Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Country Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving that classic Southern comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Country Gravy Recipe. Imagine tender, perfectly breaded cube steak fried to a crispy golden brown, then smothered with a dreamy, rich gravy made from scratch—this dish has all the heartiness and flavor that comfort food lovers adore. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when friends and family come over. Once you make this recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your cooking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Country Gravy Recipe comes from using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor and texture. Every spice and component plays a role, whether it’s tenderizing the steak, creating that crispy coating, or enriching the luscious gravy.

• 1 lb tenderized cube steak (4 steaks): The star of the dish, tender and perfect for frying.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural beef flavor in the steaks.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and a warm aroma.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Essential for that crispy, golden crust.
• 1½ teaspoon sea salt (or seasoned salt): Brings balanced seasoning to the coating.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds peppery heat to the breading.
• Pinch of cayenne pepper: Just enough to give a gentle warmth.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning blend perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor in the crust.
• ¼ teaspoon celery salt: Adds a subtle aromatic quality.
• ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Infuses a slight Southern flair.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika: Gives a beautiful color and mild sweetness.
• 1 egg: Helps create the batter’s silky texture.
• ½ to ¼ cup whole milk: Adjust to get the perfect batter consistency; creaminess is key.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for that irresistibly smooth gravy.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy just right.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the gravy.
• 1½ cups whole milk: Makes the gravy irresistibly creamy.
• Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme: Flavor enhancers for seasoning the gravy perfectly.

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Country Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Season the Steaks

Start with those tenderized cube steaks—season both sides generously with sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This simple seasoning is the foundation, letting the natural flavor of the meat shine through while setting the stage for the crispy coating.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixtures

Now, set up your dredging stations. In one dish, whisk together the flour with all the extra seasonings like cayenne, onion powder, celery salt, Cajun seasoning, and paprika—this flavorful mix is what creates the signature crust. In a second dish, combine the egg with a bit of milk and half a cup of the seasoned flour to form a thick batter. These two steps make sure the steaks get that perfect, hearty coating.

Step 3: Dredge the Steaks

Start by lightly coating the steaks in the seasoned flour. Then, dip them into the batter, allowing the excess to drip away, and finally press them firmly back into the flour mixture for a double layer of crust. This triple-dip technique guarantees a crispy, crunchy exterior that stays tender inside.

Step 4: Fry the Steaks

Heat up about an inch of canola oil in a large deep skillet until it reaches 350°F. Fry your steaks one or two at a time for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms. Keep your cooked steaks warm by placing them on a cooling rack set on a baking sheet inside a 200°F oven. This keeps them perfectly crispy while you finish frying the rest.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Country Gravy

Drain the oil and clean your pan, leaving the tasty browned bits if you prefer a tan gravy with extra flavor. Melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the flour, cooking until golden and fragrant to avoid any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, continuously stirring to smooth out lumps. Let the gravy thicken while seasoning with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme, tasting as you go to reach that just-right balance.

How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Country Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top adds a fresh color contrast and a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the steak and gravy perfectly. A few cracked black peppercorns on top add a pleasing rustic touch as well.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans complement the hearty nature of the chicken fried steak beautifully. You can’t go wrong with warm buttermilk biscuits or sautéed corn for a meal that feels like home. These sides soak up the creamy gravy and round out the plate wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken fried steak into strips for a hearty sandwich, layering with lettuce and tomato on a toasted bun. Or serve small cutlets atop a bed of creamy grits. For a brunch touch, drizzle the gravy over scrambled eggs alongside a small piece of the steak for a Southern-inspired twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Country Gravy Recipe keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the steak and gravy separately to keep the coating crispy longer. Use airtight containers to preserve freshness and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked steaks, but for the best texture, flash freeze them on a tray first before transferring to freezer bags. Freeze the gravy separately in a sealed container. They’ll stay good for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer without losing flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the steaks in the oven at 350°F to crisp them back up, and warm the gravy gently on the stove, stirring constantly to revive that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving the steak alone or it might get soggy. The stovetop method is best for keeping everything tasting fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

For the best results, tenderized cube steak is recommended because it’s thin, tender, and ideal for frying. You can try other cuts like thin-sliced round steak, but the texture might be slightly different.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for the batter?

No worries! Whole milk works perfectly for the batter, but if you want a bit of tang, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a few minutes to mimic buttermilk.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

Simply cook the gravy a little longer to reduce and thicken. If it gets too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Patience here really pays off!

Is it possible to bake instead of fry the steaks?

You could bake the steaks for a healthier option, but the frying gives that signature crispy crust that this Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Country Gravy Recipe is known for. If baking, consider using a wire rack for air circulation and flipping halfway through.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season and coat the steaks, then refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. The gravy can also be made ahead and reheated gently when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Country Gravy Recipe enough if you’re looking to bring some classic Southern comfort food into your kitchen. It’s wonderfully satisfying, easy to make, and hits every note of crispy, tender, and creamy that makes this dish a forever favorite. Serve it up for your next family dinner and watch everyone fall instantly in love!

Print