Smothered Chicken Fried Steak and Onions

Chicken-fried steak takes its name from the Southern habit of breading cube steak like fried chicken, then pan-frying it crisp. This plate is smothered in savory onion gravy that softens the crust into pure weeknight comfort.

Serves 4 · 25 min prep · 40 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 710 cal
• 44g protein
• 36g carbs
• 42g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 4 (about 1.5 lb) cube steaks
• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large yellow onions
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

1. 1Slice the onions into thin half-moons and set aside. Pat cube steaks dry and season generously. Combine flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for dredging.
2. 2Dip steaks in beaten egg mixed with a splash of milk, then coat thoroughly in seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Rest on a rack 10 minutes.
3. 3Heat oil in a wide 12-inch skillet over medium-high. Fry the steaks 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp; they do not need to be fully cooked through yet. Transfer to a plate.
4. 4Pour off excess oil, leaving and the browned bits. Add butter and the sliced onions to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, 12 to 15 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and soft.
5. 5Sprinkle a few tablespoons of the leftover flour over the onions and cook 1 minute, stirring to coat. Slowly pour in broth and remaining milk while scraping up fond.
6. 6Add thyme sprigs and bring the onion gravy to a simmer. Nestle the fried steaks back into the pan, spooning onions and gravy over the tops.
7. 7Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently 10 to 12 minutes so the steaks finish cooking to tender and the gravy thickens and soaks into the crust edges.
8. 8Remove thyme stems, taste the gravy for seasoning, and add more black pepper if desired. The coating will soften slightly under the gravy while still offering texture.
9. 9Serve each steak smothered under a heap of caramelized onions and rich gravy. Spoon extra sauce over the plate so every bite stays saucy and comforting.