Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy Recipe, Crispy Southern Comfort Food

Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy Recipe is the ultimate Southern comfort food dinner with crispy fried steak and creamy homemade country gravy. This classic recipe uses tender cube steak coated in seasoned breading, fried until golden brown, then topped with rich pepper gravy for a hearty meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

For the Steaks

  • 4 cube steaks (4 ounces each)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable oil

For the Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Steaks

  1. Place the cube steaks between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/4 inch thick. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Set up a breading station with one dish of flour, the buttermilk mixture, and another dish with the remaining flour.
  4. Dredge each steak in flour, dip into the buttermilk mixture, then coat again in flour. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 30 minutes.

Fry the Chicken Fried Steak

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
  2. Fry the steaks in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Transfer cooked steaks to a wire rack and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Make the Country Gravy

  1. Carefully pour the frying oil into a heat-safe container and reserve 2 tablespoons.
  2. Add the reserved oil back into the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
  3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth a little at a time until smooth.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk, then season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Simmer the gravy for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy.

Serve

Pour the warm country gravy over the crispy chicken fried steak and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Letting the breaded steaks rest helps the coating stay crispy while frying.
  • Use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature steady for even cooking.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans for a classic Southern meal.
  • Leftover gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.