Crispy on the outside. Tender on the inside. Smothered in creamy country gravy.
This is pure Southern comfort food — the kind of meal that belongs next to mashed potatoes and green beans. Golden, crunchy cubed steak topped with rich homemade gravy made right in the same skillet.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 4 to 6 cubed steaks (about ¼-inch thick)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
- 2 eggs
- Oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons drippings (from frying)
- 3–4 tablespoons leftover seasoned flour
- 1½ cups milk
👩🍳 How To Make Chicken Fried Steak
1️⃣ Prepare the Dredging Station
In a shallow dish, whisk together:
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
2️⃣ Coat the Steaks
- Dip each steak in egg.
- Dredge in seasoned flour.
- Press flour in well for full coating.
(Optional: Double dip for extra crispiness — egg → flour → egg → flour.)
3️⃣ Fry the Steaks
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Oil is ready when a drop of water sizzles.
- Carefully add steaks.
Cook 4–6 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
Remove to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
🥣 Make the Gravy
1️⃣ Prepare the Base
- Pour off excess oil, leaving about 4 tablespoons plus the browned bits in the pan.
2️⃣ Create the Roux
- Add 3–4 tablespoons seasoned flour to the drippings.
- Stir constantly until smooth and lightly golden.
3️⃣ Add Milk
- Slowly whisk in milk.
- Cook until thickened to your preferred consistency.
Remove from heat once creamy and smooth.
🍽️ Serve
Pour warm gravy generously over crispy steaks.
Perfect with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Green beans
- Corn
🔥 Tips for Success
- Pound steaks if needed to about ¼-inch thick.
- Keep oil temperature steady for best crisp texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in batches if necessary.
- Add extra black pepper to gravy for classic country flavor.
This is the kind of meal that feels like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house:
✔️ Crispy
✔️ Creamy
✔️ Hearty
✔️ Family-approved
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Pure comfort.
