Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

This Chicken Fried Steak is The Ultimate Comfort Food

By Emma PrescottSeptember 8, 2025

Jump to Recipe

4.00 (5 Ratings)

Table of Contents

☷

Recipe Introduction

Ever have those days where you just need some serious comfort food? Honestly, This Chicken Fried Steak is the answer.

It's like a warm hug on a plate. I'm talking crispy, golden steak drenched in creamy, peppery country gravy . Seriously, what's not to love?

What’s the Deal with Chicken Fried Steak Recipe?

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe isn't actually chicken, you know? It's country fried steak , or sometimes fried steak , beef steak coated in seasoned flour and fried just like you would chicken.

This dish originated in the Southern US, possibly influenced by German immigrants and their schnitzel. It's the definition of Southern comfort food .

We're talking about the ultimate home style meal.

This isn't a super difficult recipe. Expect around an hour from start to finish. Prep takes around 20 minutes , cooking is about 20 minutes .

The resting of the steak after pounding takes about 30 minutes . This recipe makes about 4 servings , perfect for the family.

The Magic Behind the Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

One of the big perks of this recipe is that it's hearty and satisfying. All that protein will keep you full and energized.

Imagine serving this up after a long day, or even better, for a Sunday brunch. Honestly? What makes my Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe special is the double dredge.

It's the secret to that crispy chicken fried steak .

Let’s Get Started: All About That Delicious Country Gravy

Alright, let’s talk ingredients next.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Chicken Fried Steak Toolkit

Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy presentation

Let's talk shop. Making this Chicken Fried Steak is easier than you think. Honestly, the right ingredients and a few key tools make all the difference.

Think of it as assembling your Southern comfort food dream team. You know?

Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Measurements are key, people!

Cube Steak: 4 steaks, about 6 ounces (170g) each and 1/2 inch thick. Look for steaks that are already tenderized. If not, grab a meat mallet. Pro-tip: fresh, good quality meat it really pays off in the quality of the plate.
Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . You can use table salt in a pinch, but kosher salt just tastes cleaner.
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) , freshly ground. Pre-ground? Nah. Freshly cracked is where it's at.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g) . This is the base of our crispy coating.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Adds that subtle savory kick.
Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) . For a little colour and a hint of smokiness.
Large Eggs: 2 . Gotta have 'em for the egg wash!
Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Helps the egg wash cling to the steak.
Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) , for frying. Canola oil works too. The oil temperature should be around 350° F/ 175° C .

Gravy Time:

Reserved Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Save that oil from frying the steak! It's full of flavour.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (15g) . To thicken the gravy, of course.
Whole Milk: 2 cups (475ml) , warmed. Warming it helps it mix smoothly and prevent lumps. Honestly, this is a game changer.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) , or more to taste. Don't be shy.
Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) , or more to taste. Seasoning is everything!
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): A pinch. For a little heat.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up Right!

For crispy chicken fried steak , remember this: Garlic powder and paprika are the dynamic duo. They add depth without overpowering.

A touch of cayenne in the cream gravy recipe is a brilliant move, trust me. Don't have paprika? A little chili powder will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Meat Mallet (or Rolling Pin): To tenderize the steak. Seriously, don't skip this step.
Shallow Dishes or Pie Plates: For dredging. Makes the process less messy.
Large Skillet (Cast Iron Preferred!): A cast iron skillet gives you the best even heat.
Tongs or Slotted Spatula: For flipping and removing the steak.
Instant Read Thermometer: To make sure your oil is at the right temp. Critical for a country fried steak !

Cooking Up Comfort: The Easiest Chicken Fried Steak Recipe EVER!

Okay, folks, let's get real. There's Southern comfort food , and then there's Chicken Fried Steak . Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a perfectly Crispy chicken fried steak smothered in Cream gravy recipe ? I think not.

I remember my first time attempting this...oh my gosh, what a disaster! Undercooked steak, burnt gravy - you name it, I did it wrong.

But after years of trial and error, I’ve cracked the code. Get ready to make the Best chicken fried steak recipe !

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, get organized! We call it mise en place . Gather all your ingredients: 4 cube steaks (about 6 ounces each), 1 cup of flour , 2 eggs , milk, and spices.

Don't forget the oil for frying! I'm using vegetable oil, but canola works too. Season those steaks with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper .

step-by-step: Fry 'Em Up!

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make the ultimate Fried Steak :

Pound those steaks! Use a meat mallet to tenderize to 1/2 inch thickness.
Set up your dredging station. Flour in one dish, egg and milk in another.
Coat each steak in flour, then egg, then flour AGAIN! Really press that flour on.
Heat 1/2 cup of oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
Fry the steaks 3- 4 minutes per side , until golden brown. Aim for an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Expert Tips for Fried Steak Perfection

Want that extra oomph ? Here are my secret weapons:

Don't overcrowd the pan! Fry in batches for maximum crispiness.
Make that gravy! Use 2 tablespoons of the leftover oil to make a roux with 2 tablespoons of flour. Whisk in 2 cups of warmed milk for the Country Gravy .
Avoid tough steak! Pound that Cube Steak good.

Let's be honest, This Chicken Fried Steak is not just a meal; it's a hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy this Country Fried Steak recipe.

Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Okay, so you're about to embark on a culinary journey to create some seriously Southern comfort food . Let's talk shop! Before you dive into this Chicken Fried Steak Recipe , let's cover some crucial points to help you nail it.

Honestly, these are the things I wish I knew the first time I tried to make it. I'm talking about the ultimate country fried steak experience.

Serving Up Some Southern Charm

Plating wise, think rustic! A generous helping of crispy chicken fried steak , smothered in cream gravy recipe , next to a mound of mashed potatoes.

Presentation is key, people! A sprig of parsley adds a pop of color. For sides? You can't go wrong with classic mashed potatoes.

Green beans are also a nice touch. How about some good ole' sweet iced tea? Don’t forget some fluffy biscuits.

Storage Secrets - Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries! This Chicken Fried Steak is still awesome the next day. Refrigerate the steak and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the steak in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop.

Sadly, freezing isn't ideal as the crust can get a bit soggy.

Twist It Up! Variations of the Fried Steak

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a country gravy with a kick.

Gotta go gluten-free? No problem! Just swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure everything else is gluten-free too.

Nutrition Nuggets

Look, how to make chicken fried steak and call it healthy is a stretch, but let's break it down! Each serving contains a decent amount of protein.

This is good for those muscles! It also has carbohydrates for energy and fats for flavor. It's not your everyday meal.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting. So, don't be afraid to get creative with This Chicken Fried Steak is a classic, but that doesn't mean you can't make it your own.

Now go forth and create some Fried Steak . And for the best Crispy chicken fried steak . You got this!

Chicken Fried Steak Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my chicken fried steak tough? Is "This Chicken Fried Steak is" recipe supposed to be this way?

A tough chicken fried steak usually means the meat wasn't tenderized enough or was overcooked. Make sure to really pound those cube steaks thin before dredging, like you're taking out your frustrations! Also, avoid overcooking; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium rare.

If the steak is overcooked, it can become dry and tough.

How do I get my chicken fried steak crispy and not soggy?

Crispy chicken fried steak is all about hot oil and proper dredging. Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before adding the steak a little sizzle test with some flour will do the trick.

Double dredging (flour, egg, then flour again) creates a thicker, crispier crust that'll make your taste buds sing! Also, don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.

Can I make chicken fried steak ahead of time?

While chicken fried steak is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead of time. Tenderize and dredge the steaks and store them, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. The gravy can also be made a day in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it's too thick.

Keep in mind it won't have that "just cooked" magic if prepared too far in advance!

What's the best oil for frying chicken fried steak?

Vegetable oil is a great all-around choice for frying chicken fried steak because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point. Canola or peanut oil are also good options. Avoid olive oil, as its lower smoke point can lead to a smoky kitchen and a less than-ideal flavor.

Think of it like choosing the right tool for the job - vegetable oil is your trusty hammer here.

Is chicken fried steak healthy? What are the nutritional considerations for "This Chicken Fried Steak is" recipe?

Let's be honest, chicken fried steak isn't exactly a health food, but it's a delicious indulgence! It's high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. You can make it a bit lighter by using leaner cuts of beef and baking instead of frying, though that does compromise on the traditional, crispy experience.

Consider pairing it with a generous serving of veggies to balance things out. Everything in moderation, as they say!

How do I store leftover chicken fried steak?

Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) to help it crisp up again, or in a skillet with a little oil. The microwave will work in a pinch, but the crust will likely get a bit soggy.

Nobody wants a soggy bottom!