Looking for a crunchy, juicy, and boldly savory comfort dish that brings all the richness of Southern-style chicken fried steak—without flour, breadcrumbs, or unnecessary carbs? This Keto Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is exactly what you need. With its golden crust, tender beef base, and silky keto-friendly gravy, this low-carb version delivers all the richness of classic soul food—in a keto-approved, gluten-free format.
Perfect for weeknight dinners , meal prep , or when you’re craving something hearty but staying in ketosis, this easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients like almond flour, crushed pork rinds, and heavy cream to bring bold restaurant-style flavor into your kitchen. Whether you’re doing strict ketosis , following a low-carb lifestyle , or simply love comforting dishes with depth and richness, this keto chicken fried steak will quickly become a household favorite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this perfect keto chicken fried steak from scratch , explore ingredient substitutions, offer serving ideas, and answer your most common questions. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Fried Steak
This isn’t just any old pan-fried meat—it’s a savory, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth delight made with real ingredients that bring bold texture and taste together beautifully—in under 40 minutes!
Here’s why it stands out:
- 🥩 Tender meat base : Made with cube steak or thin cuts for perfect frying.
- 🧂 Bold seasoning blend : Garlic, onion, paprika, and salt elevate the flavor.
- 🍞 Low-carb crust option : Uses almond flour and pork rinds for crispy coating without gluten.
- 🥣 Easy to make : Just dredge, fry, and simmer—no fancy tools needed!
- ⏱️ Ready in under 30–40 minutes
- 🧁 Great for batch prep or freezer storage
- 🧼 Minimal cleanup : One skillet = zero mess!
Whether you’re making it for yourself after work, your family for dinner, or guests at a weekend gathering, this keto chicken fried steak will quickly become a go-to comfort dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 pieces of cube steak or thinly sliced round steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground thyme or oregano
- 1 cup almond flour or crushed pork rinds (for breading)
- 2 large eggs or flax eggs (for binding)
- 1 tbsp water (if using flax eggs)
- 1/2 cup avocado oil or ghee (for frying)
Optional: Add hot sauce to egg wash for extra kick
For the Keto Country Gravy:
- 1/4 cup butter or ghee
- 1/4 cup almond flour (for thickening)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp nutritional yeast for cheesy depth
For Serving:
- Mashed cauliflower or roasted broccoli
- Pickles or coleslaw
- Sautéed spinach or green beans
- Fresh herbs or lemon wedges for brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Prep the Meat
Season steaks generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
Let sit for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs with water or use an egg wash alternative.
In another bowl, place almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Dip each steak first in the egg wash, then press into the breading to coat both sides.
Place on a tray and let set for 5 minutes before frying.
Step 3: Pan-Fry Until Golden and Juicy
Heat avocado oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the steaks and cook for 3–4 minutes per side , or until golden brown and cooked through.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
Let rest briefly before adding gravy.
Step 4: Make the Keto Country Gravy
Melt butter in a small saucepan or skillet.
Whisk in almond flour to form a roux (2–3 minutes ) without burning.
Gradually whisk in almond milk or heavy cream while stirring constantly.
Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes , or until thickened.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Gravy
Serve warm slices topped generously with keto country gravy.
Pair with mashed cauliflower, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
Enjoy every soft, rich bite of your Keto Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy !
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~28 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~10 g |
| Cholesterol | ~90 mg |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
| Total Carbs | ~6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~2 g |
| Net Carbs | ~4 g |
| Protein | ~20 g |
Note: Values may vary based on exact measurements and optional add-ins.
Tips for the Best Keto Chicken Fried Steak
- Use quality cutlets or cube steak – Helps absorb seasoning and stay tender during cooking.
- Don’t skip resting time – Keeps the meat moist and prevents juices from escaping.
- Layer spices early – Builds deep flavor during frying.
- Make ahead and store – Keeps best refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Double the batch for future meals – Great for freezing and reheating later.
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:
Turkey Fried “Steak”
Replace beef with turkey cutlets for lighter protein.
No-Bake Energy Bowl
Chill the mixture and serve cold with sour cream and pickled vegetables.
Vegan Option
Use plant-based “chicken” and vegan gravy made from cashew cream.
Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes to the breading or top with chipotle mayo.
Chicken Fried Chicken Version
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of steak for poultry twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this truly keto-friendly?
Yes! With only ~4g net carbs per serving , it fits perfectly within a ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I use regular flour or breadcrumbs?
Not recommended—standard flour and breadcrumbs are high in carbs. Stick with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days . Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
What kind of gravy works best?
A keto-friendly cream gravy using almond flour gives the richest flavor and smoothest finish.
Can I slow-cook this steak?
Yes! Brown the steak first, then simmer in gravy in a slow cooker for 4–6 hours for deeper flavor.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Keto Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy works because of its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors:
- The pork rinds give crunch and structure , mimicking traditional breading without gluten.
- The steak stays tender and juicy , soaking up the rich seasoning naturally.
- And the gravy melts into a creamy blanket , completing the Southern-inspired experience.
It’s the kind of dish that makes eating clean feel indulgent—because it tastes so good.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for creative ways to serve your keto chicken fried steak beyond just a plate? Here are some ideas:
In Wraps
Wrap warm bites in large lettuce leaves or collard greens for handheld eats.
Over Greens
Top arugula or kale with warm steak and a drizzle of gravy for fusion flair.
With Dipping Sauces
Try ranch, tzatziki, or horseradish for extra flair.
At a Dinner Party
Cut into squares and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for appetizer bites.
As Leftovers
Crumble over scrambled eggs or mix with Greek yogurt for balanced breakfast bowls.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of what makes this dish special:
Grass-Fed Cube Steak
High in iron and B vitamins—supports muscle repair and energy levels.
Almond Flour / Pork Rinds
Rich in fiber and healthy fats—great for digestion and satiety.
Heavy Cream / Butter
Natural sources of fat-soluble vitamins—important for brain function and hormone production.
Even though this is a fried dish, it’s packed with nutrients that make it more than just a treat—it’s a smart addition to your balanced lifestyle when enjoyed mindfully.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Comfort Dish for Soul Food Lovers
This Keto Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy proves that going low-carb doesn’t mean missing out on bold, comforting flavors. With its crispy shell, juicy center, and signature dairy-rich finish, it’s the kind of dish that turns a simple steak into something magical—even without wheat or sugar-laden gravies.
Whether you’re new to keto, looking for a fast weeknight dinner idea, or want to impress with homemade flair, this chicken fried steak deserves a spot in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, share it with friends, or savor it solo. Either way, you’re treating yourself to something worth celebrating.
Print
Keto Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy – Crispy, Savory & Perfectly Low-Carb!
- Total Time: 40 mins
Description
Tender steak, crispy coating, and rich, creamy gravy delightfully combine.
Ingredients
1 lb cube steak (cut into 4 pieces, pounded to 1/4 inch thick)
Sea salt and black pepper
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups crushed pork rinds
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tsp onion powder 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika Pinch cayenne
Oil for cooking (butter and light olive oil) 2 tbsp butter
12 oz pork breakfast sausage
2/3 cup diced onion (optional) 3 cloves minced garlic 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
1. Sprinkle the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the heavy cream and eggs. Whisk with a fork.
3. Combine the crushed pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Spread into a thin layer on a large plate.
4. In a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat, heat 1/4 inch of oil.
5. Dip cube steak into the egg wash and then dredge in pork rind breading, coating thoroughly on both sides.
6. Place into hot oil and fry until crispy and golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
7. For the Country Sausage Gravy: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add sausage (crumbled if ground, sliced if using links). Cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
8. Add onion (if using) and garlic to drippings in the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until onion is translucent, stirring frequently.
9. Add cream, parsley, and salt. Increase heat to medium and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer. Once gravy thickens, add sausage back into the pan.
10. Pour over chicken fried steak.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 1283
- Fat: 8.99g
- Carbohydrates: 90.42g
- Protein: 59.99g