Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs from Denny's features tender, breaded and fried beef steak topped with savory country gravy, served alongside two fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy golden hash browns, offering a hearty and satisfying Southern-style breakfast.
Equipments
- Meat tenderizer
- Shallow bowls (for breading stations)
- Frying pan or skillet
- Tongs
- Plate (for resting fried steak)
- Whisk
- Saucepan (for gravy)
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl (for eggs)
- Nonstick skillet (for eggs)
- Box grater or food processor (for hash browns)
- Cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel (to squeeze water from potatoes)
- Baking sheet or plate (for hash browns)
- Stove or cooktop
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) cube steak (tenderized beef steak)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups russet potatoes (for hash browns)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for hash browns)
- 2 large eggs (for serving)
- 1 cup whole milk (for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for gravy)
Using tenderized cube steak ensures a soft and juicy texture, essential for authentic Chicken Fried Steak. Buttermilk in the egg wash not only helps the flour coating adhere well but also adds a subtle tang that enhances flavor. Russet potatoes are ideal for crispy, golden hash browns due to their high starch content, and removing excess moisture with a cheesecloth improves browning. Freshly ground black pepper and garlic powder elevate the country gravy's savory notes, tying the dish together. Your homemade Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs from Denny's copycat menu will deliver the same hearty Southern-style breakfast experience.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to warm (optional, to keep cooked items warm).
- Prepare breading stations:
- Place 1 cup flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a shallow bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk 2 eggs with buttermilk.
- Tenderize cube steaks if needed with meat tenderizer.
- Dredge steaks in flour, then egg mixture, then flour again.
- Heat vegetable oil in frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry breaded steaks until golden brown on both sides; transfer to plate.
- Drain excess oil, reserving 2 tablespoons for gravy.
- In same skillet or saucepan, melt butter; add flour, cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Whisk in milk slowly to make gravy; season with salt and pepper; cook until thickened.
- Peel and grate potatoes for hash browns using box grater.
- Place grated potatoes in cheesecloth or kitchen towel; squeeze out excess liquid.
- Melt butter in skillet over medium heat; add potatoes; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook hash browns until golden and crispy, flipping once; transfer to plate or baking sheet.
- In mixing bowl, whisk 2 eggs.
- Heat nonstick skillet over medium-low, add butter if desired, scramble eggs gently until fluffy.
- Plate fried steak, top with gravy, serve with scrambled eggs and hash browns.
Substitution
Denny's Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs copycat recipe replicates the tender, breaded beef steak topped with rich country gravy, served with fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns. If cube steak is unavailable, you can substitute with thinly pounded round steak for a similar texture. When breading, ensure the flour mixture is well-seasoned to enhance flavor and create a crispy crust. For the hash browns, squeezing out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel prevents sogginess and promotes crispiness during frying. Your eggs can be prepared scrambled or fried according to preference without affecting the classic breakfast experience.
Tips
Ensure your cube steak is tenderized evenly to avoid tough spots in your Chicken Fried Steak. When breading, dip the steak first in flour, then the egg-buttermilk mixture, and finally back in the flour for a crispy, well-coated crust. Squeeze the grated russet potatoes thoroughly using cheesecloth or a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, which helps to achieve golden, crispy hash browns. Cook your scrambled eggs gently over medium-low heat in a nonstick skillet for a light, fluffy texture that complements the hearty steak and hash browns.
Nutritions
Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs from Denny's is a nutrient-dense meal rich in protein, supplied primarily by the cube steak and eggs, vital for muscle repair and growth. The dish provides significant fats from the frying process and gravy, contributing to energy intake, while the potatoes in the hash browns offer essential carbohydrates for sustained energy release. Sodium content may be elevated due to seasoning and gravy, so moderation is advised if managing blood pressure. Your meal delivers a balanced combination of macronutrients suited for a hearty breakfast, supporting both satiety and nutritional needs.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Fried Steak by wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil or placing it in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness and prevent moisture buildup. Your scrambled eggs and hash browns should be stored separately in airtight containers and refrigerated promptly to preserve texture and flavor. Reheat using an oven or air fryer for best results, as microwaving may cause sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute cube steak with thinly sliced pork chops for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time to avoid overcooking. Use almond milk instead of whole milk in the gravy for a dairy-free alternative while maintaining creaminess. Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a subtle sweetness and increase nutritional value in the hash browns. You can scramble the eggs with a splash of cream cheese to create a richer, creamier texture.
Allergies
Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs from Denny's contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat, which are found in the breading, gravy, and scrambled eggs. The dish also includes beef, which could pose an allergy risk for those sensitive to red meat. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to verify with the restaurant before consuming this meal.
Why this recipe?
Denny's Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs menu is favored for its crispy, golden-brown breaded steak paired with perfectly cooked eggs, delivering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. The meal offers a hearty, classic American comfort food experience that appeals to those seeking a nostalgic and filling breakfast or brunch option. Making a copycat version allows you to replicate the rich, savory taste at home while customizing seasoning and sides to your preference. This dish is worth trying for its balanced blend of crispy, juicy, and creamy elements that consistently satisfy hungry appetites.