If there is one Southern comfort dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, it has to be this Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe. Imagine tender cube steaks coated in a perfectly crispy, golden crust, fried to perfection, and smothered in a rich, creamy homemade gravy that’s full of flavor and heartiness. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes that makes you feel right at home. Whether it’s a special weekend dinner or a cozy weeknight treat, this Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is sure to become one of your go-to classics, delivering food nostalgia with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how such simple, everyday ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. Each component plays its part, from the tender cube steaks that melt in your mouth to the seasoned coating that crisps up beautifully. The creamy gravy, made from scratch, brings everything together with luscious richness that elevates the whole experience.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter and gravy for that creamy texture.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the coating to the steak, ensuring that perfect crispiness.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: The essential base for the crispy crust, providing structure and crunch.
- 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s): Infuses the coating with savory, balanced seasoning for extra flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and aromatic depth to the crust and gravy.
- 1 pound cube steaks: The star of the dish—tender yet sturdy enough to hold up to frying and smothering in gravy.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, ensuring crispy, golden steaks.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (or reserved cooking oil from steak): Creates the base for a silky, flavorful gravy.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the gravy into a luscious sauce that coats the steak perfectly.
- 2 cups whole milk: The liquid component that creates a smooth, creamy gravy with a velvety finish.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Final seasoning to taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the gravy and steak.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating and Batter
Start by whisking together the whole milk and egg until well combined; this mixture will help the flour and seasoning adhere perfectly to the steak. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper. This composition is what creates that irresistible crunchy crust that defines a great chicken fried steak. It’s a simple step but sets the foundation for all the magic to come.
Step 2: Coat the Cube Steaks
Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks properly. First, dredge each steak thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the egg and milk mixture, followed by a second coating of the seasoned flour. Double coating seals in the juiciness and guarantees that perfect crunch you crave. Trust me, this step makes all the difference.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the coated steaks and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary so you don’t crowd the pan and lose that crispiness. Once fried, transfer the steaks to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil while you prepare the gravy.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
After you remove the steaks, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter or reserved cooking oil to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Gradually pour in the 2 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the gravy simmer gently until thickened, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This homemade gravy is where the dish truly shines, transforming simple ingredients into silky, savory perfection.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herb garnishes such as chopped parsley or chives bring a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken fried steak and gravy. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top adds just the right touch of spice and visual appeal. These little additions may seem small, but they elevate the dish beautifully, making each plate feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe pairs perfectly with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that luscious gravy, buttery green beans for a bit of crispness, and a simple crisp salad to balance the richness. Don’t forget some flaky buttermilk biscuits or warm cornbread to round out the meal with a comforting carb element — absolute home-cooking bliss!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken fried steak and serve it open-faced on toasted bread with gravy poured on top for a Southern-style steak sandwich. Or nestle the steak on a plate of garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb version without sacrificing richness. No matter how you present it, this dish is always guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken fried steak with gravy is a treat for the next day or two. Store the steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the crust from getting soggy and ensures the gravy stays fresh and creamy. When ready to eat, simply reheat and enjoy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken fried steak in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Freeze the gravy separately in a freezer-safe jar or bag to maintain quality. Thaw both in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the oven for best results.
Reheating
To reheat while preserving the crispiness of the coating, warm the chicken fried steak in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Reheat the gravy separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. This method will have your leftovers tasting nearly as fresh as the first bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! While cube steak is traditional because of its tenderness and texture, you can also use other thin, tender cuts like round steak or sirloin pounded thin. Just make sure to tenderize it well for the best texture.
What makes the gravy so creamy and flavorful?
The creamy gravy is made from a roux of butter and flour cooked until golden, then combined with whole milk and seasoned with salt and pepper. This method gives it a rich, smooth texture with deep savory notes that perfectly complement the steak.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for frying and gravy making, and ensure your seasonings and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The technique remains the same, producing delicious results.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for chicken fried steak?
While traditional chicken fried steak uses beef, many enjoy making a similar dish with large, thick-cut portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks breaded and fried the same way for a tasty vegetarian twist.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off during frying?
Double coating the steaks with flour then egg wash then flour again helps the breading cling tightly. Also, pat your steaks dry before coating and let the breaded steaks rest for a few minutes before frying to set the crust.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s an experience that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to your table. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to some hearty, soulful cooking, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite you’ll want to return to time and again.
Print
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe featuring tenderized cube steaks coated in a seasoned flour batter, fried to a golden crisp, and served with rich, creamy homemade white gravy. This comforting Southern favorite is perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steak Batter
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound cube steaks
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Gravy
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (or reserved cooking oil from steak)
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk and egg until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Dip each cube steak piece first into the wet milk and egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Set aside on a plate.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry the coated cube steaks in the hot oil, cooking about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove steaks from the skillet and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Gravy: Carefully drain the oil from the skillet, reserving about ¼ cup of cooking oil. Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat. Stir in the ⅓ cup of flour and cook, whisking frequently, until it turns golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of whole milk, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Cook the gravy until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the fried steaks and generously ladle the creamy white gravy over them. Serve immediately with your favorite Southern sides such as mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double dip the steaks in the batter before frying.
- Use a meat tenderizer if your cube steaks are thick to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning in the gravy to your preference, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Reserve the cooking oil carefully to add rich flavor to the gravy instead of butter.
- Serve hot as the gravy thickens as it cools.
