October 26 Chicken Fried Steak Day #ChickenFriedSteakDay

Food Holidays Recipes

Man oh man I missed out on celebrating a fun food #Holiday which fell on October 26th Chicken Fried Steak Day my entire family would have wanted to celebrate. Did you know Homemade Chicken Fried Steak was one of Suzzane’s favorite meals and Charlie loves it as well. Especially when David turns the Steak into Chicken Strips.

I wish we had a Round Steak and I would have made Chicken Fried Steak for dinner with Cream Gravy, and should we have had Mashed Potato’s my favorite or Fried Tater’s David’s favorite and why? Along with Corn on the Cob or Fried Okra and why?

October 26 is indeed National Chicken Fried Steak Day—a deliciously indulgent holiday that celebrates one of the South’s most iconic comfort foods 🍽️. Chicken fried steak is typically a tenderized beef cutlet, breaded and fried like fried chicken, then smothered in creamy gravy. It’s a staple in Texas diners and Southern kitchens.

How to Celebrate #ChickenFriedSteakDay

  • Dine out at a local restaurant known for its chicken fried steak—many restaurants will offer specials on this Chicken Fried Steak Day.
  • Cook your own version of Chicken Fried Steak at home and experiment with different Gravies or sides.
  • Share your plate on social media using the hashtag #ChickenFriedSteakDay.
  • Learn the history of Chicken Fried Steak—which is believed to have originated from German and Austrian immigrants adapting wiener schnitzel to American ingredients.

If you’re in North Richland Hills or nearby, I can help you find the best spots serving chicken fried steak. Want me to look some up? Just leave me a comment with what you’re looking for and I will get right on it.

Chicken Fried Steak Day (October 26th) is the perfect excuse to indulge in this Southern comfort food classic! Here’s a hearty, crispy, and creamy recipe to celebrate in true Texas style:

Classic Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

Ingredients

For the Steaks:

  • 4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cream Gravy:

  • 1/4 cup reserved frying oil
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the Steaks:

  • Pat steaks dry and season with salt and pepper.
  • In one bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
  • In another bowl, mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

2. Dredge and Coat:

  • Dip each steak in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, then back into the flour. Press firmly to ensure a good coating.

3. Fry:

  • Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Fry steaks one or two at a time for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

4. Make the Gravy:

  • Pour off all but 1/4 cup of the oil from the skillet.
  • Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
  • Slowly whisk in warm milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and lots of black pepper.

5. Serve:

  • Plate the steaks and generously ladle gravy over the top.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for the full Southern experience.

Would you like a spicy twist or a gluten-free version? I can help you customize it! Just leave me a comment with what you’re looking for and I will get right on it.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates