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.
As the home of chicken fried steak, Texans have some pretty big expectations for this iconic dish– its as Texan as chili or the Alamo, so understand that everyone has a recipe, and they are comprised of similar ingredients with specific twists.
Since I’m a chef, I’ve been trying to find everyone’s best tips. This post is all about the chicken fried steak secrets that chefs and great cooks use, putting them all together to make the Ultimate Texas Chicken Fried Steak.
Lets get back to the basics for our friends throughout the country, and around the world, because the idea of a chicken fried anything seems to be causing some confusion.
Are you craving that perfect combo of crispy, breaded beef smothered in creamy gravy? Yeah, me too. As a Phoenix local who’s spent way too many mornings nursing a food hangover from chicken fried steak binges, I’ve done the delicious research so you don’t have to. Let’s dive into the best places where you can get your chicken fried steak fix in the Valley of the Sun.
What Makes a Great Chicken Fried Steak?
Before we jump into the specific spots, let’s talk about what makes chicken fried steak so dang good. This uniquely American dish features:
- Tenderized beef (usually cube steak)
- Crispy, seasoned batter (similar to fried chicken—hence the name)
- Rich, creamy gravy (typically white pepper gravy)
- Hearty sides like mashed potatoes, corn, or hash browns
The chicken fried steak should be soft enough to cut with a fork but still have some chew to it. The breading should be crunchy, and the gravy should be rich. Oh, you could drink the gravy through a straw, but I wouldn’t suggest that in public.
5 Must-Try Chicken Fried Steak Spots in Phoenix
1. Texaz Grill
Location 6003 North 16th Street
Texaz Grill isn’t messing around when it comes to chicken fried steak. These folks have been serving up this Southern classic for decades and they’ve perfected it.
What makes it special:
- You get TWO steaks when you order one (no explanation needed—just accept this gift from the comfort food gods)
- Simple salt and pepper seasoning that lets the meat shine
- Tender but chewy texture that’s just right
- Hearty mashed potatoes that are properly smashed, not whipped
If you can’t finish both steaks (amateur!), don’t worry—these leftovers reheat beautifully. I’ve been known to eat cold chicken fried steak straight from the fridge at 2 AM, but that’s between me and my therapist.
2. Ranch House Grille
Location: 5618 East Thomas Road
The Ranch House Grille offers a breakfast and lunch spot with some creative twists on the classic chicken fried steak.
What makes it special:
- Two unique options for your chicken fried steak
- Classic version with zesty, peppery white gravy
- Adventurous version topped with green chile pork (meat-on-meat, y’all!)
- The green chile pork adds a wonderful textural contrast and heat
The rustic, homey decor makes this place perfect for comfort food. I love coming here after a night of poor decisions, when only fried meat can save me.
3. Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe
Location: 808 East Jefferson Street
This downtown soul food institution has been feeding Phoenix for generations, and their chicken fried steak is legendary.
What makes it special:
- Tender, juicy meat with generous portions
- Unique brown gravy (thinner than the typical white gravy)
- Perfectly thick batter that crisps up beautifully
- Option to pair with sweet potatoes instead of mashed (do it!)
Mrs. White’s is one of those places where you’ll need to loosen your belt before you leave. Trust me, the food coma is worth it.
4. 5th Avenue Cafe
Location: 501 West Thomas Road
This historic breakfast and lunch joint has been around since the 1950s, and they know their way around a chicken fried steak.
What makes it special:
- Reasonable portion size (you won’t need a nap immediately after)
- Crispy exterior with tender meat inside
- Lightly seasoned country gravy that’s lush and flavorful
- Served as part of a two-egg breakfast (protein on protein!)
The crispy hash browns here are the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra gravy. And there WILL be extra gravy.
5. My Mother’s Restaurant
Location: 4130 North 19th Avenue
They’ve had a lot of time to improve their chicken fried steak recipe since they’ve been serving it for more than 30 years.
What makes it special:
- Available for lunch or dinner
- Surprisingly thin steak with a tight, crunchy batter
- White gravy with bacon bits for extra flavor
- Thick, buttery mashed potatoes that complement the dish perfectly
The crispy batter here provides a fantastic textural contrast to the tender meat. Plus, bacon bits in the gravy? Genius.
Tips for Ordering Chicken Fried Steak
When you visit these spots, keep these tips in mind:
- Ask about the gravy – Some places offer both brown and white gravy options.
- Consider the sides – While mashed potatoes are traditional, don’t overlook other options like sweet potatoes or corn.
- Breakfast or dinner? – Some places serve chicken fried steak all day, while others only offer it during certain meal periods.
- Portion size matters – If you’re not starving, ask if they offer a smaller portion or be prepared to take some home.
- Spice level – Some places make their gravy peppery, so ask if you’re sensitive to heat.
Beyond the Top 5: Other Places Worth Trying
While the five spots above are my absolute favorites, Phoenix has plenty more chicken fried steak to explore:
- Lenny’s Burger – A local chain with decent chicken fried steak
- Black Bear Diner – A regional chain with generous portions
- Denny’s – When it’s 3 AM and you need chicken fried steak NOW
- Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles – They’re known for chicken, but their chicken fried steak deserves attention too
When Is the Best Time to Enjoy Chicken Fried Steak?
There’s never a wrong time for chicken fried steak, but here are my favorite occasions:
- Hangover breakfast – Nothing cures what ails you like meat, grease, and carbs
- Comfort food dinner – Had a bad day? Chicken fried steak makes it better
- Special treat – Save it for when you really deserve it (or just, you know, Tuesday)
- Celebrating paydays – Before the bills hit
Make It at Home or Go Out?
You can make chicken fried steak at home, but there’s something special about having a professional do it. Restaurant-made chicken fried steak usually benefits from:
- Deep fryers that get hotter than home equipment
- Years of practice perfecting the batter
- Professional gravy-making skills
- Not having to clean up the inevitable oil splatter disaster
Final Thoughts: My Personal Rankings
If I had to rank these five spots based purely on my own preference (which I do, because this is my blog), I’d say:
- Texaz Grill – Can’t beat the two-for-one deal and perfect execution
- Mrs. White’s – That brown gravy is something special
- Ranch House Grille – Points for creativity with the green chile pork option
- My Mother’s Restaurant – Bacon bits in gravy is genius
- 5th Avenue Cafe – Solid breakfast option that won’t put you in a food coma
But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these. Each place has its own unique take on this classic dish, and they’re all worth trying.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it, folks—my comprehensive guide to finding the best chicken fried steak in Phoenix. Whether you prefer yours for breakfast with eggs or for dinner with all the fixins, these five spots will satisfy your craving for this uniquely American comfort food.
And remember, calories don’t count when you’re eating chicken fried steak. That’s just science.
To Fry the Chicken Fried Steaks
Lay a wire rack over a second baking sheet. This will help the steaks drain after they are done cooking. Alternatively, you can transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel. when they are done cooking.
Fill a large cast-iron skillet or large saute pan with a high smoke point oil such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil. Heat the oil to medium heat, about 350°. I check the temperature of the oil with my infrared thermometer, which I love for these types of messy and potentially dangerous hot oil situations.
Starting with one steak, use tongs to lay the steak down in the hot oil. Cook this steak 3-5 minutes watching the edges for a crispy golden brown crust, then flip. The next side will usually not take quite as long to cook. Transfer to your wire rack or plate lined with paper towels and season immediately with fine salt or seasoned salt. This is the secret to really excellent fried foods. Salt quickly before the crust cools. Repeat with the remaining meat.
Some people keep chicken fried steaks warm in the oven after they’re done, but I think this makes the breading too soft. I prefer to work quickly for the best flavor.
Why is it Called Chicken Fried Steak?
If you take the standard recipe for fried chicken and substitute any tenderized steak cutlet–breading and frying the steak just like you would do with fried chicken, then you have made chicken fried steak. We usually serve it smothered in creamy white gravy. (My secret ingredient is in my gravy. ).
The name “chicken fried steak” comes from the fact that it is made with the same ingredients and steps as “fried chicken.” Instead of chicken, a cube steak or tenderized round steak is used, but the battering process (which is the same as breading) stays the same.
The Best Chicken Fried Steak with Homemade Creamy Country Gravy
FAQ
What is a chicken-fried steak called?
Chicken-fried steak, also known as country-fried steak, is an American Southern breaded cutlet dish consisting of a piece of beefsteak (most often tenderized cube steak) coated with seasoned flour and either deep-fried or pan-fried. It is associated with the Southern cuisine of the United States.
Does Walmart sell chicken-fried steak?
Kings Command Foods Frozen Southern Style Chicken Fried Beef Steak, Raw, 5. 3 Ounce – 30 per case – Walmart. com.