This Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is a true comfort food classic. Crispy, golden-brown cube steaks are smothered in a rich, creamy country gravy, served alongside buttery green beans and toast. This dish is perfect for when you crave something hearty, savory, and full of flavor—just like you’d find in a cozy Southern diner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and juicy – The chicken fried steak is coated in a flavorful, crispy crust while staying tender and juicy on the inside.
- Rich and creamy gravy – The country gravy is smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect topping for the steak.
- Comforting sides – Paired with green beans and toast, this meal is the ultimate Southern comfort food.
- Easy to make – With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this dish in under 40 minutes.
- Classic Southern flavor – This dish brings the heart and soul of Southern cooking to your table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 2 beef cube steaks (about 6 oz each)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Buttermilk
- Large egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Country Gravy:
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
For Serving:
- Green beans (steamed or sautéed)
- 1 slice of toast or biscuit (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
Bread the Steak:
- Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly.
- Dip the steak into the buttermilk-egg mixture, then coat again with the flour mixture, pressing the coating firmly to adhere.
Fry the Steak:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry each steak for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the steaks on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the Country Gravy:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
- Gradually add whole milk, whisking constantly until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Serve:
- Plate the chicken fried steak and generously smother with warm country gravy.
- Serve with green beans and toast or biscuits on the side.
Enjoy:
- Dive into this crispy, juicy chicken fried steak smothered in creamy country gravy. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 680 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy gravy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for some heat.
- Baked chicken fried steak: If you’d prefer a lighter version, bake the breaded steaks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the beef with tofu steaks for a vegetarian-friendly version of chicken fried steak.
- Extra flavor: Try adding onion powder and smoked paprika to the gravy for an additional flavor boost.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the fried steaks and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked steaks (without gravy) for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
- Reheating: Warm the fried steak in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, you can substitute cube steak with sirloin or round steak, but cube steak is the most tender and traditional choice.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If the gravy is too thin, whisk in a bit more flour (about 1 tsp) and let it simmer until thickened.
Can I make the chicken fried steak ahead of time?
You can prepare the breaded steaks ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and fry them just before serving.
Can I use non-dairy milk for the gravy?
Yes, you can use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk for a dairy-free version.
What else can I serve with this meal?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or fried okra for a true Southern feast.
Conclusion
Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is the epitome of comfort food, with crispy fried steak and rich, creamy gravy that will leave you wanting more. Paired with green beans and toast, this hearty meal is perfect for satisfying your cravings for Southern flavors.
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Southern-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, golden-fried steak smothered in a rich, creamy country gravy, served with buttery green beans and toast for a comforting Southern classic.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
- 2 beef cube steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Country Gravy:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
For Serving:
- 1 cup green beans, steamed or sautéed
- 1 slice of toast or biscuit (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Coating:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
Bread the Steak:
- Dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture, dip into the buttermilk-egg mixture, then coat again with the flour. Press the coating firmly to adhere.
Fry the Steak:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry each steak for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Make the Country Gravy:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Serve:
- Place the chicken fried steak on a plate and smother with warm country gravy.
- Serve with steamed or sautéed green beans and toast or a biscuit. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a crispier crust, let the breaded steak rest for a few minutes before frying.
- Add extra seasonings like cayenne pepper for a little heat in the gravy.
- For an authentic Southern touch, serve with mashed potatoes or fried okra.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Southern Cuisine
- Method: Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern, American
