When you’re in the mood for hearty comfort food that warms the soul and makes everyone at the table smile, few dishes satisfy quite like Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy. With its crispy golden crust, juicy cube steak, and creamy, pepper-flecked gravy poured over the top, this classic Southern staple is pure down-home happiness on a plate. It’s the kind of meal you look forward to all day, and when you finally sit down to enjoy it, every bite feels like a well-deserved treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy relies on simple, familiar ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. Each item is essential, bringing flavor, crunch, or creamy richness, and just a little attention to detail lets every bite shine.
- Cube steaks: These budget-friendly tenderized steaks soak up all the seasoning and fry up beautifully crispy while staying juicy inside.
- All-purpose flour: Double-dipping the steaks in this creates a thick, crunchy shell that’s irresistible with gravy.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and that gorgeous golden color to the crust.
- Garlic powder: For savory depth and a subtle aromatic kick in the breading.
- Onion powder: Enhances overall flavor, making every bite a little more rounded and exciting.
- Salt: Crucial for bringing out the best in every component—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Delivers a classic, cozy heat that pairs perfectly with creamy gravy.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Just a pinch gives a feisty boost for anyone who loves a little extra zing.
- Eggs: Help the breading stick and make the coating delightfully airy after frying.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the steak and contributes tang to balance the richness.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral flavor and high heat tolerance mean extra-crispy results every time.
- Pan drippings (for gravy): These golden bits left in the skillet are essential for proper Southern-style gravy—don’t toss them!
- More flour (for gravy): Thickens the gravy just right, creating that luxurious, blanket-like texture.
- Whole milk: Gives the gravy its creamy body and velvety finish.
- Salt and black pepper (for gravy): A generous pinch at the end to taste brings the gravy to life.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
Step 1: Mix Up the Dredging Station
Start by whisking together your flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the buttermilk. Having everything prepped and ready makes the breading process smooth and fuss-free.
Step 2: Bread the Cube Steaks
Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels; this helps the coating stick. Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour mixture first, then dip into the egg-buttermilk bath, and finally dredge once more in the flour, pressing firmly to coat. For extra crunch, let the breaded steaks rest for about 10 minutes before cooking.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Test with a small sprinkle of flour; if it sizzles, you’re ready! Fry the steaks one or two at a time so you don’t crowd the pan, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they turn a glorious golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain while you make the gravy.
Step 4: Make the Legendary Gravy
Pour off all but 1/4 cup of the pan drippings, lower the heat to medium, and whisk in the flour. Cook for a minute or two for a lightly toasted, nutty flavor. While whisking, slowly add the milk until smooth. Let the gravy simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, then season well with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve It Hot and Happy
Immediately pour the hot gravy over the crispy steaks for the full Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy experience. Serve right away so every bite stays crunchy and comforting.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley (or chives) brings a lively pop of color to this golden masterpiece, and a little extra cracked black pepper offers a peppery bite that highlights the creamy gravy. If you want to add even more excitement, a dash of hot sauce on the side can make each bite customizable.
Side Dishes
A comforting plate of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy practically begs for creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for catching every bit of that velvety gravy. For freshness and crunch, serve with steamed green beans, buttery corn, or a zesty coleslaw. Don’t forget a warm biscuit or a fluffy dinner roll to mop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the classic and try serving mini portions on a platter for casual gatherings—think sliders with a generous spoonful of gravy on top. Or, for an extra cozy touch, layer slices of steak over mashed potatoes in a bowl and spoon gravy lavishly for an all-in-one comfort food creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to save any extras, store Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy separately: keep the steak in an airtight container and the gravy in another. Refrigerated, the steak will stay fresh for up to three days, while the gravy might thicken as it chills—just give it a whisk when you reheat.
Freezing
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is freezable, though best frozen before adding the gravy. Wrap the cooked steaks individually in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Cool and freeze the gravy in a separate container; thaw everything in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the steaks for best texture in the oven at 350°F, uncovered, until crispy and hot (about 15 minutes). Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, whisking in a splash of milk if it seems too thick. Spoon the revived creamy gravy over your reheated steak and enjoy it just like day one.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of meat instead of cube steak?
Absolutely! While cube steak is classic for Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, you can use thinly pounded round steak or even pork cutlets. Just make sure to tenderize the meat well so it cooks up juicy and tender beneath the crispy crust.
Why does my breading sometimes fall off during frying?
This usually happens if the steaks are too wet before breading or if the oil isn’t hot enough. Pat the steaks dry thoroughly, and make sure the oil is shimmering before adding the steaks. Letting the breaded steaks rest for 10 minutes before frying also really helps set the crust.
Is buttermilk essential in this recipe?
Buttermilk gives Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy an irresistible tang and extra tenderness, but if you don’t have any, you can mix regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar as a quick substitute. It’s not quite the same but works well in a pinch!
Can the gravy be made ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the gravy a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk and whisking as it warms to get it silky smooth again.
How can I make the dish less spicy for kids?
Just leave out the cayenne pepper in the breading, and be gentle with the black pepper in the gravy. The rest of the flavors will still shine through, making Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy a kid-friendly crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that brings people to the table with big smiles and even bigger appetites, Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is the answer. Whether it’s a weeknight, a weekend, or a special Sunday supper, give this recipe a try—your home will be filled with laughter, memories, and the best kind of Southern comfort.
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Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the crispy, flavorful goodness of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, a classic Southern comfort food dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup pan drippings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Fried Steak: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and then dredge again in the flour, pressing to coat well.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks one or two at a time for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Make the Gravy: For the gravy, remove all but 1/4 cup of the pan drippings. Reduce heat to medium and whisk in the flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Slowly add the milk while whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve the chicken fried steaks hot, smothered in the creamy gravy.
Notes
- For extra crispy steaks, let them rest for 10 minutes after breading before frying.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans for a classic Southern meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
