Name: Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: 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

If you’re craving that classic Southern comfort food that hits all the right notes—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and smothered in creamy gravy—then you’re in for a treat. This Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to whip up whenever I want something hearty and downright satisfying.

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

Whenever I make this chicken fried steak, it feels like a warm hug from the South. The crispy, golden crust paired with the smooth, homemade gravy is simply irresistible and always gets rave reviews from friends and family.

Perfectly Crispy Coating: The double-dredge technique ensures a thick, crunchy crust that holds up beautifully through frying.
Rich Homemade Gravy: Forget canned sauce—this gravy is silky, flavorful, and made from scratch with simple ingredients.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an approachable recipe even on busy weeknights.
Classic Southern Comfort: Warm, filling, and utterly satisfying—ideal for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into cooking, let’s talk ingredients. I always recommend grabbing fresh whole milk and quality cube steaks if you can find them—it really makes a difference in texture and flavor. Seasoned salt brings that perfect Southern flair to the crust, and don’t skimp on the butter or oil for the gravy base.

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 both to the batter and the gravy, making everything creamy and smooth.
Large egg: Helps bind the coating and gives the crust a nice structure.
All-purpose flour: The key to that crispy, golden crust and a thick, luscious gravy.
Seasoned salt (like Lawry’s): Elevates the flavor with a balanced mix of spices—totally worth using over plain salt.
Ground black pepper: Adds just the right bit of heat and balance to the seasoning.
Cube steaks: These tenderized steaks cook quickly and stay juicy inside the crispy coating.
Vegetable oil for frying: Provides a neutral flavor and the high heat needed for that perfect fry.
Unsalted butter or reserved cooking oil: Forms the base of the gravy, bringing richness and depth.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the gravy to taste.

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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 parts about this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is just how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to turn up the heat, add a seasonal twist, or adapt it for a dietary need, this classic Southern dish is wonderfully flexible.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika to the flour mixture to give my chicken fried steak a little extra heat and depth. It pairs perfectly with the creamy gravy and keeps things interesting!
Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, making sure it’s one that’s suitable for frying. The texture stays delightfully crispy, and no one misses the gluten.
Herb-Infused Gravy: For a fresh twist, stir in some finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary into the gravy right before serving. It adds a lovely aroma and light herbaceous note that brightens the rich sauce.
Seasonal Veggie Pairing: Depending on the time of year, I’ll serve my chicken fried steak alongside sautéed green beans in the summer or roasted root vegetables in cooler months—both complement the hearty flavors beautifully.

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 and Season Your Breading

Start by whisking together ¾ cup whole milk and 1 large egg in a shallow bowl until fully combined. In a separate bowl, mix ¾ cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. This combo creates a flavorful, crispy coating that’s the hallmark of a great chicken fried steak. Mixing the seasoning in with the flour ensures every bite has that perfect savory punch.

Step 2: Coat the Cube Steaks Thoroughly

Pat your 1 pound of cube steaks dry using paper towels—this little step helps the breading stick like a charm. Next, dip each steak first into the seasoned flour, making sure to cover every surface, then shake off the excess flour. Follow that by dipping the steak into your milk and egg mixture, and then dredge it one more time in the flour mixture. This double-dredging is what builds that thick, crispy crust we all crave. Place the coated steaks on a wire rack to rest; this keeps the coating from getting soggy before frying.

Step 3: Heat Your Oil to the Perfect Frying Temperature

Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom by about ¼ inch—this usually means around 1 to 2 cups depending on your pan size. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for shimmering oil with a slight ripple but no smoke—it’s ready when a small pinch of flour sizzles immediately on contact. Proper temperature is key for that golden, crispy crust without excess oil absorption.

Step 4: Fry Each Steak to Golden Perfection

Fry your steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy breading. Cook each piece for 2 minutes on each side, flipping just once, until they become beautifully golden brown and crispy. Once fried, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and keep them warm. Don’t forget to reserve ¼ cup of this cooking oil—it’s the secret ingredient for our rich homemade gravy.

Step 5: Create the Rich, Creamy Gravy

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add ¼ cup unsalted butter or the reserved cooking oil for that extra flavor punch. Whisk in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture turns a lovely golden brown—you’re developing that classic, nutty roux. If you want thicker gravy, sprinkle in a bit more flour, but aim to keep it smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Whisk in Milk and Season

Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and whisking for 6 to 8 minutes until the gravy thickens into a luxuriously smooth sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it one last taste test—this comforting gravy is what ties the whole dish together.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the warm, creamy gravy generously over each crispy steak and serve immediately. The contrast between the crunchy coating and smooth, rich gravy is pure Southern comfort food bliss. Pair it with mashed potatoes or your favorite veggies for a complete, satisfying meal.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is all about the little details that bring out the best textures and flavors. Here are some tips that have made a huge difference in my kitchen and can in yours, too!

Perfect Breading: Patting the cube steaks dry before dredging ensures the coating sticks beautifully and crisps up evenly without slipping off during frying.
Oil Temperature: >Maintaining the oil around 350°F is key. If it’s too cool, the breading soaks up oil and turns soggy; too hot and the crust burns before the steak cooks through.
Double Dredge Method: >Coating the steaks in flour, then milk and egg, then flour again creates that wonderfully thick, crunchy crust — a small step that really elevates the dish.
Reserve the Oil: >Saving ¼ cup of the frying oil for the gravy adds a depth of flavor you just can’t get from butter alone. Give it a try next time!

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

Brighten up your plate by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives over the creamy gravy. A few pickled jalapeño slices on the side can also add a nice kick and contrast to the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw perfectly complement the crispy, savory steak. For a bit of freshness, add a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. You could also serve it alongside sautéed green beans or roasted carrots to round out the meal with some veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 2 days, perfect for enjoying the next day’s meal without losing that essential crispiness and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, the steak freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap then foil, or seal in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This helps restore the crispy coating while warming the steak evenly without drying it out. Add some fresh gravy heated on the side and you’re all set!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of meat if cube steak isn’t available?

Absolutely! If you can’t find cube steak, just take a tender cut like sirloin or round steak and use a meat tenderizer to flatten it. This helps mimic the texture and ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender.

How do I know when the frying oil is at the right temperature?

Ideally, use a thermometer to aim for around 350°F. Without one, you can test by dropping a small pinch of flour into the oil — if it sizzles and bubbles immediately without burning, the oil is ready.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

You can prepare the gravy in advance and reheat it gently on the stove when ready to serve. Stir frequently and add a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy, smooth texture.

What’s the best way to keep the steak crispy after frying?

Place the fried steaks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet rather than directly on a plate. This prevents steam buildup and helps keep the coating crisp while you finish cooking the rest or prep the gravy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe has been a joy to share, especially because it’s such a comforting, satisfying dish that hits all the right notes — crunchy, creamy, savory, and hearty. I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to make it a regular part of your meal rotation. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, there’s something truly special about sinking your fork into that golden crust and rich gravy. Happy cooking!