This Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak recipe yields a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag! Tender cube steak with a crispy breading and a homemade creamy gravy.
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Next time you’re craving a tasty chicken fried steak, break out this recipe instead of going out for dinner! I love making this recipe in my own kitchen, and all you need is cube steak, crackers, and some other essentials.
Why this Recipe Works
This classic Southern-style dish is a perfect copycat of the same meal you’ll find at restaurants like Texas Roadhouse, but much more affordable and customizable!
Take advantage of the low price tag of tender cube steak and pair it with a simple cracker breading that’s made using common ingredients. Finish it off with a delicious homemade gravy and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food dinner, any night of the week!
For a full feast, serve chicken-fried steak over Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes with a side of Green Beans. The whole family will love this filling and savory dish!
Ingredients Needed
- Cube steak: This affordable, tenderized cut of beef is commonly used for chicken fried steak!
- Oil: I like to use olive oil, but feel free to use your favorite frying oil (vegetable oil is also great).
- Flour: All purpose flour will be used both for the breading and to thicken the gravy.
- Saltine crackers: This is the secret ingredient that makes the fried breading crispy and crunchy.
- Salt and black pepper: Helps create a flavor base that you can add other seasonings to if you like.
- Buttermilk: Dredge the steaks in buttermilk so the breading sticks.
- Butter: Gives the gravy a rich and silky texture.
- Milk: Helps prevent the gravy from becoming too thick.
How to Make this Chicken Fried Steak
- Step 1: Use a rolling pin or other long object to crush the crackers into crumbs.
- Step 2: In a shallow bowl or dish, combine flour with cracker crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Coat each steak in the flour mixture.
- Step 4: Once floured, dredge the steak in buttermilk.
- Step 5: Return to the flour mixture for a double coating of breading.
- Step 6: Heat oil over medium high heat in a heavy bottom skillet. Fry steaks for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, then transfer to a wire rack or a baking sheet lined with paper towels to cool and drain.
- Step 7: In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Step 8: Add the flour and whisk until smooth, about a minute or so.
- Step 9: Pour in the milk and whisk to combine, then bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Step 10: Taste the gravy and add salt and pepper as needed.
Recipe Tips
- You don’t want to fully cover the steaks in oil. The hot oil should come about halfway up the height of the steaks.
- Add extra spices to the seasoned flour mixture like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or onion powder.
- Use a nice sturdy skillet. A cast iron skillet will never fail you here, but any large skillet with a heavy bottom works well.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining regular dairy milk with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar.
- This fried steak can also be served as a filling and comforting breakfast! Pair with some eggs and hash browns for a hearty brunch.
- Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to fry in batches. Be sure not to overcrowd and give the steaks plenty of room for even cooking.
- Like things on the spicy side? Mix about a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce with the buttermilk before dipping the steaks.
