Description
Craving a soul-warming dinner idea? This Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy is the ultimate easy dinner recipe packed with Southern flavor. Crispy, golden-fried cube steak gets smothered in a rich, creamy peppered gravy that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or when you need real comfort food fast. Ideal for cozy fall nights, indulgent comfort meals, and timeless Southern cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
3 tablespoons pan drippings or butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Pinch cayenne or sausage seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1. Set up two shallow bowls for dredging. In one, whisk the eggs with buttermilk. In the second, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Pat steaks dry. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, dip into the egg mixture, then back into the flour. Press flour onto steaks and set aside.
3. Heat 1/4 to 1/2 inch oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot (about 350°F). Fry steaks in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Transfer to wire rack or paper towels.
4. Discard all but 3 tablespoons of oil. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in warm milk. Stir constantly until gravy thickens (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne or sausage seasoning.
5. Serve steaks hot with a ladle of gravy on top. Garnish with green onions and serve with mashed potatoes or favorite sides.
Notes
Let the breaded steaks rest 10–15 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.
Use warm milk when making the gravy to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Reheat steak in the oven or air fryer to maintain its crispy texture—never microwave it!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Southern Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 140mg