There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of chicken fried steak, and when I discovered how to make it keto-friendly, my weeknight dinners transformed! Imagine tender, flavorful beef, perfectly breaded and drenched in creamy mushroom gravy, all while keeping those carbs in check.
After experimenting with different low-carb alternatives, I landed on almond flour as the star of this dish. It provides a delightful crunch without the guilt of traditional breading. I remember my first taste of this dish—the crisp exterior giving way to juicy meat topped with a luscious sauce that made me forget any notion of missing out on my favorite comfort food.
Whether you’re trying to reduce carbs or simply looking for a wholesome, homemade meal, this Keto Chicken Fried Steak recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing—a true showstopper for any dinner table. Let’s dive into the delicious details and make this dish your new favorite!
Why is this Keto Chicken Fried Steak special?
Simplicity: This recipe comes together with ease, requiring only basic cooking skills, making it perfect for any home cook.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and creamy gravy brings out a delicious, savory depth that will have your taste buds dancing.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy the classic comfort of chicken fried steak without the carbs, thanks to almond flour.
Versatile Dish: Whether served with veggies or mashed cauliflower, this dish adapts to your dietary preferences effortlessly.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for meal prep or impressing guests, it’s a guaranteed hit at your dinner table! For more delicious ideas, check out our popular low-carb recipes.
Keto Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients
For the Steak
• 1 lb beef round steak (or chicken) – Tender cuts make for juicy bites in this Keto Chicken Fried Steak.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
For the Batter
• 1 cup almond flour – This low-carb alternative provides a delicious crunch without sacrificing taste.
• 2 large eggs – They help adhere the batter to the steak for perfect coating.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Adds richness to the batter, creating a luxurious depth of flavor.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – A hint of garlic elevates the savory taste.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Complements the garlic for a well-rounded flavor profile.
• 1 tsp paprika – Introduces a mild smokiness, adding to the dish’s complexity.
For the Gravy
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms – They bring an earthiness to the gravy that pairs wonderfully with the steak.
• Cooking oil (for frying) – Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for best frying results.
For Garnish
• Fresh parsley – A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to your dish.
How to Make Keto Chicken Fried Steak
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Tenderize the Steak: Place the steak between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound it to about ½ inch thickness with a meat mallet. This ensures a tender bite and allows for even cooking.
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Prepare the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until frothy. In another bowl, combine almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a flavorful coating.
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Coat the Steak: First, dip your tenderized steak into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the almond flour mixture, ensuring a complete and even coat that will crispy up beautifully.
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Heat the Oil: In a cast iron skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom by about ½ inch. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. You can test the oil by dropping a small crumb of the almond flour mixture in; it should sizzle immediately.
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Fry the Steak: Carefully place the coated steak into the hot oil. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the steak and let it rest on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
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Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them until softened, then pour in more heavy cream. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, stirring until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Plate your crispy Keto Chicken Fried Steak, drizzle it with that decadent mushroom gravy, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely presentation.
Optional: Serve with steamed greens for a burst of color and nutrition.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Keto Chicken Fried Steak
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Perfect Tenderization: Use a meat mallet to pound steak evenly to ½ inch. This step is vital for tender, juicy results and ensures the steak cooks perfectly.
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Breading Precision: When coating the steak, make sure it’s well-covered in both egg and almond flour mixtures. A complete coat helps achieve that irresistible crispy texture.
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Oil Temperature Check: Always ensure your cooking oil reaches 350°F before frying. If it’s too hot, the coating may burn; too cool, and you’ll have soggy steak instead of crispy Keto Chicken Fried Steak.
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Avoid Grease Sog: After frying, place the steak on paper towels to drain the excess oil. This simple step keeps your dish light and crunchy without the greasy finish.
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Gravy Thickness: Stir the cream in the skillet continuously as it thickens with the mushrooms. This way, you’ll scrape up those delicious browned bits that enhance the flavor of your gravy.
What to Serve with Keto Chicken Fried Steak?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that perfectly complement this rich and satisfying dish.
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Creamy Cauliflower Mash: This velvety alternative to mashed potatoes offers a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the crispy steak.
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Garlic Roasted Asparagus: The bright and earthy flavors of asparagus enhance each bite, while the garlic adds a hint of warmth.
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Savory Green Bean Almondine: Tender green beans tossed with almonds provide a delightful crunch, balancing the richness of the gravy.
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Fresh Side Salad: Crisp greens topped with tomatoes and cucumbers create a light counterpoint to the hearty steak.
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Riced Broccoli: A nutritious, low-carb option that adds fiber and pairs nicely with the flavors of the dish. It can be sautéed or steamed for a delightful texture.
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Classic Coleslaw: This tangy and crunchy side adds a refreshing contrast to the savory steak, making every bite satisfying and vibrant.
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Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine complements the rich gravy and meat flavors, enhancing your dining experience.
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Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Finish the meal with a creamy dessert that’s both decadent and healthy, keeping with the low-carb theme.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Keto Chicken Fried Steaks are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can tenderize the steak and coat it in the almond flour mix up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the creamy mushroom gravy up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container to preserve its rich flavors. When you’re ready to serve, heat the oil and fry the steak as directed, then rewarm the gravy over low heat, stirring gently before drizzling. This way, you’ll enjoy mouthwatering results with minimal effort during busy weeknights!
Keto Chicken Fried Steak Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Keto Chicken Fried Steak by trying out these delicious variations!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich, non-dairy alternative that adds a subtle tropical twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your almond flour mixture for an exciting heat that enhances every bite, perfect for spice lovers!
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Herbaceous Touch: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into your breading for an aromatic lift that will elevate the flavors dramatically.
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Mushroom Medley: Experiment with different mushrooms such as shiitake or portobello in your gravy, enriching the flavor profile and adding various textures.
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Gluten-Free: Opt for a blend of crushed pork rinds and almond flour for an even crunchier batter that will satisfy any crispy cravings, while keeping it keto!
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Savory Seasoning: Enhance flavor by adding 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese into the almond flour mixture, creating an irresistible cheesy crust with extra flavor.
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Vegan Version: Swap the steak for eggplant or zucchini slices, using a chickpea flour batter instead for a delicious plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free and equally delicious breading option, making this dish accessible for those with nut allergies.
Your Keto Chicken Fried Steak can easily be customized to fit any palate, so give these variations a try and find your perfect match!
How to Store and Freeze Keto Chicken Fried Steak
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the steak to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked steak in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use an air fryer for a crispy finish, ensuring you don’t lose that delightful crunch of the Keto Chicken Fried Steak.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Keto Chicken Fried Steak Recipe FAQs
What type of steak should I use for Keto Chicken Fried Steak?
I recommend using beef round steak for its tenderness and flavor, but you can also opt for chicken if you prefer. Just make sure whichever cut you choose is fresh and of good quality for the best results!
How should I store leftovers of Keto Chicken Fried Steak?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the steak cool completely before sealing it up. This helps maintain its crispy texture.
Can I freeze Keto Chicken Fried Steak?
Yes, you can! To freeze, lay the cooked steak out on a baking sheet in a single layer, and place it in the freezer for 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the steaks to a freezer bag to keep them fresh for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat Keto Chicken Fried Steak?
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or use an air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that delightful crunch. Just be sure it’s heated all the way through!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! Since this dish contains heavy cream and almond flour, it’s important to keep in mind potential nut allergies. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream instead, and for a nut-free alternative, you could use crushed pork rinds for breading. Always adjust based on dietary needs!
What should I do if my breading isn’t sticking correctly?
No problem! If your breading isn’t adhering well, it may help to press the coated steak firmly into the almond flour mixture after dipping it in the egg wash. This gives the coating a better chance to stick and achieve that irresistible crunch you’re looking for.
Irresistible Keto Chicken Fried Steak You’ll Crave Again!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Tenderize the Steak by placing it between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound it to about ½ inch thickness.
- Prepare the Breading Station by whisking together eggs and heavy cream in one bowl and mixing almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
- Coat the Steak by dipping it into the egg mixture, then dredging it in the almond flour mixture for an even coat.
- Heat the Oil in a cast iron skillet, pouring enough to cover the bottom by about ½ inch, and heat to 350°F.
- Fry the Steak for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, then let it rest on paper towels.
- Make the Gravy by sautéing sliced mushrooms in the skillet, then adding more heavy cream and scraping up the browned bits until thickened.
- Serve by plating the crispy steak, drizzling with mushroom gravy, and garnishing with parsley.