Name: Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: ¾ cup whole milk; 1 large egg; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt (such as Lawry's); ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 pound cube steaks; Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 to 2 cups); ¼ cup unsalted butter or reserved cooking oil from steak; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

If you crave that perfect crunchy exterior with a tender, juicy inside, then this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is going to be your new comfort food obsession. It’s classic Southern goodness, ready to come together in just 30 minutes!

A white plate holds two pieces of golden brown fried chicken with a crispy, textured crust. On top of the chicken, there is a thick layer of creamy white gravy with small black pepper specks, unevenly spread over the center. To the right side of the plate, there is a small bunch of fresh green parsley with curly leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and part of another plate with light-colored mashed potatoes is faintly visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made my share of fried steaks over the years, but nothing beats this crispy, golden crust paired with that creamy homemade gravy. It’s like a warm hug in meal form—perfect any day of the week!

Quick & Easy: You’ll have this Southern classic on the table in just 30 minutes flat.
Crispy Perfection: The double dredge method creates an irresistibly crunchy crust.
Rich, Creamy Gravy: Made from scratch using the pan drippings or butter for extra flavor.
Family Favorite: Everyone from kids to grandparents will ask for seconds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting your ingredients right can make or break a Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each one matters—so your steak turns out just like mine did the first time I nailed it.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of seasoned salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a raw pound of cube steaks, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Provides richness both in the coating and the gravy, helping the batter stick and flavor the sauce.
Large egg: Binds the seasoned flour to the steak, contributing to that crispy crust.
All-purpose flour: Used twice for the coating to create a sturdy, crunchy exterior and also for thickening the gravy.
Seasoned salt: Adds a flavorful punch—Lawry’s seasoned salt is my go-to for that subtle blend of spices.
Ground black pepper: Balanced heat to enhance the savory notes without overpowering.
Cube steaks: Tenderized and thin, these are perfect for frying quickly while staying juicy inside.
Vegetable oil: Use a high smoke point oil like canola or peanut for frying that crisp crust without burning.
Unsalted butter or reserved cooking oil: The base fat for the gravy, locking in flavor from the fried steaks or butter’s richness.
Kosher salt: Used to season the gravy perfectly to taste.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is a classic Southern comfort food that’s incredibly versatile. Whether you want to add a personal twist or adjust it for dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it while still keeping that irresistible crispy crust and creamy gravy.

Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and it worked beautifully! The coating stayed crispy and the gravy thickened nicely using the same method.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture gives the steak a subtle heat that’s fantastic if you like a little spice in your comfort food.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Using a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and coconut oil instead of butter for the gravy keeps the dish creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Seasonal Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or sage stirred into the gravy add a lovely earthy depth perfect for fall and winter meals.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick meat patty cut in half on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface. The patty has two dense, brown layers of cooked meat with a crispy outer crust, sandwiching a middle layer of creamy white sauce that drips slightly down the sides. The top of the patty is also covered with the same white sauce, which looks smooth and slightly runny. A fork is stuck into the top half of the patty, and in the background, there is a blurred side of light yellow mashed potatoes on the plate. Another plate with a similar dish is out of focus in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Wet and Dry Coatings

Start by whisking ¾ cup of whole milk with one large egg in a shallow bowl until smooth and combined—a simple mixture that will help the flour adhere perfectly to your steak. In a separate bowl, mix ¾ cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. This seasoned flour is the secret to that flavorful, crispy crust we all love.

Step 2: Coat the Cube Steaks Thoroughly

Pat your 1 pound of cube steaks dry to ensure the coating sticks nicely. First, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip the steak into the egg and milk mixture, followed by another good coating of the seasoned flour. Place each coated steak on a wire rack and let them rest a few minutes—it helps the coating set and stay put when frying.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfect Crispy Bliss

Heat about 1 to 2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking—you want the right temperature to get that perfect crunch. Fry each steak for about 2 minutes on each side until you see that gorgeous golden brown color. Drain the steaks on paper towels to remove any excess oil, and don’t forget to reserve ¼ cup of that cooking oil for making your rich gravy.

Step 4: Craft Your Velvety Homemade Gravy

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter or use the reserved cooking oil from your steaks. Whisk in ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns a lovely golden color and smells nutty. This roux base adds the perfect depth to your gravy.

Step 5: Whisk in Milk and Season to Taste

Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking vigorously to keep the gravy smooth and lump-free. Continue cooking and whisking for 6 to 8 minutes until your gravy thickens to a luscious consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Finish by seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference—this step really brings it all together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Pour that warm, creamy gravy generously over your crispy chicken fried steaks and serve immediately. This hearty dish makes for a soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect any day of the week.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy can be tricky, but these tips from my own kitchen adventures will help you nail this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe every time.

Pat the Steaks Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. I always make sure to thoroughly pat my cube steaks dry before dipping them in the coatings – it makes the flour crust stick beautifully and fry up nice and crunchy.
Hot Oil Is Key: I learned the hard way that frying in oil that’s not hot enough leads to soggy coating. So, heat your vegetable oil until it’s hot but not smoking before you start frying, and you’ll get that golden-brown crunch.
Double-Dip for Double Crunch: The classic flour-milk-flour dredge creates that signature crust. Taking time to evenly coat the steaks twice in the seasoned flour mixture makes all the difference – trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
Don’t Skip Resting: After dredging, I like to let the coated steaks rest on a wire rack. This little pause helps the crust set so it doesn’t slide off while frying, avoiding a frustrating mess.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick, creamy white sauce in a pan. The sauce has a smooth texture with small specks of black pepper spread throughout, giving it a slightly speckled look. A silver spoon is lifting some of the sauce, showing its thick but flowing consistency. The pan is on a stove, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up this hearty Southern classic, sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or chives over the creamy gravy. A dash of cracked black pepper on top adds a touch of rustic charm and a subtle bite. For a little extra flavor punch, serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for those who like a hint of tang to cut through the richness.

Side Dishes

Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a complete Southern comfort meal, but pairing it with classic sides takes it to the next level. Think creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of that luscious gravy, tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, or buttery green beans sautéed with garlic. Don’t forget flaky buttermilk biscuits or cornbread for mopping up all that goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be hard, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days — just enough time to enjoy this comfort food all over again.

Freezing

This Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing that crispy texture once reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the steak on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. For best results, reheat the gravy separately on the stove over low heat, whisking occasionally until smooth and warm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of meat if I can’t find cube steaks?

Absolutely! If cube steaks aren’t available, use a regular round or sirloin steak. Just be sure to tenderize them with a meat mallet before coating to ensure they cook evenly and stay tender.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

A good test is to sprinkle a pinch of flour into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles immediately, your oil is ready. Aim for medium heat—too hot and the coating might burn, too cool and it will be greasy rather than crispy.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking often to maintain its creamy texture.

Is this recipe suitable for lactose intolerant diets?

This recipe uses whole milk and butter, so it contains lactose. You can try substituting with lactose-free milk and dairy-free butter alternatives, but results might vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

There's something truly special about sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden Chicken Fried Steak smothered in creamy homemade gravy — it’s like a warm hug from the South right on your plate. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this comforting meal a regular in your kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend feast, this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe promises satisfaction with every bite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!