Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Steak
Looking for a cozy gluten-free meal idea? Look no further! Gluten-free chicken fried steak is comfort food at its best.

There’s something timeless about plate of chicken fried steak. The crispy coating, the tender beef inside, and a ladle of creamy gravy drizzled over the top—it’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in warmth like a hug from an old friend. Originating from the heart of Southern kitchens, chicken fried steak is a dish steeped in tradition and nostalgia. It may not be fancy, but it’s real food, lovingly prepared and meant to be shared.
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
Despite the name, chicken fried steak has nothing to do with chicken! It gets its name from the cooking method: a breaded and fried preparation, just like fried chicken. Typically made with cube steak or a less expensive cut of beef, the dish is pounded thin, coated in seasoned flour, and fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy crust on the outside with tender, flavorful meat on the inside—a balance of textures that makes it irresistible.
A Dish That Brings People Together
Chicken fried steak isn’t just food—it’s a moment in time. Whether you’ve enjoyed it in a cozy diner or around a family table, it carries with it the spirit of gathering. It’s the kind of dish where no one is in a rush; people linger over second helpings and swap stories over steaming plates. With a side of creamy mashed potatoes or green beans and buttery biscuits, chicken fried steak turns any meal into a celebration of comfort. Top it off with rich, homemade gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience. Check out our gravy tips to make sure it’s perfectly smooth and gluten-free every time!

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A Tradition of Ingenuity
Born from the desire to make humble ingredients shine, chicken fried steak reflects the resourcefulness of home cooks. It’s said to have roots in German or Austrian schnitzel, brought over by immigrants and adapted to the ingredients they had available in Texas and the South. While these cultures may have inspired the dish, it quickly became a Southern treasure, with each family adding their own twist over time—whether through special spice blends or gravy recipes passed down for generations.
Why We Love It
Chicken fried steak may be old-fashioned, but it’s precisely what we need sometimes—food that makes us slow down. It’s a reminder that even in today’s fast-paced world, we can still find comfort in the simple things: a meal made from scratch, the sound of a skillet sizzling on the stove, and the joy of sitting down together with those we love.
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Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Steak
Description
This classic comfort dish gets a gluten-free twist! Tender, seasoned steak is coated in a crispy gluten-free crust and pan-fried to perfection. Topped with creamy homemade gravy, it’s perfect served with mashed potatoes or biscuits for a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether for family dinners or special occasions, this dish brings all the flavor without the gluten!
Ingredients
- 2 cube steaks
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend, without xanthan gum
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
FOR THE GRAVY
- 3 Tablespoons gluten-free flour blend, with no xanthan gum
- 1 cup whole milk
- sea salt to taste
- ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a rectangle pan, beat egg and milk together.
- In a separate rectangle pan, mix together flour, salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip one steak into flour mixture coating both sides. Dip meat into the egg/milk mixture and coat both sides. Dip again into flour mixture coating both sides. Place breaded meat on a plate and continue the process with the second piece of meat.
- Heat the oil and butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Drop a few sprinkles of flour to make sure the grease is hot. Place meat in skillet and cook for three minutes each side or until golden brown. Remove the meat to a plate and keep warm.
For Gravy:
- Reduce heat to medium low and whisk in the flour to the grease until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Pour in milk to flour mixture and continue to whisk until the gravy is smooth with no lumps and thickens. Pour gravy over meat when done.
Notes
- Double Dipping: For extra crunch, dip the steak in the flour mixture twice—first after the egg wash and once more before frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the frying oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure a crispy crust without absorbing too much oil.
- Gravy Compatibility: Reserve a few tablespoons of pan drippings to enhance the flavor of your gluten-free gravy.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, green beans, and gluten-free biscuits for a complete comfort meal
While it may not be an everyday meal, chicken fried steak is perfect for those times when you want to serve something special. Whether it’s for a Sunday supper or a cozy dinner party with friends, this dish makes everyone feel welcome. And isn’t that what great food is all about?
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From my happy, healthy home to yours,

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