Name: Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American Southern
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 1-2 cups); ¼ cup unsalted butter or reserved cooking oil from steak; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; Kosher salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Nothing screams comfort food quite like a plate of golden, crispy chicken fried steak smothered in creamy gravy. This Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is my go-to when I want to bring a little Southern charm to the dinner table that everyone will actually fight over.

On a white plate with a thin gold rim, there are two pieces of golden brown fried chicken with a rough, crispy texture. The chicken pieces are stacked slightly on top of each other and covered with a thick, creamy white sauce that has small black specks. To the right of the chicken, there is a bunch of fresh, bright green parsley with curly leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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 this chicken fried steak more times than I can count, and it’s always a hit. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and that homemade gravy? It’s the perfect finishing touch that keeps you coming back for more.

Perfectly Crispy Coating: The double dredging technique creates an irresistibly crunchy crust every time.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making this recipe easy and approachable.
Homemade Gravy: Made from scratch with pan drippings or butter, adding rich, creamy flavor you won’t find in a jar.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal or casual weekend dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get cooking, let’s talk ingredients. The key to this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is using good-quality cube steaks and keeping things simple but flavorful. The seasoned salt adds that little something special, and don’t skip the wire rack step — it keeps your steak crispy instead of soggy.

Flat lay of a fresh whole large egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing seasoned salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, raw cube steaks with natural marbling on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with unsalted butter, 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: Adds richness and moisture to the egg wash, helping the coating stick better.
Large Egg: Binds the flour coating to the steak perfectly for that crisp exterior.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the crispy crust and thickens the creamy gravy.
Seasoned Salt (such as Lawry's): Brings a balanced, savory flavor to the coating.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Cube Steaks: Tenderized beef ideal for quick frying and softness inside the crisp shell.
Vegetable Oil for Frying: Provides a neutral, high-heat oil perfect for getting that golden crust.
Unsalted Butter or Reserved Cooking Oil: Creates a flavorful base for the gravy.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the gravy just right.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs and make it truly your own.

Gluten-Free Friendly: I’ve substituted the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend before, and it worked surprisingly well. The crust still crisps up nicely, and the gravy thickens beautifully. Just be sure your flour blend can handle frying and thickening.
Spice It Up: For a little southern kick, I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture. It adds a subtle warmth that pairs so well with the creamy gravy.
Herb-Infused Gravy: Tossing in fresh thyme or chopped chives to the gravy right at the end is a quick way to brighten up the dish and add a fresh herbal note that contrasts perfectly with the richness.
Lean Meat Alternative: If you prefer a leaner option, tenderized sirloin can be used instead of cube steaks — just remember to pound it thin so it stays tender and cooks evenly.

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

The image shows a white plate with a thick, round meat patty sliced in half horizontally, revealing two dense brown layers with a crispy golden-brown outer crust. A creamy white sauce with a smooth, slightly speckled texture flows generously over the top and middle edges of the patty. Behind the meat, there is a mound of pale yellow mashed potatoes with a slightly rough texture. A silver fork is stuck vertically into the top layer of the meat. The background has a soft white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Coatings

Start by combining ¾ cup whole milk and 1 large egg in a shallow bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. In another shallow bowl, mix ¾ cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. This seasoned flour will give your coating great flavor and a bit of seasoning depth before frying.

Step 2: Coat the Cube Steaks Thoroughly

Pat your 1 pound cube steaks dry to help the coating stick better. First, dredge each steak in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge it again through the flour mixture for that extra-crispy double layer. Place the coated steaks on a wire rack to rest while you prepare the gravy — this step helps the coating set and stay crunchy while frying.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 1 to 2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot — around 350°F is ideal. Carefully add a few steaks at a time and fry for about 2 minutes on each side, flipping just once. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden brown color and a crispy crust forming. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil. Don’t forget to save ¼ cup of the cooking oil for making your gravy — it’s packed with flavor!

Step 4: Whisk up the Creamy Gravy

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter or heat the reserved cooking oil from the steak. Stir in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns golden and smells nutty. Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk, whisking continuously to keep lumps at bay. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This slow stirring is key to creating a silky smooth gravy.

Step 5: Simmer Until Thick and Delicious

Keep whisking the gravy frequently as it cooks for 6 to 8 minutes, until it thickens up and becomes perfectly smooth. Adjust the seasoning as needed, tasting for that perfect balance between creamy and savory. If the gravy gets too thick, just add a splash more milk.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate your golden, crispy chicken fried steaks and ladle a generous amount of warm, creamy gravy over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture — the contrast between the crispy crust and the velvety gravy is simply irresistible. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or buttery green beans for a full Southern comfort meal.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe comes down to a few essential tricks that guarantee that golden crust and creamy, flavorful gravy every time.

Patience with Coating: Letting the coated steaks rest on a wire rack before frying helps the breading set and stick better, which means a crunchier crust.
Oil Temperature Matters: Make sure your frying oil is around 350°F before adding the steaks. Too cool, and you’ll end up with soggy coating; too hot, and the crust burns before the steak cooks through.
Reserve the Oil: Saving ¼ cup of the frying oil for your gravy gives you that perfected pan flavor that homemade gravy just can’t match.
Drain Smartly: Using a wire rack instead of just paper towels keeps the coating crispy by letting excess oil drip away without trapping steam.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a silver pan filled with thick, creamy white sauce that has small bits of black pepper throughout. A silver spoon scoops some sauce, showing its smooth and rich texture, while the pan edges and handle are visible. The background has a white marbled texture, highlighting the sauce's creamy look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can really brighten your plate—try a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side can also add a subtle zing that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

Classic Southern side dishes pair beautifully with this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe. Think creamy mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up that luscious gravy), buttery green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve with buttermilk biscuits or roasted corn on the cob. Sweet tea or a cold lemonade rounds out the perfect family dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For best results, place leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days—perfect for a quick next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe longer, wrap the cooked steaks tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To maintain that fabulous crispy crust, reheat leftovers in a low oven rather than the microwave. Set your oven to about 300°F and warm the steaks on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes. Reheat the gravy gently on the stovetop, whisking until smooth and hot.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of meat if I can't find cube steak?

Absolutely! If cube steak isn’t available, use a thin tenderized round steak or sirloin. Just be sure to pound it tender before coating to ensure the steak is nice and tender after frying.

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

Aim for the oil to reach about 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small pinch of the flour mixture in the oil—if it sizzles and bubbles immediately, you’re good to go.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the gravy up to a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stove, whisking to restore its creamy texture. If it thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk.

How can I keep the coating crispy when reheating leftovers?

Reheat your leftover chicken fried steak in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) on a wire rack or baking sheet to help maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so undeniably comforting about a warm plate of Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with rich, creamy gravy. Whether it’s a special weekend dinner or a way to make any day feel a little cozier, this classic Southern dish brings that welcoming hug of flavor we all crave. With these tips and tricks, I hope you’ll feel confident making this recipe a beloved staple in your home. Dig in, savor every bite, and enjoy every moment around your table!