Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak

This Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak copycat recipe delivers everything you love about the Southern classic: crispy, golden-brown cube steak smothered in a creamy peppered gravy. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make right at home with simple ingredients. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch, this comforting dish is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe recreates the iconic Texas Roadhouse version with crispy breading, juicy cube steak, and a smooth, rich gravy. The seasoned flour and cracker coating adds extra crunch and flavor, while the buttermilk ensures a tender bite. Plus, it comes together quickly with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s a down-home comfort food favorite that the whole family will devour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

• 1½ pounds tenderized cube steak

• Oil for frying

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup saltine crackers, crushed

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons black pepper

• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Gravy:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Prepare the Steak

1. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, crushed saltine crackers, salt, and pepper.

2. In another shallow bowl, pour in the buttermilk.

3. Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, coating both sides. Shake off excess.

4. Dip into buttermilk, then dredge again in the flour mixture. Shake off excess and place on a baking sheet to rest.

5. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.

6. Fry steaks for 3–4 minutes on the first side, then flip and fry another 3–5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Remove steaks and place on a wire rack to drain.

Make the Gravy

8. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

9. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute until smooth.

10. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a low simmer, stirring until the gravy thickens.

11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for a spicy twist.

• Garlic Gravy: Stir a pinch of garlic powder into the gravy for extra depth.

• Chicken Version: Use thin chicken cutlets instead of cube steak for a chicken fried chicken variation.

• Oven-Finished: After frying, place steaks on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to ensure they stay hot and crisp.

• Buttermilk Substitute: Use milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover steaks and gravy in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm steaks in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for extra crispness. Reheat gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen if needed.
Freeze: Freeze cooked steaks (without gravy) for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best texture.

FAQs

What is cube steak?

Cube steak is a cut of beef, typically top round, that has been tenderized with a meat mallet or machine, giving it a distinctive texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can dredge the steaks ahead and keep them chilled, then fry right before serving. The gravy is best made fresh.

Why is my breading falling off?

Be sure to shake off excess flour and buttermilk, and let the coated steaks rest before frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I bake instead of fry?

While traditionally fried, you can bake the breaded steaks at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.

Can I use regular crackers instead of saltines?

Yes, but saltines give a light and crispy texture that works especially well in this recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

Not as written, but you can add cayenne to the flour or hot sauce to the gravy if you like heat.

What should I serve with chicken fried steak?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, biscuits, or coleslaw.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free crackers for a GF version.

How do I thicken gravy if it’s too runny?

Whisk in a little more flour or let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Chicken Fried Steak recipe brings the flavor and comfort of your favorite restaurant dish right to your kitchen. With its crispy coating, juicy steak, and creamy homemade gravy, it’s the ultimate Southern comfort food. Quick to make and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to dinner favorite.

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