Can I use a different cut of meat instead of cube steak?

Yes! You can use thinly pounded round steak, sirloin, or even chicken breasts using the same breading technique. Just adjust cooking time accordingly—chicken may take a minute or two longer per side.

How do I keep the breading from falling off during frying?

Make sure to pat your steaks dry before starting the breading process, and after breading, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better. Also, avoid moving the steaks too much in the oil—let them develop a crust before flipping.

Can I bake these instead of frying for a healthier version?

While frying gives the authentic crispy texture, you can bake the breaded steaks on a wire rack at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, spraying with a little oil for browning. The texture won't be identical, but you'll still get a delicious sandwich.

My spicy mayo is too hot/not hot enough. How can I adjust it?

For milder mayo, reduce the sriracha and add a teaspoon of honey to balance the heat. To increase spiciness, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Always taste and adjust before assembling your sandwiches.

Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe

Name: Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon crushed garlic; 1½ tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 pre-tenderized cube steaks (about 1 pound); Kosher salt for seasoning; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup milk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 cup canola oil, for frying; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (⅛ stick); 4 hamburger buns; 4 leaves lettuce

This incredible Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich transforms a classic Southern comfort dish into an absolutely mouthwatering handheld masterpiece. Crispy, perfectly seasoned cube steak nestled in a soft bun with a kick of spicy mayo creates the ultimate sandwich experience that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re craving something special for lunch or need a quick yet impressive dinner, this sandwich delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Comfort Food: Get all the satisfaction of chicken fried steak without the fuss of making gravy—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to cook.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: These sandwiches rival anything you’d find at a specialty burger joint, but at a fraction of the cost.
Perfect Texture Combination: The contrast between the crispy, crunchy coating, tender meat, and soft bun creates a truly satisfying eating experience.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spicy mayo to your preference—make it mild for the kids or dial up the heat for spice lovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cube Steaks: These pre-tenderized steaks are the foundation of the sandwich, providing a quick-cooking cut that becomes wonderfully tender.
Flour: Creates that distinctive crispy coating we all crave. The base of your breading that gives the steak its signature crust.
Eggs and Milk: The wet component of your breading station that helps the seasoned flour adhere to the meat for maximum crispiness.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne create the perfect flavor profile for your coating. The smoked paprika adds subtle depth while the cayenne brings gentle heat.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your spicy spread that adds richness to every bite.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness to cut through the richness of the mayo and fried steak.
Sriracha: Brings heat and complexity to the mayo—feel free to adjust according to your spice preference.
Garlic: Fresh crushed garlic in the mayo adds an aromatic punch that takes the sauce to the next level.
Canola Oil: Has a high smoke point that’s perfect for frying to golden perfection.
Hamburger Buns: Choose soft, slightly sweet buns that complement the crispy steak without overpowering it.
Lettuce: Adds a fresh crunch that balances the rich, fried elements of the sandwich.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Heat Levels

Adjust the spicy mayo by reducing the sriracha for a milder version or increasing it (even adding a few drops of your favorite hot sauce) for extra kick.

Cheese Options

Add a slice of pepper jack for spice, American for melty goodness, or a sharp cheddar for bold flavor.

Toppings Galore

Try thinly sliced pickles, ripe tomato slices, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon to create your own signature version.

Breakfast Version

Add a fried egg with a runny yolk for an indulgent brunch sandwich that’ll keep you satisfied all day.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and sriracha in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until needed—making this first allows the flavors to meld while you prepare the steaks.

Step 2: Prepare the Steaks

Place cube steaks between plastic wrap and pound until less than ¼-inch thick. This ensures quick, even cooking and tender meat. Season lightly with salt to enhance the beef’s natural flavor.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

In one dish, whisk together eggs and milk. In another, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Arrange your stations in order: flour mixture, egg wash, then flour mixture again.

Step 4: Bread the Steaks

Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, coating well. Dip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, return to the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F in a large frying pan and add butter (this helps with browning and flavor). Carefully place a breaded steak in the hot oil and fry about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack in a warm oven while finishing the remaining steaks.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwiches

Toast the buns lightly for texture contrast. Spread a generous layer of spicy mayo on the bottom bun, place the crispy steak on top, add fresh lettuce, then finish with more spicy mayo on the top bun. Serve immediately while the steak is still hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Make sure your oil reaches 350°F before frying. Too cool, and your coating absorbs oil; too hot, and it burns before the meat cooks.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry one steak at a time to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Double Dredge: The flour-egg-flour method creates that thick, craggy coating that chicken fried steak is famous for. Don’t skip any steps!
Rest the Breaded Steaks: Let them sit for a few minutes after breading to help the coating adhere better during frying.
Keep Warm Correctly: Using a wire rack in the oven (rather than a plate) keeps the bottom of the steaks crispy while you finish frying the batch.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these sandwiches with classic sides like french fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or potato salad for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Garnish Ideas

A few pickle slices on the side, a small ramekin of extra spicy mayo for dipping, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet-heat combo takes these sandwiches to the next level.

Drink Pairings

An ice-cold beer, sweet tea, or lemonade complements the richness and spice perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, try a crisp ginger ale or sparkling water with lime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For best results, store components separately. Keep fried steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the spicy mayo in a sealed container for up to a week.

Freezing

While you can freeze the fried steaks for up to 1 month, the texture won’t be quite the same. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating

To maintain crispiness, reheat the steaks in a 350°F oven on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which will make the coating soggy. Assemble sandwiches with fresh lettuce and buns after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat instead of cube steak?

Yes! You can use thinly pounded round steak, sirloin, or even chicken breasts using the same breading technique. Just adjust cooking time accordingly—chicken may take a minute or two longer per side.
How do I keep the breading from falling off during frying?

Make sure to pat your steaks dry before starting the breading process, and after breading, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better. Also, avoid moving the steaks too much in the oil—let them develop a crust before flipping.
Can I bake these instead of frying for a healthier version?

While frying gives the authentic crispy texture, you can bake the breaded steaks on a wire rack at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, spraying with a little oil for browning. The texture won’t be identical, but you’ll still get a delicious sandwich.
My spicy mayo is too hot/not hot enough. How can I adjust it?

For milder mayo, reduce the sriracha and add a teaspoon of honey to balance the heat. To increase spiciness, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Always taste and adjust before assembling your sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich brings together the best of comfort food in a convenient handheld package. The crispy, seasoned coating, tender meat, and zesty spicy mayo create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch treat, this sandwich delivers impressive flavor with minimal fuss. Give it a try—I bet it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!