Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy
Crispy, golden, and full of Southern comfort this Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is the ultimate homestyle dinner you’ll crave again and again. Tenderized steak is coated in a perfectly seasoned crust, fried to crunchy perfection, and smothered in rich, creamy country gravy that’s packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Steak:
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each, pounded to ¼ inch thick if needed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Country Gravy:
- ¼ cup reserved pan drippings (from frying)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Stations : In a shallow dish, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk (or buttermilk).
- Step 2: Bread the Steaks : Pat steaks dry with a paper towel. Dredge each steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Return to the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly so it adheres well. Place coated steaks on a plate and let them rest for 10 minutes (this helps the coating stick).
- Step 3: Fry the Steaks : Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully add the steaks in batches. Fry each side for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer steaks to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
- Step 4: Make the Country Gravy : Carefully pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about ¼ cup along with browned bits. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until gravy thickens, about 5 minutes. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Step 5: Serve : Place fried steaks on plates and smother with warm country gravy.Garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper for extra flavor.