Name: Chicken Fried Steak and Country Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. cube steak, tenderized; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp salt; 2 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; Canola oil for frying, enough to cover ¼” deep in pan; For Country Gravy:; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%); 2 tsp black pepper (more to taste); ½ tsp salt (more to taste)

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A beloved Southern comfort food, Chicken Fried Steak and Country Gravy is the ultimate homestyle meal. Featuring crispy breaded cube steak and a rich, creamy peppered gravy, this dish brings all the cozy diner vibes to your own kitchen. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any night you’re craving something warm and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken fried steak with a perfectly seasoned crust and a luscious, made-from-scratch country gravy. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or a special family meal, it’s guaranteed to bring comfort and smiles to the table.

Chicken Fried Steak and Country Gravy

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb. cube steak, tenderized
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
Canola oil for frying, enough to cover ¼” deep in pan

For the Country Gravy:

¼ cup all purpose flour
2 cups milk, whole milk or 2%
2 tsp black pepper, more to taste
½ tsp salt, more to taste

Directions

Preheat your oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a cooling rack on top. Set it in the oven to keep the cooked steaks warm.
Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides, then pound them extra thin with a meat mallet.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and ½ cup milk. In a separate dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne.
Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, pressing to coat. Shake off excess, dip into the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour. Repeat with all steaks.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan (like a cast iron skillet) over medium-high heat with about ¼ inch of canola oil.
Once the oil reaches 350°F, fry two steaks at a time for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Transfer fried steaks to the prepared rack in the oven to keep warm.
To make the gravy, remove all but 2–3 tablespoons of oil from the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add salt and plenty of black pepper, then simmer until the gravy thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve the chicken fried steaks smothered in warm country gravy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Buttermilk Brine: Soak the steaks in buttermilk for a few hours before breading for extra tenderness.
Chicken Version: Swap the cube steak for pounded chicken breast for a Southern-style chicken fried chicken.
Herbed Gravy: Add thyme or rosemary to the gravy for a flavor boost.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk in both the breading and gravy.
Pan Sauce Gravy: Add a splash of chicken broth to the gravy for deeper flavor.
Cheesy Gravy: Stir in shredded cheddar at the end for a cheesy take.
Gravy on the Side: Serve the gravy in a separate dish for dipping.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken fried steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Reheat the gravy gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

FAQs

What cut of meat is best for chicken fried steak?

Cube steak is the most commonly used cut because it’s already tenderized and affordable, making it ideal for frying.

Can I use another type of oil for frying?

Yes, any neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, peanut, or sunflower oil will work well.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F, or drop a bit of flour in the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.

Why is it called chicken fried steak?

The name comes from the cooking method, which is similar to frying chicken—dredged in flour and fried to crispy perfection.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can fry the steaks and keep them warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Why is my breading falling off?

Make sure to press the flour onto the steak well, and don’t skip the double-dredge. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan during frying.

How thick should the gravy be?

Gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, just whisk in a little more milk.

Can I freeze chicken fried steak?

Yes, freeze cooked steaks in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best texture.

What sides go well with this recipe?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread are perfect pairings for this comforting dish.

Is this the same as country fried steak?

They’re similar, but chicken fried steak is typically served with a white peppered gravy, while country fried steak may use brown gravy.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is a classic Southern staple that never goes out of style. Crispy, tender, and drenched in creamy peppered gravy, it’s a soul-satisfying dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for Sunday dinners. Give it a try and bring the comfort of a Southern diner right into your home.