🥩🔥 Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy (Southern Classic Recipe)
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Dish | Cuisine: Southern American | Difficulty: Easy to Medium
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Steak
Golden, crispy, and dripping with creamy white gravy — chicken fried steak is the ultimate comfort food! Despite the name, there’s no chicken involved. It’s tender cube steak breaded and pan-fried like fried chicken, then smothered in rich Southern-style gravy.
Perfect for Sunday dinners, Southern-style gatherings, or a cozy meal that hits the spot!
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
🥣 For the Country Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use leftover from breading)
- 2–3 cups whole milk
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or garlic powder
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Station
In one bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. In another bowl, mix flour with spices. Season steaks with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge the Steaks
Dip each steak in the flour mix → then into the egg mix → back into the flour. Press flour in to coat well. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks
Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Fry steaks for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Drain off all but 2 tbsp of the oil. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook 1–2 mins. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth (about 5–7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.
Step 5: Serve
Serve steaks hot with a generous ladle of creamy gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
🧡 Tips & Variations
Tip / Variation | Why It Helps |
---|---|
Use buttermilk | Tenderizes and adds flavor to the crust |
Let breaded steak rest | Prevents coating from falling off during frying |
Use cast iron for frying | Distributes heat evenly |
Add sausage to gravy | For a Southern breakfast-style twist |
Serve with eggs & biscuits | Make it a hearty brunch |
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use round steak instead of cube steak?
Yes, but you'll need to pound it to tenderize it first.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
While frying gives the crispiest results, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 mins, flipping once.
Q: Is chicken fried steak the same as country fried steak?
Not exactly. Chicken fried steak typically comes with white gravy, while country fried steak is often served with brown gravy.
🧾 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbs: ~32g
- Fat: ~32g
- Sodium: ~680mg
- Fiber: ~1g
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