Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Rich Country Gravy

Chicken fried steak represents the ultimate comfort food that captures Southern culinary traditions with its crispy, golden exterior and tender meat.

Hearty and satisfying, this classic dish reinvents an ordinary cut into a mouthwatering masterpiece through careful preparation and seasoned techniques.

The magic happens when a relatively tough protein gets lovingly coated in seasoned flour and fried to perfection, creating an irresistible crunch that beckons hungry diners.

Rich, creamy gravy reinvents the dish from simply good to absolutely spectacular, adding layers of flavor that complement the crisp breading.

Home cooks appreciate how this recipe turns humble ingredients into something truly memorable and crowd-pleasing.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this dish as a testament to creativity and resourcefulness in cooking.

Regional pride shines through every carefully seasoned and expertly fried bite.

What to Know About Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

• Create a Crispy Comfort Classic: This chicken fried steak delivers an irresistible golden-brown crunch that transforms simple cube steak into a mouthwatering Southern delicacy with layers of perfectly seasoned texture.
• Master a Quick Homestyle Meal: Anyone can nail this recipe in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy Customizable Flavor Layers: The double-dredging method allows you to control spice levels by adjusting seasonings in the flour mixture, ensuring each bite packs a personalized punch of savory goodness that satisfies every taste preference.
• Experience Rich Gravy Magic: The pan-scraped gravy turns ordinary ingredients into a luxurious sauce that perfectly complements the crispy steak, creating a harmonious blend of creaminess and crunch that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Ingredients for Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component for creating a crispy, golden-brown crust on the steak.
• Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and enhances the coating's color.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic seasoning to the breading.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the coating.

• Eggs, Milk: Create a binding agent that helps the flour mixture adhere to the steak, ensuring a crispy exterior.

• Cube Steak or Tenderized Beef: A tough cut of beef pounded thin to create a tender, easy-to-eat steak.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the steak to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

• Reserved Frying Oil: Adds rich flavor to the gravy base.
• Milk: Creates a creamy, smooth texture for the gravy.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Season the gravy to enhance its overall taste.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Step 1: Create the Flavor Coating

• Flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk until well combined.

Step 2: Coat the Steaks

Dunk each cube steak into the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and coat again with the seasoned flour. Press gently to help the coating stick.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, creating about 1/4 inch depth. Heat over medium-high until oil shimmers.

Step 4: Fry the Steaks

Carefully place coated steaks into hot oil. Cook for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Gravy

Lower skillet heat to medium. Sprinkle flour into remaining oil, whisking constantly. Slowly pour in milk, scraping up browned bits. Continue stirring until gravy thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour generously over crispy steaks. Enjoy your homemade comfort meal!

Tips for Crispy, Tender Chicken Fried Steak

• Tenderize Wisely: Pound cube steaks evenly to ensure uniform thickness, helping them cook consistently and stay tender.
• Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with spices in your flour mixture; layering flavors makes a huge difference in the final taste.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F for perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust without burning.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place fried steaks on a wire rack or paper towels to prevent soggy breading and maintain crispiness.
• Gravy Consistency Trick: Whisk constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture that clings beautifully to the steak.

How to Store and Reheat Fried Steak and Gravy

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate chicken fried steak within two hours of cooking. Transfer remaining steaks and gravy into separate airtight containers. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover gravy completely to prevent moisture loss and maintain its creamy texture.
• Reheat Method 1 – Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk to gravy before reheating to restore smoothness.
• Reheat Method 2 – Skillet: Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add steaks and a small amount of oil or butter.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Fried Steak

• Pair with Crisp Comfort: Serve this hearty chicken fried steak alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic Southern-style meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Drink Harmony: Complement the rich, crispy steak with a cold, light beer like a pilsner or a refreshing sweet tea that cuts through the heaviness of the dish and cleanses the palate.
• Tangy Side Kick: Add a zesty coleslaw or pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the fried steak and gravy, providing a bright, acidic contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.
• Fresh Finish: Top the meal with a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and help digest the hearty protein, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dinner plate.

Recipe Twists on Chicken Fried Steak

• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the flour mixture for a fiery kick. Mix in chopped jalapeños for extra heat and serve with salsa on the side.
• Ranch Country Classic: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix into the flour coating. Top the steak with crispy bacon bits and serve alongside roasted corn and green beans.
• Herb-Infused Southern Comfort: Blend dried thyme, rosemary, and sage into the flour mixture. Create a creamy herb-flecked gravy by adding fresh chopped herbs directly into the sauce.
• Buttermilk Crispy Southern: Replace regular milk with buttermilk in the egg wash for a tangier, more tender coating. Double-coat the steaks for an extra crispy exterior that stays crunchy under the rich gravy.

Chicken Fried Steak With Gravy Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern Chicken Fried Steak delivers comfort on a plate, showcasing crispy breaded beef smothered in rich, creamy pepper gravy. Robust flavors and golden-brown edges promise a satisfying meal that connects diners with classic home-style cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 0.33 pounds / 150 grams each)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup milk (60 milliliters)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Gravy Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (480 milliliters)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Create a seasoned coating by blending all-purpose flour (240 grams) with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow container.
2. Whisk eggs (2 large) and whole milk (120 milliliters or ) together in a separate dish to create a binding liquid for the meat.
3. Thoroughly coat each cube steak by first dredging in the seasoned flour mixture, then immersing in the egg-milk blend, and finally re-coating with the flour mixture to ensure a crisp, textured exterior.
4. Heat vegetable oil (240 milliliters or ) in a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and approximately 350°F (175°C).
5. Carefully place breaded steaks into the hot oil, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Transfer cooked steaks to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil while maintaining crispiness.
7. Reduce skillet heat to medium and utilize of the remaining frying oil to create a roux by whisking in an equal amount of flour.
8. Gradually incorporate whole milk (480 milliliters or ), continuously stirring to prevent lumps and scrape up flavorful browned bits from the skillet bottom.
9. Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes, stirring consistently until reaching a rich, smooth consistency, then season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Plate the crispy steaks and generously ladle warm gravy over the top, serving immediately for optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Coating matters: Double-dredging the steak in seasoned flour and egg creates an extra crispy, flavorful crust that locks in moisture.
• Oil temperature is crucial: Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the breading.
• Resting steaks keeps them warm and juicy, preventing moisture loss while preparing the rich, creamy gravy.
• Scraping browned bits from the pan builds deep, complex flavor in the gravy, adding restaurant-quality depth.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for best heat distribution and maximum flavor development during frying and gravy making.
• Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the crispiest texture and most delicious, piping-hot chicken fried steak.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg