If you are craving a hearty, soulful bite that brings together that iconic Southern comfort flavor with the convenience of a sandwich, this Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe is the answer. Picture a crispy, golden crust wrapped around tender steak, layered with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and your favorite tangy pickles, all nestled inside a toasted bun. It’s a comforting yet elevated meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you want to treat yourself to a little indulgence. With each bite, you get that wonderful crunch balanced by fresh, vibrant veggies and melty cheese if you like, making it truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, but each one plays a vital role in making your Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe shine. From the spices that build flavor in the coating to the fresh veggies that add crunch and color, every element is carefully chosen to elevate the final bite.
- Cube steaks: Choose tender cube steaks around 4–6 ounces for perfect frying and juiciness.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang, helping the coating stick and tenderizing the steak.
- Large egg: Works with buttermilk to bind the flour coating to the steak.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the crispy crust when combined with spices and fried.
- Paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that enhances the savory flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth.
- Onion powder: Provides a mild sweetness and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the meat and crust.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying to get a perfect golden and crispy finish.
- Sandwich buns or brioche rolls: Toasted to add slight crunch and softness to complement the steak.
- Cheese slices (optional): Cheddar or American cheese melts perfectly over the hot steak for extra richness.
- Lettuce leaves: Give a fresh and crisp bite to balance the fried steak.
- Tomato slices: Add juiciness and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Pickles: Bring tang and crunch to brighten every bite.
- Mayonnaise, mustard, or spicy mayo: Choose your favorite spread for added moisture and flavor dimension.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Coatings
Start by whisking together the buttermilk and egg in a shallow dish. This creates a thick, tangy dip that helps the flour mixture stick to the steak. In a second shallow dish, combine the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These spices will pack punch into the crispy crust, making every bite flavorful and delicious.
Step 2: Bread the Cube Steaks
Dip each cube steak first in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coating. Then plunge it into the buttermilk-egg mixture and back into the flour, pressing the flour firmly onto the steak. This double-dipping creates a wonderfully thick, crunchy crust that is the hallmark of this Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks
Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium until it reaches roughly 350°F, perfect for frying. Carefully place the steaks in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Fry each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, preserving that perfect crunch.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Begin by toasting your sandwich buns or brioche rolls to add warmth and texture. Spread a generous layer of mayo, mustard, or spicy mayo on each bun. Add crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy pickles. Place the freshly fried steak on the bottom bun, top with a slice of cheese if you like, and crown with the top bun. Serve right away for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, vibrant garnishes are what bring balance and color to this hearty sandwich. Crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, while ripe tomato slices provide juiciness that cuts through the fried richness. Don’t forget pickles—they add that perfect tangy snap that lifts the entire flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe with classic Southern sides like golden French fries or creamy coleslaw. A side of crispy fries mirrors the sandwich’s crunch, while cool coleslaw adds a creamy, tangy contrast that keeps your palate excited. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with vinaigrette also complements beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Stack the sandwich layers taller and secure with a wooden skewer for a rustic look. Serve on a wooden board accompanied by ramekins of spicy mayo or gravy for dipping. You can even slice the sandwich diagonally, showcasing the golden crust and layers inside, making it irresistible to dive into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. To keep the crust as crispy as possible, store the components separately if you can; reheat the fried steak separately from the buns and veggies.
Freezing
The fried steaks freeze beautifully. Cool them completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between pieces. Freeze for up to one month. While the sandwich itself is best fresh, freezing the steak offers a convenient shortcut whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
Reheat the fried steak in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it will make the crust soggy. Toast your buns fresh and add fresh lettuce and tomato for the best sandwich experience after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of meat for this Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe?
Cube steaks work best because they are tenderized and cook quickly, but you can experiment with thinly pounded round steak or sirloin. Just be sure to pound it thin and tenderize well to get that classic texture.
Is there a gluten-free option for the breading?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just keep the seasoning ratios the same to maintain the flavor profile.
Can I make this sandwich spicy?
Definitely! Add cayenne pepper to your flour mixture or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. A drizzle of hot sauce or spicy mayo on the bun also adds an exciting kick.
What’s the best way to toast the buns?
Use a hot skillet or griddle and toast the buns cut-side down for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. This adds texture and prevents the buns from getting soggy once assembled.
Can I prepare the fried steaks ahead of time?
You can fry the steaks in advance and keep them warm in a low oven, but for peak crunchiness, frying just before assembly is ideal. If made early, reheat in the oven as described to recapture the crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe is pure comfort food magic wrapped in a sandwich. It’s the kind of meal that makes any day better with its crispy coating, juicy meat, and vibrant toppings all working in perfect harmony. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or impressing friends on game day, you’re going to love how this sandwich satisfies every craving. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into a Southern classic that never disappoints!
Print
Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich is a Southern American comfort food favorite featuring tender cube steaks coated in a crispy, seasoned flour crust, fried to golden perfection, and served on toasted sandwich buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your choice of cheese and sauce. Perfect for a hearty main course that combines crunchy, juicy, and flavorful elements in every bite.
Ingredients
For the steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the sandwich:
- 4 sandwich buns or brioche rolls, toasted
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese (optional)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Mayonnaise, mustard, or spicy mayo
Instructions
- Prepare coatings: In a shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully combined. In another shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to create a seasoned flour mixture.
- Coat the steaks: Dip each cube steak first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the buttermilk and egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating that will create a crunchy crust when fried.
- Heat oil and fry steaks: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of approximately ½ inch and heat it over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. Fry the coated steaks one or two at a time, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Drain the cooked steaks on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise, mustard, or spicy mayo evenly on the toasted sandwich buns. Layer fresh lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and pickles on the bottom bun. Place the crispy fried steak on top, add a slice of cheese if desired, and finish with the top bun. Serve the sandwiches immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a drizzle of gravy over the steak before closing the sandwich.
- Spice it up by using pepper jack cheese and adding hot sauce to your mayo.
- Pairs exceptionally well with classic sides like fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.
