Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak is a quintessential Southern comfort food that evokes warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Renowned for its crispy coating and tender meat, this dish has earned a special place at the tables of many, particularly at Cracker Barrel, where it is celebrated for its hearty flavors and comforting appeal. The very mention of Chicken Fried Steak conjures memories of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and the simple joy of sharing a meal that brings everyone together.

Craving that comforting southern flavor? Try this homemade Chicken Fried Steak inspired by Cracker Barrel! With crispy, tender cube steak topped with rich sausage gravy, it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Perfect for family dinners or cozy breakfasts, this recipe is sure to impress. Discover the step-by-step process to recreate this nostalgic dish from scratch! #ChickenFriedSteak #ComfortFood #SouthernCooking #SausageGravy #HomemadeDeliciousness

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Ingredients

4 (6 oz) cube steaks

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

½ cup milk

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sausage Gravy:

1 pound breakfast sausage

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Steaks: Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.

Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until well-blended.

Bread the Steaks: Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip it in the egg mixture. Lastly, coat again in the flour mixture, making sure to cover each steak completely.

Fry the Steaks: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded steaks (fry in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Sausage Gravy: In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add the breakfast sausage and cook over medium heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces while cooking.

Thicken the Gravy: Sprinkle flour over the cooked sausage, stirring to combine. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Place the chicken fried steaks on serving plates and generously spoon the sausage gravy over the top.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4