Here’s a classic Southern-style Chicken-Fried Steak recipe — crispy, golden breaded steak topped with creamy country gravy.
🥩 Chicken-Fried Steak
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the steak:
- 4 cube steaks (tenderized beef round steaks)
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the country gravy:
- 3 Tbsp pan drippings (or butter)
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 2–2½ cups milk
- Salt & plenty of black pepper
Steps
1️⃣ Prepare the Breading Station
- Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.
- In one bowl: flour + garlic powder + paprika.
- In another bowl: whisk eggs and milk together.
2️⃣ Bread the Steaks
- Dredge steak in flour.
- Dip into egg mixture.
- Return to flour, pressing firmly for a thick coating.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes (helps coating stick).
3️⃣ Fry
- Heat about ½ inch oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry steaks 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
- Remove and drain on a rack or paper towels.
🥣 Make the Cream Gravy
- Remove most oil from skillet, leaving about 3 Tbsp (or use butter).
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in milk.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper.
🍽 Serve
Place steak on a plate and spoon warm gravy over the top.
Best served with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Biscuits
⭐ Tips
- For extra crunch, double-dip in flour → egg → flour.
- Keep finished steaks warm in a 200°F oven while frying batches.
- Buttermilk gives extra tenderness and flavor.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- 🔥 Air fryer chicken-fried steak
- 🥓 Extra crispy Southern version
- 🧀 Chicken-fried steak with cheese sauce
