Keto Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

A Taste of Home—Keto Style

When I first moved to the Dominican Republic, I missed Southern comfort food more than I expected. Fried chicken, biscuits, and gravy were rare sights here, and local ingredients don’t always behave the same way at sea level. I’ve learned to improvise, especially when my type 2 diabetes nudged me to rethink the heavy carbs I grew up loving. This keto chicken fried steak became my way of bringing a little taste of home to my missionary kitchen—crispy, tender, and full of that down-home flavor, without the guilt.

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If you’re craving a comforting classic with a keto twist, this keto chicken fried steak is the answer. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are breaded and fried to golden perfection, then topped with a creamy gravy that will satisfy your taste buds.

When my two youngest kids smell this cooking, they come running to the kitchen, convinced I’ve made a special Sunday meal—even if it’s just an ordinary Tuesday night.

It’s a dish that feels indulgent without derailing your low-carb lifestyle. This recipe is perfect for those who miss hearty comfort food while following a keto diet. It’s easy to prepare and can be on your table in no time, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

I often rely on quick recipes like this one when our ministry days run long and dinner has to appear fast before homework chaos begins.

The combination of crispy chicken and rich gravy creates a delightful contrast that is sure to please everyone at your table.

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Ingredients That Make a Difference

The combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese creates a unique breading that keeps the carb count low without sacrificing flavor.

Back when almond flour was hard to find here, I used to grind my own almonds in a small food processor—it took patience, but the results were worth it.

These ingredients work harmoniously to deliver a satisfying crunch. Heavy cream and chicken broth come together to form a rich, creamy gravy that enhances the dish, adding depth and moisture. A dash of Worcestershire sauce elevates the flavor profile, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.

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Preparation Steps Simplified

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to achieve an even thickness, which promotes uniform cooking and tenderness. This step is vital for ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.

Once prepared, dip the chicken into an egg mixture before coating it with the almond flour blend. This method locks in moisture and gives the chicken a delightful crunch when fried to golden perfection.

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Cooking to Perfection

Frying the chicken in hot oil is where the magic happens. Each side should be cooked for just the right amount of time, yielding a beautifully crisp exterior. Draining the cooked chicken on paper towels helps eliminate excess oil, contributing to a lighter dish.

After frying, the gravy is made in the same skillet, utilizing the flavors left behind, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.

Grammie Shirley taught me that the best gravies come from not wasting what’s left in the pan, and she was right—it’s pure gold for flavor.

This technique not only adds flavor but also simplifies the cooking process.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served hot, drizzled generously with the creamy gravy. For a well-rounded meal, pair the chicken fried steak with sautéed green vegetables, adding a fresh touch to the plate.

In my kitchen, that usually means fresh local spinach or bok choy from a neighbor’s garden—simple, nourishing, and budget-friendly.

Garnishing with fresh parsley offers a vibrant pop of color, enhancing the visual appeal while providing a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

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A Classic Dish with a Modern Twist

Perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions, this keto chicken fried steak satisfies cravings without compromising dietary goals. The blend of flavors and textures makes it an ideal centerpiece for any meal.

Whether you’re serving family or guests, this dish is sure to impress. It’s a hearty option that brings comfort and happiness to the table, reinforcing that comfort food can still be enjoyed in a healthy way.

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Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Almond flour: Substitute crushed pork rinds or coconut flour for a slightly different texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for dairy-free) work well.
• Heavy cream: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free gravy.
• Worcestershire sauce: A mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar creates a similar depth.
• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced turkey cutlets or pork chops also make great alternatives.

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Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.

2. Prepare the Breading: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat with the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for about 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter and add heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stir in Worcestershire sauce, and cook until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve: Plate the crispy chicken fried steak and drizzle with creamy gravy. Enjoy with your favorite low-carb sides.

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Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 450 kcal

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Pro Tips

1. Pound the chicken evenly for perfect cooking and tenderness.
2. Let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying to help the coating stick.
3. Maintain oil temperature between 350–360°F to achieve a crisp crust without burning.
4. For a thicker gravy, whisk in ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum or reduce longer on low heat.
5. Use a splatter screen to minimize oil mess while frying—especially useful in small kitchens.

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Tip from Grammie Shirley

Always let fried foods rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. The air circulation keeps them crispy while excess oil drips away.

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Nutrition & Serving Info

Estimated per serving (4 servings total):

Calories: 450 | Fat: 32g | Protein: 35g | Carbohydrates: 6g

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Q&A

Q1: Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil for a crisp texture.

Q2: What oil is best for frying on keto?

Avocado oil or refined coconut oil are great for their high smoke points and neutral flavor.

Q3: Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Definitely. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently over low heat.

Q4: How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Make sure the chicken is dry before dipping and avoid crowding the pan while frying.

Q5: What side dishes go best with this meal?

Try mashed cauliflower, sautéed green beans, or roasted zucchini for a balanced, low-carb plate.

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Final Thoughts

Cooking keto in the Dominican Republic has taught me that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—or carb-heavy. This keto chicken fried steak brings that warm, Southern-style satisfaction to the table while staying diabetes-friendly and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s the kind of meal that reminds me home is more about flavor and family than geography.