Here’s a classic Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy recipe — crispy, juicy, and topped with creamy, peppery white gravy. Perfect comfort food!
🍽️ Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
🥩 Ingredients
For the Steaks:
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4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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2 large eggs
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1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
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1/4 cup reserved frying oil (with drippings)
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 to 2 1/2 cups whole milk
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Salt and lots of black pepper (to taste)
🔪 Instructions
1. Prepare the dredging stations:
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In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
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In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
2. Dredge the steaks:
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Pat steaks dry with paper towels.
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Dip each steak into the flour mixture → egg mixture → back into the flour. Press flour onto the meat to form a thick coating.
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Place dredged steaks on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes (helps coating stick better).
3. Fry the steaks:
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Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F if using a thermometer).
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Fry steaks one or two at a time for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
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Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate or a wire rack over a baking sheet.
4. Make the gravy:
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Carefully pour off all but 1/4 cup of the oil from the skillet (leave the brown bits!).
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Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until golden.
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Gradually whisk in milk, scraping up any bits. Cook until thickened (about 5–7 minutes), stirring frequently.
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Season with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper.
5. Serve:
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Spoon gravy generously over steaks. Serve with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
📝 Tips
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Cube steak is tenderized round steak—very affordable and perfect for this dish.
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You can substitute with pounded-out sirloin if needed.
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Letting the coated steaks rest before frying helps the breading stick better and fry more evenly.