Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Experience the crispy, golden-brown glory of authentic Chicken Fried Steak, smothered in creamy peppered gravy. This legendary Southern dish transforms budget-friendly cube steak into a soul-satisfying masterpiece, perfect for family dinners, weekend indulgence, or impressing guests with classic comfort food. Our recipe ensures that iconic crunchy coating and velvety gravy that’ll transport you straight to a Texas roadhouse.

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Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Classic Comfort Food: Crispy, juicy steak with rich, creamy gravy.
• Weeknight-Friendly: Simple ingredients, no complicated techniques.
• Customizable: Adjust spices in the breading or gravy to your preference.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable cube steak but tastes gourmet.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Steak:

• 4 (6–8 oz) cube steaks (or round steak, pounded thin)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, for marinating)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Gravy:

• 3 tbsp pan drippings (or butter)
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

• Place steaks in a shallow dish and cover with buttermilk.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to tenderize.

Step 2: Prep the Breading

• In a shallow bowl, mix ½ cup flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• Place remaining ½ cup flour in a second bowl.
• Beat eggs in a third bowl.

Step 3: Bread the Steak

• Remove steaks from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
• Dredge in plain flour, dip in egg, then coat in seasoned flour. Press gently to adhere.

Step 4: Fry the Steak

• Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (350–375°F / 175–190°C).
• Fry steaks 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
• Transfer to a rack or paper towels to drain.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

• Pour off all but 3 tbsp of oil in the skillet.
• Whisk in 3 tbsp flour and cook 1 minute.
• Gradually whisk in milk and garlic powder.
• Simmer until thickened (3–5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

• Plate the steaks and generously ladle gravy over the top.
• Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

• Tenderize Properly: Use a meat mallet to ensure juicy, even steaks.
• Crispy Coating: Keep flour and egg coating cold for maximum crunch.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches if needed; too many steaks lower oil temperature.
• Gravy Thickness: Adjust milk gradually to reach desired consistency.

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FAQs About Chicken Fried Steak

1. Can I use regular round steak instead of cube steak?
Yes, but it should be pounded thin with a meat mallet for tenderness.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for both breading and gravy.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the steaks and breading ahead but fry just before serving to maintain crispiness.

4. How do I prevent greasy steak?
Drain on a wire rack after frying and avoid crowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.

5. Can I make the gravy dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use oil or dairy-free butter for drippings.

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Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is the ultimate Southern comfort food: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly complemented by creamy, peppered gravy. Easy to make yet impressive enough for gatherings, this recipe elevates a simple cut of beef into a true crowd-pleaser. Pair it with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or biscuits for a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.