Name: Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 cube steaks; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy); 2 cups whole milk; 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper (for gravy); 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Golden, crispy, and smothered in a rich, savory gravy, Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy is true Southern comfort food. Each bite delivers that perfect contrast between crunchy coating and tender beef inside, wrapped in a blanket of creamy peppered gravy. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend treat, this dish brings homestyle goodness to your table with minimal fuss.

The real magic lies in the gravy—thick, buttery, and full of flavor, it clings to every crispy edge of the steak, ensuring every forkful is as satisfying as the last. Paired with mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits, it’s the kind of meal that fills more than just your stomach. It warms the soul.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For this recipe, cube steak is the traditional and most popular choice. It’s a cut of beef, typically top round or top sirloin, that has been tenderized with a meat mallet or machine. The tenderizing process gives the steak its signature texture, perfect for breading and frying. If cube steak isn’t available, you can tenderize your own cuts of beef, but the convenience of pre-tenderized cube steak makes this recipe especially weeknight-friendly.

Ingredients for the Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

Cube Steak: The foundation of the dish. Its texture holds up beautifully to frying and pairs perfectly with creamy gravy.

Flour: A seasoned flour coating ensures a golden, crunchy crust on the steak. You’ll also need flour for the gravy base.

Eggs and Buttermilk: These bind the breading to the steak and give that signature fried coating. Buttermilk adds a subtle tang.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the breading and the gravy.

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: These add extra flavor to the breading mix.

Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.

Butter: Adds richness to the creamy gravy and helps build a smooth roux.

Milk: The base of the creamy gravy. Whole milk works best for a rich consistency.

Green Onions (Optional): For garnish—adds freshness and color contrast to the creamy gravy finish.

How To Make the Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up two shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs and buttermilk, and another with the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder mixed together. This dual coating is what gives the steak that extra crispy bite.

Step 2: Bread the Steaks

Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let them rest on a rack for 10 minutes to help the breading adhere.

Step 3: Fry the Steaks

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot (about 350°F), fry the steaks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy

Pour out most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons with the browned bits. Add butter and let it melt, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and an optional pinch of cayenne or cracked pepper for kick.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Plate the fried steaks and spoon a generous amount of creamy gravy over the top. Sprinkle with green onions if using. Serve with mashed potatoes, collard greens, or a flaky biscuit on the side.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

This dish is best served hot and fresh, right after the gravy is poured. Pair it with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, or buttermilk biscuits for a full meal that feels like home.

To store leftovers, let the steak cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Keep the gravy separate to maintain the steak’s crispy texture. Store both in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness, and gently warm the gravy on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes! While cube steak is traditional, you can use top round or sirloin. Just tenderize it thoroughly with a meat mallet.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for breading and gravy. Make sure your other ingredients (like buttermilk and spices) are also certified gluten-free.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Why does my breading fall off?

Letting the coated steak rest before frying helps the breading stick. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan and turning the steak too early.

Can I freeze the cooked steak?

Yes, you can freeze the fried steaks without the gravy. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.

Is the gravy spicy?

The base recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add black pepper or cayenne to taste if you enjoy a little heat.

Want More Southern Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love Chicken Fried Steak, here are more savory bites you won’t want to miss:

Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for a cozy one-pan dinner.
One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta with bold flavors and a creamy finish.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for something hearty and indulgent.
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites if you prefer a citrusy twist.
Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken for something extra crispy and satisfying.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use extra pepper in the gravy? Serve it with biscuits or mashed potatoes?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Have a question or suggestion? Share it below and let’s keep the comfort food conversations going.

Want more down-home deliciousness? Follow along on Pinterest at Life with Nina for daily updates and cozy recipe inspiration.

Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet-Fried
Cuisine: Southern

Print Recipe

Description

Golden, crispy, and smothered in rich creamy gravy, this Chicken Fried Steak recipe is Southern comfort food at its best. Tender cube steaks are coated, fried until golden brown, and finished with a peppery homemade gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or biscuits.

Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk. In another bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

2. Dredge each cube steak in seasoned flour, dip into egg mixture, then coat again in flour. Set aside on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F). Fry steaks 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels or rack.

4. Remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan. Add butter and melt. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour to make a roux.

5. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve chicken fried steak with warm gravy poured over and garnish with green onions if desired.