructions: 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6 23-25 mins Place on a baking tray in the centre of a pre-heated oven.
Can you cook frying steak in the oven?
Some simple steps will help you cook steak in the oven: start with steak that is at room temperature, sear it in a very hot skillet, broil it in the oven until it’s done the way you like it, and then let it rest for a few minutes to keep the juices inside.
What temperature to cook chicken fried steak at?
Heat the oil in a heavy 14-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Use a deep frying thermometer to check temperature.
How to cook frozen chicken fried steak in the oven fast?
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange Steaks: Place the frozen chicken fried steaks in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake: Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
What is oven baked chicken fried steak?
Oven Baked Chicken Fried Steak is a deliciously tender and crispy dish made with cube steak breaded and cooked in the oven. This healthier version uses no oil and is easier to clean up. Top this crispy steak with a creamy homemade gravy and enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This easy weeknight meal will be your new family favorite.
How long to cook chicken fried steak in oven?
The cooking time for chicken fried steak in the oven can vary depending on the thickness of the steak. As a general guideline, cook the steak for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). However, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked thoroughly.
How do you cook chicken fried steak?
Place the coated steaks on the prepared baking sheet. Coat each steak with nonstick cooking spray on both sides. Bake for 30 minutes, until the steak is cooked through and the breading is crispy. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best chicken fried steak. Make a country gravy to pour over the steak to complete the meal.
What is the difference between fried chicken and fried steak?
The difference between the two is the meat that’s used. Chicken fried chicken is breaded and fried chicken, while chicken fried steak is breaded and fried steak. Oven Baked Chicken Fried Steak is a deliciously tender and crispy dish made with cube steak breaded and cooked in the oven.
How do you make breading for chicken fried steak?
To prepare the breading for chicken fried steak, you will need flour, salt, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice. Some people like to add garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Dip the steak into the seasoned flour mixture to coat it well before cooking. What temperature should the oven be set to?.
How do you cook a steak in a frying pan?
In a pan over medium heat, heat the peanut oil. Cook the steaks for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Place 3 fried cube steaks in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the steaks lightly with seasoned salt, garlic powder, and pepper, and scatter 1/3 cup of diced onions over the steaks.