There is something irresistibly comforting about sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy, golden Chicken Fried Steak topped with luscious creamy gravy. This Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe combines tender cube steaks with a crunchy, well-seasoned crust, all smothered in a rich, velvety gravy that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a soul-warming meal, this dish brings that iconic Southern charm right to your plate with simple ingredients and straightforward steps you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating that classic balance of flavor and texture that defines Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe. From the seasoned flour mix that hugs the steak to the creamy milk that transforms into the perfect gravy, these basics are truly the heart and soul of the dish.
- 4 cube steaks: Tenderized beef cutlets provide the perfect base with just enough chew to contrast the crispy coating.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the crispy crust that locks in flavor and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Helps the flour mixture stick to the steak and adds richness.
- 3 cups whole milk: Half goes to the batter and half turns into that luscious creamy gravy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Seasoning for both the steak coating and gravy for a balanced taste.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth throughout.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory warmth to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a gentle smoky note and beautiful color to the crust.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Essential for frying the steaks to a golden perfection.
How to Make Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Mixtures
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow bowl to create that flavorful coating that sticks to the steak. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and part of the milk to make your wet batter. These simple steps layer the steak with seasoning and moisture, which means a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior after frying.
Step 2: Dredge the Steaks
Pat your cube steaks dry to ensure everything adheres properly. Then, take each steak and coat it in the seasoned flour, dunk it into the egg and milk mixture, and coat it again in the flour for a double-layer crust. Press the flour firmly so the breading doesn’t fall off during frying. Letting the steaks rest for about 10 minutes allows the coating to set—this trick guarantees a crunch that holds up beautifully.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, making sure it’s hot enough before adding the steaks but not so hot that they burn. Fry two steaks at a time, about 4 minutes per side, turning only once to get an even golden brown color. Once they’re crisp and cooked through, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This frying step is where those delicious textures come alive—so take your time here!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
Carefully remove all but 1/4 cup of the oil from the skillet, leaving behind those flavorful drippings. Whisk in 1/4 cup of the remaining seasoned flour and cook for a minute or two until it’s lightly golden—the base of your creamy gravy. Slowly add 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free. Cook the gravy for about 5–7 minutes until thickened, then season with a little extra salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Plate your crispy chicken fried steaks while they’re hot, and generously spoon that dreamy creamy gravy over the top. This finishes the dish with just the right amount of richness and flavor, making this Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe truly memorable.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few chives adds a fresh, green pop of color and light flavor to your plate. For a touch of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the richness of the gravy without overpowering it. These simple garnishes turn a classic dish into something that looks just as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans complement the hearty Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe perfectly. For a crunchier contrast, a crisp coleslaw or roasted vegetables bring balance and brighten the meal. Pick your favorites and don’t be shy about mixing textures and flavors to round out this satisfying comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, try serving the steaks sliced with the gravy drizzled artistically over each piece, paired with colorful vegetable purees or roasted baby carrots. You can even turn this into a Southern-style open-faced sandwich with some flaky biscuits on the side for a fun twist that turns your meal into a celebration on a plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the steak and gravy together helps the flavors meld, but you can also store them separately if you plan to reheat the gravy gently to avoid it breaking apart.
Freezing
Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store the fried steaks in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the gravy separately in a sealed container. This helps maintain the texture of both components until you’re ready to enjoy them.
Reheating
Reheat the steaks in a 350°F oven to keep the crust crisp, and warm the gravy on the stove over low heat while stirring constantly to bring back its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving directly as this can make the breading soggy and the gravy separate. This way, your leftovers will taste almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
What cut of meat is best for Chicken Fried Steak?
The classic choice is cube steak, which is a tenderized round or sirloin cut. It’s affordable, tender when cooked right, and holds the breading perfectly, making it ideal for this recipe.
Can I use something other than vegetable oil for frying?
Yes, you can use oils with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil. These oils help achieve that crispy crust without burning the coating or affecting the flavor.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for the flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check the seasoning blend as some seasonings may contain gluten. Also, the texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.
What can I serve if I want a lighter meal?
Swap the creamy sides for steamed or roasted veggies and a fresh salad to lighten things up. The crispy steak and gravy are still the stars but paired with lighter accompaniments for balance.
Can I make the creamy gravy vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the butter or oil in the gravy with a dairy-free alternative. Adjust seasoning to taste, and the gravy will still be delicious and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for guests or celebrations. The harmony of crispy, tender steak with rich, dreamy gravy is irresistible, so dive in, get cooking, and enjoy every satisfying bite with your favorite sides and garnishes. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
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Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Classic Southern Chicken Fried Steak with crispy breaded cube steaks fried to golden perfection and topped with a rich, creamy homemade white gravy. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 4 cube steaks
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk (divided)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup whole milk until smooth.
- Coat the Steaks: Pat the 4 cube steaks dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks. Dredge each steak first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the egg and milk mixture, and finally dredge again in the flour, pressing firmly to adhere a thick coating. Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes to help the coating set.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the steaks two at a time for about 4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Gravy Base: Carefully pour off all but 1/4 cup of the hot oil from the skillet, leaving the flavorful bits behind. Whisk in 1/4 cup of the remaining seasoned flour from the dry mix and cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until the mixture turns lightly golden and fragrant.
- Prepare the Creamy Gravy: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the gravy over medium heat until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the chicken fried steaks hot and generously spoon the creamy white gravy over each piece. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Letting the breaded steaks rest before frying helps the coating adhere better and crisp up nicely.
- You can adjust the seasoning in the flour blend to your taste, adding cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Use a splatter guard while frying to minimize oil splashes.
- Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for a complete meal.
