Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

This hearty dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, featuring tenderized steak coated in a crispy breading and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a satisfying dinner or a special treat.

Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown steak that reveals a tender, juicy interior. The key to this dish is the perfect breading, which seals in the flavors and creates a delightful crunch with every bite. The gravy, made from the pan drippings, adds a layer of richness that ties the whole dish together. Served with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides, this Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is sure to be a hit.

This recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the seasonings, add your favorite herbs, or even experiment with different types of steak.

So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! This Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is going to be a crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a staple in your household.

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a classic Southern dish that features tenderized steak coated in a crispy breading and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner or a special treat. The unique selling points are the crispy, golden-brown breading, the tender, juicy steak, and the rich, homemade gravy, making it a showstopper for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a special treat to enjoy at home, this Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is sure to impress. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Exciting Story:

My family absolutely loves this Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy. Every time I make it, it’s like a little celebration in our kitchen. The kids love helping me bread the steak, and my husband can’t get enough of the crispy exterior and the rich, creamy gravy. It’s become a staple in our household, especially for cozy family dinners and special occasions.

One evening, we had some friends over for dinner, and I decided to make this dish as the main course. As soon as I brought it out, everyone’s eyes lit up. The golden-brown steak and the aroma of the rich gravy were irresistible. The first bite was met with a chorus of “mmms” and “wows.” The combination of the crispy breading, the tender steak, and the creamy gravy was a hit. Our friends couldn’t stop talking about how delicious and comforting it was.

Now, whenever we have a gathering, this Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is always on the menu. It’s become a favorite not just in our household, but among our friends as well. And the best part? It’s so easy to make that I never stress about preparing it.

Why This Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe Is a Must-Try

This recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it features a crispy, golden-brown breading that seals in the flavors and creates a delightful crunch with every bite. The tender, juicy steak and the rich, creamy gravy made from the pan drippings create a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Second, this dish is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the seasonings, add your favorite herbs, or even experiment with different types of steak.

Another selling point is the comfort factor. This Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a satisfying dinner or a special treat. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a special treat to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

What You Need For Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

For the Steak:

• 4 cube steaks (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

Start by setting up your breading station. In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the steak in the buttermilk and egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the steak in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded steaks and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

To make the gravy, pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet. Add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to combine, cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the gravy for about 5-7 minutes, or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the Chicken Fried Steak hot, smothered in the creamy gravy. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!

Tips For Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy:

To ensure the steaks are evenly coated, use one hand for the dry ingredients and the other for the wet ingredients to prevent clumping.

For extra crispy steaks, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the steaks. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into it; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

Substitutions and Variations:

Feel free to customize the seasonings with your favorite herbs and spices. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or a sprinkle of dried thyme for extra flavor.

For a different type of steak, you can use thinly sliced sirloin or round steak instead of cube steak. Just make sure to tenderize the steak before breading.

If you prefer a different type of milk, you can use half-and-half or even heavy cream for a richer gravy.

Make a Healthier Version:

To make this recipe healthier, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use low-fat milk for the gravy.

For a lower-calorie version, bake the breaded steaks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, instead of frying them.

Closing For Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy:

And there you have it! A delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to let us know how your Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions For Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy:

1. Can I use a different type of steak?
   • Yes, you can use thinly sliced sirloin or round steak instead of cube steak. Just make sure to tenderize the steak before breading.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • This recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot. However, you can bread the steaks ahead of time and fry them just before serving.
3. Can I use store-bought gravy?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought gravy for convenience, but homemade gravy will give you the best flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free milk and butter for the gravy.
6. Can I add more seasonings to the breading?
   • Yes, you can add your favorite herbs and spices to the breading for extra flavor.
7. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
   • Yes, you can bake the breaded steaks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
   • This recipe is not suitable for a slow cooker, as the steaks need to be fried or baked for the best results.
9. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
   • This recipe is not suitable for an Instant Pot, as the steaks need to be fried or baked for the best results.
10. Can I double this recipe?
    • Yes, you can double this recipe. Simply use a larger skillet or make two batches.
11. Can I halve this recipe?
    • Yes, you can halve this recipe. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
12. Can I add vegetables to the gravy?
    • Yes, you can add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.