There is something undeniably heartwarming about a perfectly crispy, golden-brown Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy Recipe that brings together Southern comfort and classic diner charm all on one plate. This dish takes tenderized cube steak, coats it in a seasoned flour blend, and fries it to perfection before being smothered in a rich, creamy country gravy that’s made right in the same pan for maximum flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it an instant favorite whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself to a soulful, home-cooked delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish, but don’t worry—it’s wonderfully straightforward! Each component plays a vital role: from the spices that bring a flavorful kick to the creamy milk that makes the gravy luxuriously smooth and comforting.
- 4 cube steaks (about 4-6 oz each): The star of the dish, tenderized beef that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for creating the crispy coating and thickening the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savoriness to both the coating and gravy.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Compliments the garlic with a gentle onion flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky depth and vibrant color to the flour coating.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and aromatic bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra kick.
- 2 large eggs: Helps the flour mixture adhere to the steak and create a thick crust.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Mixed with eggs for dipping and also in the gravy for a creamy finish.
- Vegetable oil for frying: The perfect neutral oil to get that golden, crispy crust without overpowering flavor.
- 1/4 cup pan drippings or unsalted butter: For making the luscious country gravy right in the skillet.
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk: Gradually added to the roux to create a velvety gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the gravy precisely.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a little punch in the gravy’s flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle background note in the creamy sauce.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour and Egg Mixtures
Start by mixing your flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and whole milk together until smooth. These two mixtures are the secret to that perfect, crispy coating on your chicken fried steak.
Step 2: Dredge the Cube Steaks
Take each cube steak and coat it generously with the seasoned flour. Then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered, and finally dredge it a second time in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, even crust. This double coating is what makes the steak irresistibly crispy once fried.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks to Golden Perfection
Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, carefully place the steaks in the skillet in batches. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the steaks to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Country Gravy
Pour off all but about 1/4 cup of the frying oil from the skillet, or swap it out for unsalted butter. Over medium heat, whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens to your liking, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This rich, velvety gravy is exactly what makes the Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Serve
Place the crispy steaks on plates and generously ladle the warm country gravy over the top. Serve right away for maximum comfort and satisfaction.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives add a lovely burst of color and freshness that balance the dish’s richness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top of the gravy also amps up the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This classic pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or flaky buttermilk biscuits to soak up that dreamy country gravy. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside some steamed green beans or a crisp coleslaw to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a tasty twist, serve Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy Recipe as a sandwich with a soft bun, lettuce, and pickles. You can also turn it into a breakfast option by placing it on a plate alongside cheesy scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken fried steak and gravy can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the gravy separate if possible to maintain the crispiness of the steak.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken fried steak in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the gravy in a separate container for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steaks in a 350°F oven on a wire rack to keep them crispy. Heat the gravy gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth. Pour the warm gravy over the steaks just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for the Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy Recipe?
Cube steak is traditional because it’s tenderized and cooks quickly, but you can use thinly pounded round steak or sirloin if you prefer. Just be sure to tenderize it well for the best texture.
Is there a way to make the coating extra crispy?
Absolutely! After dredging, let the coated steaks rest on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating set and adhere better, resulting in a crunchier crust.
Can I make the country gravy dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter or oil for the gravy. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
What should I serve with the Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy Recipe for a complete meal?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, green beans, or even a simple salad create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that highlights the flavors and textures of the dish perfectly.
How thick should the country gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it gets too thick, simply whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table. Its crispy crust contrasted with creamy gravy creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. Once you try making it at home, it’s bound to become one of your favorite indulgent meals to share with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, heat that skillet, and dive into a plateful of Southern comfort! You’ll be glad you did.
Print
Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy recipe offers a classic Southern comfort food experience featuring tender cube steaks coated in a crispy seasoned flour and egg batter, fried to golden perfection on the stovetop, then topped with a rich, creamy country-style gravy made from pan drippings and milk. Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes or biscuits, it makes a hearty and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Country Gravy
- 1/4 cup pan drippings or unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating Mix: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. This seasoned flour will create the flavorful, crispy crust on the steaks.
- Mix Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the whole milk until fully combined. This mixture will help the flour coating adhere to the steaks.
- Coat the Steaks: Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture to fully coat, then dip into the egg wash, and finally dredge again in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere a thick crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and warm over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, ready for frying.
- Fry the Steaks: Working in batches, carefully add the coated steaks to the hot oil. Fry each steak for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Transfer cooked steaks to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Country Gravy: Remove all but 1/4 cup of oil from the skillet, or substitute with 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season the Gravy: Stir in salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Cook for another minute to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the warm country gravy over the fried steaks and serve immediately. Pair with mashed potatoes or biscuits for a classic, hearty meal.
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, allow the coated steaks to rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the coating set better.
- Be sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy steaks; it should shimmer but not smoke.
- Use a wire rack to drain fried steaks to preserve their crispiness rather than laying them directly on paper towels.
- Serve with traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or flaky biscuits to complete the Southern comfort meal.
- This recipe is nut-free, but ensure all ingredients are free of cross-contamination if required.
