Name: Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern American
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 perfect Southern comfort food, this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender cube steaks, fried up crispy and golden, then smothered in creamy, homemade gravy—trust me, it’s a total game changer.

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 Rich Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I make this chicken fried steak recipe all the time when I want a hearty, cozy meal that's surprisingly easy to pull off. The crispy coating combined with the rich, velvety gravy brings that classic Southern goodness straight to your plate.

Super Crispy Coating: Double dredging ensures a crunchy exterior that stays crisp even under the gravy.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge to make this.
Rich, Creamy Gravy: Made from scratch with whole milk and pan drippings for maximum flavor.
Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want comfort food fast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe, the ingredient list is straightforward—but each component plays a crucial role to get that tender inside, crispy outside steak with velvety gravy. When you shop, look for fresh whole milk and high-quality cube steaks for the best results.

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 creaminess to both the coating mix and the gravy, creating that classic Southern taste.
Large egg: Helps the coating stick firmly to the steak for that perfect crunch.
All-purpose flour: The base for dredging and thickening the gravy, giving everything its great texture.
Seasoned salt (like Lawry’s): Infuses the coating with subtle flavor without overpowering the beef.
Ground black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth, balancing the richness.
Cube steaks: These are tenderized cuts perfect for frying; if you can’t find them, you’ll want to tenderize your own steaks before cooking.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying because it handles heat well and keeps that crust crispy.
Unsalted butter or reserved cooking oil: Used for the gravy base to add richness and flavor complexity.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning the gravy to your liking.

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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 Rich Gravy Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to add a spin to suit your taste buds or accommodate dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to make it uniquely yours.

Gluten-Free Variation: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten sensitivities. I've tried this before using a rice flour and tapioca starch mix, and it still gave a wonderfully crispy crust without sacrificing flavor.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, mix some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the flour dredge. It adds a nice smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with the creamy gravy.
Dairy-Free Gravy: Use a plant-based milk, such as oat or almond milk, and substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine for a delicious dairy-free gravy. This keeps the dish creamy and comforting without the dairy.
Herb-Infused Gravy: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of dried sage to the gravy as it simmers. It adds a lovely herbaceous note that enhances the Southern charm of the meal.
Seasonal Twist: In fall, stirring in a handful of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the gravy makes this dish feel extra special and hearty.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich 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 the Perfect Coatings

Start by combining ¾ cup whole milk with one large egg in a shallow bowl until smooth and well blended. This milk and egg mixture is your tenderizing bath for the steaks. In a separate shallow bowl, mix ¾ cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. This flour mixture brings the crispy, flavorful crust to life. Having these ready before you touch the steaks keeps everything moving smoothly.

Step 2: Dredge the Steaks for Maximum Crispiness

Pat the 1 pound of cube steaks dry with paper towels — this step is key for the coating to stick beautifully. Coat each steak first in the seasoned flour, shake off the excess, then dip it fully into the milk and egg mix. Finally, dredge the steak again in the flour, pressing gently so a thick, crunchy coating forms. Place each coated steak on a wire rack and let them rest briefly; this helps the coating set and makes for a crispier finish when fried.

Step 3: Fry Each Steak to Golden Perfection

Heat about 1-2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking – this usually takes a few minutes. Carefully add steaks in batches so they have enough space to fry evenly. Cook each side for 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip only once for that perfect crust. Once cooked, transfer steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Don’t forget to reserve ¼ cup of this fragrant oil for your gravy—it adds amazing flavor!

Step 4: Whisk Up the Creamy, Rich Gravy

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter or warm up the reserved cooking oil from the steaks. Whisk in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking constantly until the mixture turns golden and smells nutty. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and forms your silky roux base.

Step 5: Finish Your Gravy with Care and Seasoning

Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk, whisking continually to keep lumps away. Keep stirring as the gravy cooks and thickens over 6 to 8 minutes until it's luxuriously smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your palate. The result? A velvety gravy that’s the perfect companion for your golden fried steaks.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy While Warm

Generously spoon the warm gravy over each crispy chicken fried steak and serve immediately. The contrast of hot, crunchy steak with rich gravy makes this Southern classic such a satisfying comfort food. Pair it with mashed potatoes or your favorite veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Top Tip

These tips can really elevate your Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe and make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Perfect Crispiness: Make sure to pat your cube steaks dry before coating them. This simple step helps the seasoned flour stick better and creates that irresistible crispy crust we all love.
Oil Temperature Matters: Don’t rush frying! Wait until the vegetable oil is hot but not smoking before adding the steaks. This ensures a golden, crunchy coating without being greasy or soggy.
Double Dredging Technique: Dip once in the flour mixture, then in the milk and egg, and back to the flour again. This double coating creates that thick, hearty crust that holds up perfectly under the rich gravy.
Reserve the Drippings: Saving ¼ cup of the fried steaks’ cooking oil for your gravy adds unbeatable flavor and richness — a little trick I’ve found makes all the difference.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich 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

To add a fresh, vibrant touch to this Southern classic, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. A little cracked black pepper on the gravy not only enhances flavor but gives your plate a beautiful contrast. For a zesty twist, a few dashes of hot sauce on the side can bring delightful heat.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the luscious milk gravy perfectly. For some greens, try sautéed green beans or a crisp wedge salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Creamed corn or buttery biscuits complete a comforting, hearty meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftovers fresh, store the Chicken Fried Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty for up to 2 days—perfect for a next-day treat or quick lunch.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, they will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months — just thaw before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken Fried Steak gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Warm the gravy separately on low heat, whisking frequently to keep it smooth and creamy before serving over the reheated steaks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best cut of meat for Chicken Fried Steak?

Cube steaks are the traditional choice because they’re tenderized and cook quickly with a crispy coating. If you can’t find cube steak, you can use a tougher cut like round steak and tenderize it yourself with a meat mallet.

Can I make the rich gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the homemade milk gravy ahead of time and gently reheat it when ready to serve. Whisk it well while warming to keep it smooth and prevent lumps.

How do I get the coating crispy and not soggy?

Ensuring the steaks are dry before dredging and frying them in hot oil are key to crispiness. Double dredging the steaks with flour also builds a thicker, crunchier crust that holds up well to gravy.

Is it possible to use butter instead of vegetable oil for frying?

Butter can burn easily at frying temperatures, so it’s best to use vegetable oil for frying the steaks. However, you can use butter or a mix of butter and reserved cooking oil for making the gravy to add extra richness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm Southern hug. The comforting crunch of the golden crust paired with the luscious, creamy gravy is a combination that never fails to satisfy. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish brings smiles and full bellies every time. So grab your skillet, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern hospitality right at home!