If there’s one dish that captures the essence of comfort food and low-carb dining, it’s Chicken Fried Steak. With a golden, crunchy crust and a tender, flavorful center topped with creamy gravy, this Southern favorite is surprisingly easy to make with just a few everyday ingredients. Even better—it’s low in carbs, high in satisfaction, and perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends.
Whether you’re on a keto diet, managing carbs for health reasons, or just want a hearty homemade meal that doesn’t involve a long list of complicated steps or expensive ingredients—this recipe will quickly become your go-to.
2. Why Chicken Fried Steak Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
There’s a reason this dish is a diner staple and a Southern household tradition—it’s hearty, indulgent, and always hits the spot.
Chicken fried steak offers:
- Crunch and cream in every bite
- Simple, affordable ingredients
- The flexibility to be low carb without losing flavor
- The nostalgia of grandma’s kitchen, but adapted for modern healthy eating
It’s essentially a budget-friendly cut of beef—cube steak—transformed into a gourmet meal with a golden crust and savory gravy. What’s not to love?
3. What Makes This Recipe Low Carb Yet Satisfying
Most chicken fried steak recipes use traditional white flour and milk-heavy gravies. This version keeps things low-carb and keto-friendly without sacrificing any of the texture or taste.
Here’s how:
- Almond flour or coconut flour replaces traditional all-purpose flour
- Heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk is used instead of high-carb milk
- The gravy thickens using xanthan gum or a reduced cream base, not starches
- The entire dish avoids sugary or processed ingredients
4. Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a low-carb, gluten-free, and comfort food-approved chicken fried steak:
For the Steak
- 4 cube steaks (4–6 oz each)
- 1 cup almond flour (or coconut flour)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- 1/3 cup avocado oil or coconut oil (for frying)
For the Gravy
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (optional, for thinning)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (or 2 tbsp almond flour)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Pinch of garlic powder
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
🔹 Step 1: Prep the Breading Station
- In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream.
🔹 Step 2: Bread the Steaks
- Pat steaks dry.
- Dip each steak in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Let the breaded steaks rest for 5–10 minutes so the coating sticks better.
🔹 Step 3: Fry Until Golden
- Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add steaks (don’t overcrowd the pan). Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Secrets to Getting the Perfect Crispy Crust
- Use finely ground almond flour for the most bread-like texture.
- Don’t skip the resting step after breading. It helps the coating bind to the meat.
- Ensure your oil is hot (around 350°F) before adding the steak. Too cool, and the crust will absorb oil and become soggy.
- Fry in batches—crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature.
7. How to Make Low Carb Cream Gravy
Traditional gravy thickens with flour or cornstarch. Here’s how to keep it low-carb and luscious:
Instructions:
- After frying, leave about 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet.
- Add butter and melt over medium heat.
- Whisk in almond flour or sprinkle in xanthan gum slowly while whisking.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Tip: If it becomes too thick, thin with unsweetened almond milk.
8. Serving Suggestions: Side Dishes That Stay Low Carb
Pair your chicken fried steak with any of these keto-friendly sides:
- Mashed cauliflower with butter and garlic
- Sautéed green beans with bacon
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with parmesan
- Creamy cabbage slaw
- Cauliflower rice with herbs
These sides complement the rich gravy and keep the meal satisfying yet balanced.
9. Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
- Prep Ahead: Bread the steaks and refrigerate them on a tray for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Gravy can be made in advance and reheated gently on the stove.
- Freeze breaded, uncooked steaks between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight before frying.
10. Storing and Reheating Chicken Fried Steak
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to retain crispness.
Freezer:
- Freeze cooked steaks for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen in an air fryer or oven (avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess).
Gravy should be reheated separately on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive texture.
11. Keto and Gluten-Free Variations
✅ Keto-Friendly: Already keto as written
✅ Gluten-Free: Use almond or coconut flour
✅ Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free butter alternatives
✅ Egg-Free: Substitute egg with a mix of heavy cream and psyllium husk or flaxseed slurry
12. Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much oil: Just enough to shallow fry is perfect.
- Skipping the resting time after breading: This causes coating to fall off.
- Low frying temp: Causes oil absorption and sogginess.
- Overcrowding: Reduces heat, leads to soggy crusts.
13. Nutrition Facts and Macros (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Fat | 38g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Total Carbs | 8g |
| Net Carbs | 5g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 760mg |
These values may vary based on exact ingredients used.
14. Common Questions Answered
Q: Can I use another cut of meat besides cube steak?
Yes! Thinly pounded sirloin or top round works well.
Q: Is this really low carb?
Absolutely—using almond flour and cream makes this keto-compliant.
Q: Can I bake it instead of frying?
Yes, but the crust won’t be as crispy. Bake at 425°F on a wire rack until golden.
Q: Can I air fry it?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
15. Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Steak proves that comfort food doesn’t have to mean carb overload. With a crispy almond flour crust and creamy, low-carb gravy, this dish is an easy weeknight winner. It’s everything you want from a Southern classic—only healthier, faster, and guilt-free.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or treating yourself to something nostalgic but healthy, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
16. Printable Recipe Card
Low Carb Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Low Carb Comfort Food
Author: Elena Cooks
Ingredients:
- 4 cube steaks
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ⅓ cup avocado oil
Gravy:
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ tsp xanthan gum
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk eggs and cream. Mix almond flour with spices.
- Dip steaks in egg, then flour mixture.
- Rest steaks 10 minutes.
- Fry in hot oil until golden.
- For gravy, melt butter, add xanthan gum, then cream. Whisk until thick.
- Serve steaks topped with warm gravy.
