American
Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy
A Southern classic consisting of a tenderized beef steak coated in seasoned flour and pan-fried, resembling fried chicken, served with white gravy.
Watch it madeHey Grill Hey · 8:19
Ingredients
- Cube steaks4
- All-purpose flour2 cups
- Eggs2
- Whole milk2.5 cups
- Vegetable oil1/2 cup
- Paprika1 tsp
- Black pepper1 tbsp
Method
- Pound the cube steaks with a meat mallet until thin and tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station: one bowl with flour and spices, another with whisked eggs and milk. Dip steak in flour, then egg, then flour again.
- Fry the steaks in a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain.
- Discard all but 2 tablespoons of oil. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan drippings to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and plenty of black pepper. Simmer until thickened into a white gravy. Pour over steaks.
Common questions
Can I substitute cube steak with another cut for chicken fried steak?
Yes. Bottom round, top round, or sirloin steak can work if you pound them thin and tenderize well. Avoid very lean cuts that stay tough. If needed, ask the butcher for thin-cut steak for breading and frying.
How long does it take to make chicken fried steak and gravy from start to finish?
Plan on about 35 to 45 minutes total. Pounding and breading takes 15 minutes, frying the steaks about 10 to 15 minutes, and the gravy another 5 to 10 minutes.
What are the most common mistakes when frying chicken fried steak?
The biggest mistakes are not pounding the meat thin, skipping the double dredge, and frying at the wrong heat. Too hot burns the coating; too low makes it greasy. Also, let breaded steaks rest before frying if possible.
How should I store and reheat leftover chicken fried steak and gravy?
Store steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat steak in a 375°F oven or air fryer to crisp it back up, and warm gravy slowly on the stove with a splash of milk.
What should I serve with chicken fried steak and country gravy?
Classic sides are mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, biscuits, or scrambled eggs. The gravy is rich, so choose simple sides that balance it. Serve immediately after cooking while the crust is crisp and the gravy is hot.