Cracker Barrel's Chicken Fried Steak features tender, hand-breaded beef steak fried to a golden crisp, smothered in creamy country gravy, delivering a hearty Southern comfort meal with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Equipments
- Meat tenderizer (mallet)
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dredging dishes
- Tongs
- Frying pan or deep skillet
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
- Whisk
- Saucepan (for gravy)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) cube steak
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt (for gravy, to taste)
- Black pepper (for gravy, to taste)
Using cube steak is essential for achieving the tender texture typical of Chicken Fried Steak. Properly seasoning the flour mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder ensures a flavorful, crispy crust. Buttermilk in the egg wash tenderizes the meat and helps the breading adhere for an even coating. Fry the steak in vegetable oil heated to the correct temperature to create a golden, crispy exterior without greasy residue. Your creamy country gravy, made with butter, flour, and whole milk, should be smooth and well-seasoned to complement the crispy steak perfectly. Chicken Fried Steak from Cracker Barrel's copycat menu offers a hearty Southern comfort meal with a juicy interior and crispy coating.
Instructions
- Pound cube steak with meat tenderizer until 1/4-inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk.
- In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- Dredge steaks in flour mixture; shake off excess.
- Dip steaks in egg-buttermilk mixture.
- Dredge again in flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place coated steaks on wire rack over baking sheet.
- Heat oil in frying pan/skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry steaks in batches until golden brown, 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked steaks to a clean wire rack to drain.
- For gravy, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour; cook 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk; cook, stirring, until thickened.
- Season gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve chicken fried steak smothered with country gravy.
Substitution
Cracker Barrel's Chicken Fried Steak offers a crispy, golden hand-breaded beef steak paired with rich country gravy, perfect for a Southern comfort meal. If you can't find cube steak, tenderized round steak or sirloin can be used as substitutes, but ensure they are pounded thin for even cooking. When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF to achieve a crunchy exterior without absorbing excess oil. For a dairy-free gravy alternative, use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk, adjusting seasoning to compensate for flavor differences. Your breading mixture can be seasoned with additional spices like cayenne or thyme to customize the flavor to your preference.
Tips
Ensure your cube steak is evenly pounded to about 1/4-inch thick for consistent cooking and tenderness. Keep the double-dredging process intact: flour, egg-buttermilk, then flour again to create the signature crispy crust that holds up during frying. Maintain your oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to prevent greasy or undercooked steak, using a thermometer if available to monitor heat. Your country gravy thickens best when you gradually whisk in cold milk after cooking the roux, and seasoning to taste is key to balancing flavors.
Nutritions
Cracker Barrel's Chicken Fried Steak contains approximately 850-1000 calories per serving, making it a calorie-dense meal high in fat and protein due to the hand-breaded beef and frying process. The dish provides around 45-50 grams of fat, including saturated fat from the frying oil and creamy country gravy, contributing to its rich flavor profile. Protein content is substantial, typically offering 40-45 grams per serving, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. Your intake should be balanced with vegetables or lighter sides to ensure nutritional variety and control calorie consumption.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Fried Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its crispy exterior and juicy interior. Reheat gently in the oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to preserve the golden crust and warm the creamy country gravy evenly. For longer storage, freeze the steak without gravy for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute cube steak with tenderized sirloin or round steak for a different texture and flavor profile. Use buttermilk in the egg mixture to enhance tenderness and add a slight tang to the breading. Try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mix for a spicier kick. For a lighter option, bake the breaded steaks in a preheated oven at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
Allergies
Cracker Barrel's Chicken Fried Steak contains common allergens such as eggs, milk (from buttermilk and whole milk), and wheat (from all-purpose flour), which could trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's essential to avoid this dish or seek alternatives with allergen-free substitutions. Cross-contamination risks may also be present if prepared in a shared kitchen environment.
Why this recipe?
Chicken Fried Steak at Cracker Barrel is a beloved menu item known for its crispy, golden-brown battered beef smothered in creamy country gravy. Fans appreciate the hearty, comforting flavors paired with traditional Southern sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. Trying to make a copycat version lets you recreate this iconic dish at home, customizing seasoning and gravy thickness to match your taste. Your homemade Chicken Fried Steak offers a satisfying and authentic Southern dining experience without leaving your kitchen.