Alton Brown Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

This Alton Brown Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is a crispy and savory Southern classic, which uses beef bottom round and a rich homemade gravy. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 40 minutes.

Alton Brown Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef bottom round, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups unsalted chicken broth
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

How To Make Alton Brown Chicken Fried Steak

1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 250ºF to keep cooked steaks warm.
2. Prep the meat: Slice beef into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Place flour in one dish and eggs in another. Dredge meat in flour, tenderize to 1/4-inch thick, then dredge again in flour, then egg, then flour once more. Let rest 10–15 minutes.
3. Fry the steak: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high and add just enough oil to coat the bottom. When hot, add steaks in batches without crowding. Cook about 4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.
4. Make the gravy: Lower heat to medium and ensure there’s about 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in the pan. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of the leftover dredge flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cook until simmering. Add milk and thyme, whisking until the gravy thickens to a ribbon consistency, 5–10 minutes. Season to taste.
5. Serve: Plate steaks and spoon the warm gravy generously over the top.

Recipe Tips

• What cut of meat works best?
  Beef bottom round is ideal, but cube steak or top round also work.
• How to keep steak crispy:
  Keep fried steaks warm in the oven on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
• Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
  Yes, just reheat gently and whisk until smooth before serving.
• What if I don’t have a meat tenderizer?
  Use a fork or the back of a heavy knife to tenderize the meat manually.

What To Serve With Chicken Fried Steak

This hearty dish goes great with classic Southern sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Green beans or collard greens
• Creamed corn
• Mac and cheese

How To Store Chicken Fried Steak

Refrigerate: Store steaks and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or low oven.

Freeze: Freeze fried steaks (without gravy) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven. Gravy should be made fresh for best texture.

Chicken Fried Steak Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 40g
• Sodium: 720mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use pork instead of beef?
Yes, thin pork chops or pork cutlets also work well with this recipe.

Why is my gravy too thin?
Cook it longer to reduce and thicken, or add a bit more flour at the start.

Can I skip the tenderizing step?
It’s not recommended—tenderizing ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.

Is this the same as country fried steak?
They’re similar, but chicken fried steak typically comes with a creamy white gravy, while country fried steak sometimes uses brown gravy.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Salmon Recipe
• Alton Brown Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
• Alton Brown Enchilada Lasagna Recipe