Try This Easy Keto Chicken Fried Steak Recipe for a Low-Carb Dinner
What is Chicken-Fried Steak?
👉 Chicken-fried steak is a Southern comfort dish made from tenderized beef, typically coated in seasoned flour and deep-fried until golden brown. Traditionally served with creamy gravy, it’s a hearty meal that can easily be adapted to fit a keto diet by using low-carb ingredients for the batter and sauce.
Are you craving a hearty, satisfying meal that reminds you of home? Chicken fried steak is the ultimate comfort food, but the traditional version is loaded with carbs. The good news is you don’t have to give up this classic steak recipe just because you’re following a low-carb lifestyle.
This keto chicken fried steak recipe offers the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine while keeping carbs low. The crispy breading features a tasty blend of almond flour and crushed pork rinds, with each steak fried to a golden brown for a satisfying crunch.
Topped with a rich, creamy white gravy made from heavy cream and pan drippings, this dish contains only 4 net carbs per serving, making it an ideal choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
This keto chicken fried steak recipe offers all the crispy, savory goodness of the original. You can enjoy every bite of this delicious dish, complete with a creamy gravy, while staying true to your dietary goals.
Table of Contents
- Why Keto Chicken Fried Steak Is a Low Carb Classic
- Choosing the Best Cuts of Beef for Keto Chicken Fried Steak
- Easy Keto Chicken Fried Steak and Creamy Gravy Recipe
- Creating the Perfect Keto Breading and Crispy Coating
- Sides to Serve with Keto Chicken Fried Steak
- Storage Instructions
- Final Thoughts
Why Keto Chicken Fried Steak Is a Low Carb Classic
When you think of comfort food, chicken fried steak often comes to mind. Making a keto chicken fried steak allows you to enjoy this favorite without straying from your low-carb goals.
By swapping a few key ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes just as amazing as the traditional version you love.
The secret is in the smart substitutions that keep the net carbs incredibly low. Unlike traditional country-fried steak, this keto chicken fried steak recipe is designed for a keto lifestyle. You can finally have a hearty, satisfying meal that feels indulgent but fits perfectly within your daily carb limit.
What Makes Traditional Chicken Fried Steak High in Carbs
The main reason traditional chicken fried steak has a high carb count is its reliance on all-purpose flour. This is the primary ingredient for both the breading on the steak and the thickening agent in the gravy. A generous coating of flour gives the steak its classic crust, but it also packs in a lot of carbohydrates.
When you prepare a country fried steak the old-fashioned way, you dredge the meat in seasoned flour before frying. This process is repeated to create a thick, crunchy exterior. While delicious, this method significantly increases the overall carb content of the dish, making it unsuitable for a keto diet.
Classic white or country gravy is made by creating a roux with flour and fat from the pan, which adds carbs to the dish. While seasonings like black pepper and garlic powder are low in carbs, the large amount of flour used is the main reason for the high carb count.
How Keto Ingredients Keep It Low Carb but Flavorful
For a tasty keto chicken fried steak, use low-carb ingredients to replicate the original’s texture and flavor. The breading combines almond flour, crushed pork rinds, and grated parmesan cheese, creating a crispy crust without the carbs.
To ensure the steak doesn’t become dry, the recipe includes a simple but effective trick: adding heavy cream to the egg wash. This not only helps the breading stick better but also adds moisture and richness, keeping the steak tender and juicy as it fries.
For the gravy, use heavy cream and a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum instead of a flour-based roux to create a rich sauce for your steak. Key low-carb swaps include almond flour and crushed pork rinds for breading, plus grated parmesan for added flavor and crunch.
Choosing the Best Cuts of Beef for Keto Chicken Fried Steak
Selecting the right cut of beef is the first step toward a perfectly tender keto chicken fried steak. Traditionally, this steak recipe calls for cube steak, which is also known as cubed steak. This cut is ideal because it has already been mechanically tenderized, making it perfect for quick frying.
While cube steak is the classic choice for country fried steak, you have other options that can elevate the dish. The goal is to use tender cuts that cook quickly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the breading and gravy. Let’s look at some of the top choices for both texture and taste.
Top Beef Cuts for Texture and Flavor
While cube steak is the go-to for many, you aren’t limited to it. Cube steak is typically made from top round or top sirloin that has been pounded and tenderized. This process creates the classic texture associated with the dish. However, if you want to take your steak recipe to the next level, consider using higher-quality cuts.
For a truly special meal, you could use Top Sirloin, New York Strip, or even Filet Mignon. Top Sirloin is a more tender and flavorful option than standard round steak. New York Strip is a premium cut that offers excellent flavor and tenderness, while Filet Mignon is the most tender option, perfect for an incredibly luxurious experience.
These cuts are naturally more tender and flavorful, which means you won’t have to work as hard with a meat mallet. Using a premium cut with our pork rind breading creates an unforgettable low-carb meal.
No matter your choice, the goal is a tender steak that fries up beautifully. Cube steak remains the classic choice because it’s pre-tenderized and cooks quickly, but exploring other cuts can elevate your keto chicken fried steak to new heights.
Prepping Meat for Maximum Tenderness on a Keto Diet
Properly preparing your steak is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Even if you buy pre-tenderized cube steak, giving it a little extra attention can make a big difference. The goal of the tenderizing process is to break down tough muscle fibers, ensuring the steak is juicy and not chewy after frying.
Using a meat mallet or meat tenderizer is the most effective method. Place the steak between two sheets of plastic wrap to avoid mess and pound it with the dented side of the mallet until it’s about a quarter-inch thick. This not only tenderizes the meat but also creates a larger surface area for the delicious keto breading to cling to.
This step is crucial for avoiding a dry or tough result, which is undesirable for everyone. For the tenderizing process, ensure the steak is pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking, working from the center outward. Be careful not to overdo it; you want to tenderize the meat, not turn it into pulp.
Easy Keto Chicken Fried Steak and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Now that you know how to choose and prep your meat, it’s time for the main event: the keto chicken fried steak recipe.
This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through creating a perfectly crispy steak fried to a beautiful golden brown. Whether you use a skillet or an air fryer, the result is a mouthwatering main course.
Of course, no keto chicken fried steak is complete without its signature gravy. This recipe includes instructions for a rich and creamy keto gravy that pairs perfectly with the crunchy steak. It’s the finishing touch that brings the whole dish together for a truly satisfying meal.
Keto Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need a handful of simple, keto-friendly ingredients. The breading is a flavorful combination designed to create a crispy crust without the carbs. You’ll prepare this by mixing almond flour with crushed pork rinds and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
The binder, which helps the breading stick to the steak, is made from beaten eggs mixed with a bit of heavy cream. This adds richness and helps keep the meat moist. For frying, a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil or ghee is recommended to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
The key ingredients you’ll need for this delicious dish are cube steaks, blanched almond flour, crushed pork rinds, seasonings such as sea salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, as well as beaten eggs and heavy cream for the egg wash.
Here are all the ingredients you will need for this keto chicken fried steak recipe:
- 1 lb cube steak
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups crushed pork rinds
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
Cooking your keto chicken fried steak is a straightforward process. Start by setting up a dredging station with three shallow bowls.
One bowl will have the almond flour, the second will have the beaten eggs and cream mixture, and the third will contain the crushed pork rinds and seasonings.
Once your station is ready, you can begin breading the steaks. Dip each piece first in the almond flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally into the pork rind mixture.
Make sure to press the coating firmly onto the meat to ensure it sticks during frying. Getting a crispy coating is easy if you follow these steps.
Now, you’re ready to cook. Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Gently place the breaded steaks in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the steaks for 2-4 minutes per side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a rack to drain any excess oil. Keep them warm in a low oven while you prepare the gravy.
Making Low-Carb Gravy
A creamy, savory gravy is the perfect partner for your crispy chicken fried steak. The best part about this keto gravy is that it uses the flavorful drippings left in the pan after frying the steaks. Don’t clean the skillet; those brown bits are packed with flavor!
To make the gravy, reduce the heat and carefully pour out most of the excess grease, leaving about three tablespoons of drippings behind.
Whisk in beef broth, heavy cream, and garlic powder. For a thicker country gravy, add a pinch of xanthan gum and continue to whisk as the mixture simmers.
For an extra touch of creaminess, you can stir in sour cream or cream cheese at the very end. Just be sure to remove the pan from the heat immediately after to prevent it from curdling.
Creating the Perfect Keto Breading and Crispy Coating
The secret to an unforgettable keto chicken fried steak lies in the breading. Achieving a crunchy fried coating without using traditional flour might seem challenging, but it’s surprisingly simple. The right combination of ingredients is all it takes to get that satisfying crunch and beautiful golden brown color.
By using an almond flour mixture, crushed pork rinds, and a little Parmesan cheese, you can create a breading that rivals any traditional recipe. This trio of ingredients works together to deliver flavor, texture, and a picture-perfect finish.
Best Keto-Friendly Breading Options
When it comes to keto-friendly breading, a few key ingredients stand out for their ability to deliver a crispy, flavorful coating. The combination of pork rinds, almond flour, and parmesan cheese creates a texture and taste that’s simply irresistible.
The star of the show is crushed pork rinds. When ground pork rinds are processed into a fine crumb, they become the perfect substitute for breadcrumbs, offering an incredible crunch. You can crush your own in a food processor or buy pre-crushed pork rind breadcrumbs to save time.
This crushed pork rind mixture is then combined with almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese. Almond flour provides a sturdy base for the breading, while parmesan adds a salty, savory flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
Pork rinds provide the ultimate crunch, almond flour creates the base of the breading mixture, and grated parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor while also helping with browning.
Tips for Achieving a Golden, Crispy Crust
To achieve a golden brown and crispy crust, ensure your cooking oil is between 320°F and 350°F. Too cool oil makes the breading soggy, while too hot oil burns it. For best results, use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil.
Another crucial tip is to avoid overcrowding your skillet. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the steaks in batches. Giving each steak enough space ensures it fries evenly and develops a crispy crust. As a bonus, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses almond flour and pork rinds instead of wheat-based flour.
For an extra-durable crust, press the breading firmly onto the meat with your hands. After breading, let the steaks chill in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes to help the coating set. During cooking, only flip the steaks once to prevent the breading from falling off.
Sides to Serve with Keto Chicken Fried Steak
To complete your Southern comfort food experience, you’ll want to pair your keto chicken fried steak with some equally delicious low-carb sides.
Traditional sides like mashed potatoes are high in carbs, but there are plenty of amazing keto-friendly alternatives that are just as satisfying.
Cauliflower mash is a fantastic choice, offering a creamy texture that perfectly mimics mashed potatoes without the carbs. It’s the ideal base for soaking up that delicious country gravy.
Other excellent pairings for keto chicken fried steak include steamed or sautéed green beans, collard greens cooked with bacon, and roasted asparagus. For something a little different, try keto-friendly fried okra or a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
These sides not only round out the meal but also ensure you’re staying firmly on your keto diet while enjoying a hearty, comforting dinner.
Serve up a feast alongside your keto chicken fried steak with other Southern favorites like this low-carb cornbread or a flavorful seafood boil.
Storage Instructions
To enjoy leftover keto chicken fried steak, store the steaks and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will last for 3 to 5 days, and while the steaks may lose some crispness, separating them from the gravy preserves their texture.
To reheat, avoid the microwave, as it will make the crust soft. Instead, place the steaks on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes. For an even crispier result, you can use an air fryer. For long-term storage, you can freeze the cooked steaks.
Let them cool completely, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating in the oven or air fryer.
Final Thoughts
You no longer have to miss out on your favorite comfort food while following a low-carb diet. This keto chicken fried steak recipe proves that you can enjoy the rich, savory flavors of a Southern classic without the guilt.
With a crispy, golden crust and a creamy, flavorful gravy, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect way to indulge your cravings for hearty, satisfying food while staying true to your health goals. Give it a try and rediscover the joy of chicken-fried steak!
Find more low-carb twists to your favorite comfort food from our collection of keto recipes!