Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

Southern comfort food doesn’t get much more iconic than a plate of crispy, golden-brown chicken fried steak smothered in rich, creamy gravy. It’s the kind of meal that takes you back to grandma’s kitchen where love was fried into every bite and the gravy was always made from scratch.

This Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy is a stick-to-your-ribs classic that blends juicy tenderized beef with a crunchy crust, then tops it off with a buttery, peppery milk gravy that’s downright irresistible. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight indulgence, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to the table every time.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, tender inside: Thanks to the double dredging method.
• That gravy, though: Rich, creamy, and generously seasoned it ties everything together.
• Southern soul on a plate: Hearty, homey, and deeply satisfying.
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable cuts like cube or round steak but tastes gourmet.
• Perfect for gatherings: A comfort food classic that’s always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break this down into two parts: the steak and the gravy.

For the Steak:

• 1 lb cube or round steaks (4 portions)
• 1½ tsp kosher salt (½ tsp for steak, 1 tsp for flour mix)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk (for a tangy kick)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend (add 1 tsp xanthan gum if GF)
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1½ cups neutral oil (canola, peanut, or vegetable)

For the Creamy Gravy:

• 3 tbsp reserved pan drippings
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or whole milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch)
• 1¾ cups whole milk (add more for a thinner consistency)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (generous amounts!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low heat will keep your fried steaks warm and crispy while you work on the rest.

Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and set it in the oven. This prevents sogginess and allows excess oil to drip off.

2. Prep and Pound the Steaks

If you’re using round steak, use a meat mallet to pound it to about ¼-inch thickness. This helps tenderize the meat even further and ensures even cooking.

Season both sides of each steak with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Let it sit while you prepare your dredging stations.

3. Create Your Dredging Stations

Set up two shallow bowls:

• Flour Mix: Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp kosher salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Egg Wash: Whisk together the eggs and milk (or buttermilk) until fully blended.

4. Double Dredge for Extra Crunch

Here’s where the magic happens:

1. First flour dredge – Coat each steak thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to help it stick.
2. Dip in egg wash – Let the excess drip off.
3. Back into the flour – Coat once more, pressing the flour in to create a craggy, crispy texture.

🍳 Chef Tip: Pressing the flour into the meat helps develop that iconic Southern-style crust that holds up under gravy.

5. Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Pour about 1½ cups of oil into a large cast iron skillet or heavy frying pan. Heat over medium-high until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).

Fry each steak one at a time, about 3–4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and crisp. Use a spoon to gently baste the tops with hot oil for even browning.

Place the finished steaks on the prepared wire rack in the oven to stay warm.

6. Make the Creamy White Gravy

After frying, carefully pour off most of the oil, leaving about 3 tablespoons of drippings in the pan (the flavorful stuff!).

Reduce heat to medium and whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour turns golden and begins to bubble.

Gradually whisk in the 1¾ cups of milk and ¼ cup cream. Stir continuously as the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

Season generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.

7. Plate and Serve

Place your warm chicken fried steaks on a plate and spoon over a generous ladle of hot gravy. Serve with your favorite Southern sides for a plate of pure comfort.

Classic Sides to Serve With Chicken Fried Steak

• Buttermilk biscuits (with extra gravy, of course)
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Collard greens with bacon
• Southern-style green beans
• Fried okra
• Cornbread muffins

This dish is the heart and soul of Southern comfort, and these sides complete the picture.

Tips for Success

• Use cube steak for ease: Already tenderized, it’s perfect for this dish.
• Don’t skip the double dredge: It creates that signature crunch.
• Keep your oil hot but not smoking: Around 350°F is ideal for frying.
• Gravy should be thick but pourable: Adjust milk to your desired consistency.
• Let it rest on a rack: Keeps the crust crispy instead of soggy.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Can you prep in advance? Yes!

• Make ahead: You can dredge the steaks a few hours early and refrigerate them. Bring to room temp before frying.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Microwaving may soften the crust.

FAQs About Chicken Fried Steak

Is chicken fried steak made with chicken?
Despite the name, it’s made with beef typically cube steak. The name comes from the method of cooking, similar to fried chicken.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum. Also ensure your cube steak and other ingredients are GF-certified.

What’s the difference between country fried steak and chicken fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is usually served with white cream gravy, while country fried steak may be served with a brown gravy. Both are delicious!

Can I use an air fryer instead?
You can try it, but traditional frying yields the best texture. If you do use an air fryer, preheat and spray the coated steak well with oil.

Final Thoughts from Chef Linda

This Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. Crispy, juicy, and topped with that silky-smooth gravy, it brings Southern hospitality to your plate. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the hundredth, this recipe delivers every time.

So pour yourself some sweet tea, gather your people, and dig in. Because nothing says “welcome home” quite like chicken fried steak.