Name: Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds cube steak (cut into strips); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; vegetable oil for frying

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If you’re craving something crunchy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible, Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are your answer. These golden, crispy steak strips capture all the best parts of Southern comfort in every bite: juicy beef, a well-seasoned crust, and a fried finish that’s hard to resist. Whether you serve them as a fun appetizer for a crowd or as a main dish paired with classic sides, Chicken Fried Steak Fingers bring pure delight to any table, satisfying both grown-ups and kids alike.

Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great batch of Chicken Fried Steak Fingers starts with a handful of humble ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering classic flavor and that signature crispy coating. These aren’t just pantry basics—they’re the real backbone behind the taste, texture, and color that make this dish shine.

Cube steak (1 1/2 pounds): The tenderized texture soaks up seasoning and keeps each finger meltingly tender after frying.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates the crackly, golden exterior you crave in every good fried finger.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a punch of savory depth and aromatic warmth to the coating.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the savory profile, bringing gentle sweetness beneath the spice.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends subtle smokiness and a touch of color that sets these steak fingers apart.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing all the flavors and waking up your taste buds.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings mild heat and aroma, giving a tiny kick to the crust.
Large eggs (2): Help the coating adhere and create that pillowy finish you expect from real Chicken Fried Steak Fingers.
Milk (1/4 cup): Blends with the eggs for even better sticking power and a hint of richness.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Ensures the steak fingers fry up light and crispy without heavy flavor distractions.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Begin by cutting your cube steak into strips about 1 inch wide. This size ensures a perfect balance of crispy crust and juicy meat, making each piece finger-friendly and fun to eat. Work with a sharp knife for clean slices, and place the strips on a plate so they’re prepped and ready for coating.

Step 2: Mix the Coating and Egg Bath

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant blend is the secret to that well-seasoned crunch. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk until smooth—this mixture will help the flour coating cling tightly to each strip.

Step 3: Bread Each Steak Finger

Dip each steak strip first into the seasoned flour, pressing gently to fully coat. Next, dunk it into the egg and milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finish by rolling it back through the seasoned flour for a second coat. For extra crunch, consider double-dipping: repeat the egg and flour steps for an even thicker, crunchier crust on your Chicken Fried Steak Fingers.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Test if the oil is ready by dropping in a pinch of flour; it should sizzle instantly. Fry the steak fingers in batches, spacing them so they don’t crowd the pan, and cook each for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and perfectly crispy. When done, transfer the finished fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and stay crisp.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

As soon as your Chicken Fried Steak Fingers have cooked, serve them hot—this is when they’re at their crispy, steamy best. They taste fantastic with creamy country gravy, your favorite dipping sauce, or all on their own. Get ready for plenty of happy smiles and requests for seconds!

How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak Fingers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a little freshness to balance out the rich, savory flavors of Chicken Fried Steak Fingers. A side of sliced jalapeños or a dusting of extra smoked paprika can give a playful kick, perfect for those who like a bit more excitement.

Side Dishes

For a full Southern comfort experience, serve your Chicken Fried Steak Fingers with buttery mashed potatoes and velvety country gravy—they’re an absolute match made in heaven. Classic coleslaw, steamed green beans, or even baked mac and cheese all make stellar sides, rounding out the meal with color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are endlessly versatile. Pile them onto a platter for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, tuck them into slider buns with pickles for fun mini sandwiches, or slice them up atop a hearty salad for a crispy protein boost. For parties, serve with skewers and a trio of dips so everyone can pick and choose their favorites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover Chicken Fried Steak Fingers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To help maintain the crust’s crunch, lay them in a single layer or use parchment paper between layers to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can easily freeze breaded but uncooked steak fingers for a future quick meal. Arrange the breaded strips on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen, simply adding an extra minute or two to the cook time for perfect results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Chicken Fried Steak Fingers in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 8–10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible; while convenient, it can soften that lovely crust you worked so hard to achieve.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Cube steak is traditional because it’s already tenderized, but you can use other lean, tender cuts like sirloin; just pound them thin before slicing into strips for authentic Chicken Fried Steak Fingers texture.

What oil works best for frying?

Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. These options ensure your Chicken Fried Steak Fingers come out light and crispy without any flavor interference from the oil itself.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Press the coating onto the steak strips firmly and be sure to double-dip in flour and egg for extra staying power. When frying, don’t move the pieces around too much until the crust is set and golden underneath.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for frying or baking. All other ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak Fingers remain unchanged, so it’s an easy adjustment.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

If you’d like a lighter version, try baking the breaded strips on a wire rack in a hot oven or crisping them up in an air fryer. You’ll still get plenty of crunch with less oil.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are the kind of dish that instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with laughter and good company. They’re perfect for weeknight cravings, game day get-togethers, or anytime you want comfort food that’s sure to wow your crowd. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become an instant family favorite!

Chicken Fried Steak Fingers Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Chicken Fried Steak Fingers are a delicious twist on traditional cube steak, with a crispy coating and tender meat inside. Perfect for a main course or as a fun appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak Fingers:

1 1/2 pounds cube steak (cut into strips)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

Cut the Cube Steak: Cut the cube steak into thin strips about 1 inch wide.
Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with milk.
Coat Steak Strips: Dip each steak strip first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and again into the flour to coat thoroughly.
Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, fry the steak fingers in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain and Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot with gravy or dipping sauce.