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Crispy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Creamy White Gravy

crispy chicken fried steak - featured image

A comforting classic featuring tender cube steak with a crispy seasoned crust, served with rich and creamy white gravy. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pieces cube steak (about 6 oz / 170 g each), trimmed and pounded thin
  • 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dredging)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, about 1 inch deep in skillet
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels and pound to about 1/4 inch thickness if needed.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; whisk to mix.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together beaten eggs and 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk.
  4. Dredge each steak first in plain flour, then dip into egg mixture, and coat with the seasoned flour mixture. Press flour into meat to form crust. Place on wire rack or plate.
  5. Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into skillet and heat over medium-high to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry steaks carefully without overcrowding for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  7. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook 1-2 minutes until light golden.
  8. Slowly whisk in warm milk and simmer 5-7 minutes until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Serve steaks warm topped with creamy white gravy and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.

Notes

Pat steaks dry before breading for best crust. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt crust. Rest steaks on wire rack after frying to keep crisp. Whisk gravy constantly to avoid lumps; add milk to thin if needed. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fried steak, crispy steak, white gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, southern recipe