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

Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried steak paired with creamy, homemade gravy—my go-to comfort food. This Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe is classic soul food done right, delivering warmth and flavor in every bite.

A white plate holds two pieces of golden brown fried chicken with a crispy, textured crust. On top of the chicken, there is a thick layer of creamy white gravy with small black pepper specks, unevenly spread over the center. To the right side of the plate, there is a small bunch of fresh green parsley with curly leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and part of another plate with light-colored mashed potatoes is faintly visible in the top left corner. 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 Savory Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited every time I make this crispy chicken fried steak with gravy because it brings that perfect balance of crunchy, tender, and creamy goodness straight to the table. It’s honestly easier to make than you’d think!

Perfectly Crispy Coating: The double-dredging technique ensures that golden, crunchy crust you crave without any sogginess.
Rich, Velvety Gravy: The homemade gravy made from scratch elevates the dish beyond ordinary and ties everything together beautifully.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, you get a satisfying meal that feels special without hours in the kitchen.
Family Favorite: This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for sharing, leftovers, or filling hungry appetites with comfort.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, shop for quality cube steaks and make sure you have your pantry staples on hand. These ingredients are straightforward, yet they come together in just the right way to deliver that authentic southern fried steak experience.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of seasoned salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a raw pound of cube steaks, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter cubes, 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 to both the batter and the gravy, making everything creamy and luscious.
Large Egg: Helps bind the coating for that extra crispy finish.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the breading and the gravy; it thickens and crisps perfectly.
Seasoned Salt: I like using Lawry’s for a balanced, savory flavor that really seeps into the coating.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth throughout the dish.
Cube Steaks: These are thin, tender, and perfect for frying; if you can’t find them, tenderize your own steaks.
Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral taste.
Unsalted Butter or Reserved Cooking Oil: Either works great for the gravy base, giving it a rich flavor.
Kosher Salt: To season the gravy just right for that perfect balance.

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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 Savory Gravy Recipe is how customizable it can be to match your tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with seasoning blends, cooking oils, or even the type of milk used in the gravy to make it uniquely yours.

Gluten-Free Variation: I tried swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and it came out surprisingly crisp while still holding the rich gravy beautifully. Just be sure your blend includes a starch to get that perfect crunchy coating.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture gave my steaks an extra layer of warmth that paired wonderfully with the creamy gravy.
Herb-Infused Gravy: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred into the gravy as it thickens added a lovely herbal depth that elevated the whole meal.
Dairy-Free Tip: If you prefer a dairy-free option, almond milk works well in the gravy, though it will be slightly lighter in flavor and texture. Using avocado oil for frying keeps everything suit your preference.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick meat patty cut in half on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface. The patty has two dense, brown layers of cooked meat with a crispy outer crust, sandwiching a middle layer of creamy white sauce that drips slightly down the sides. The top of the patty is also covered with the same white sauce, which looks smooth and slightly runny. A fork is stuck into the top half of the patty, and in the background, there is a blurred side of light yellow mashed potatoes on the plate. Another plate with a similar dish is out of focus in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisking the Perfect Breading Mixtures

Start by mixing your wet and dry coatings separately. In a shallow bowl, whisk together ¾ cup whole milk and 1 large egg until smooth and well combined — this will help your flour stick beautifully. Then, in another bowl, blend ¾ cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to create a flavorful, seasoned crust.

Step 2: Coating the Cube Steaks Just Right

Pat the 1 pound of cube steaks dry with paper towels to remove moisture — this is key to getting the breading to adhere well. Dredge each steak first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the milk and egg mixture. Return the steaks to the flour mixture for a second coat, making sure they're fully covered with that seasoned crust. Rest the coated steaks on a wire rack for a few minutes; this helps the coating set and prevents sogginess.

Step 3: Achieving Golden, Crispy Perfection in the Pan

Heat 1-2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want your oil hot but not smoking — about 350°F (175°C) if you have a thermometer handy. Fry the steaks in batches, cooking each side for 2 minutes without flipping more than once to keep the crust intact. Once golden brown and crispy, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Don’t forget to reserve ¼ cup of that flavorful cooking oil for your gravy.

Step 4: Whisking Up That Creamy Homemade Gravy

In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat ¼ cup unsalted butter (or the reserved cooking oil) until melted and shimmering. Whisk in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the roux turns a light golden color and smells nutty. Gradually pour in 2 cups whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the gravy cook for 6-8 minutes until it thickens up to a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Time to Serve and Savor

Serve your crispy chicken fried steaks hot, generously smothered with that silky homemade gravy. Enjoy right away for the best crispy texture — this meal is comfort food at its finest!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe means paying attention to some simple but crucial details that make all the difference. Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your steak turns out perfectly every time!

Perfect Breading: Patting the cube steaks dry before dredging helps the seasoned flour stick better, giving you that irresistible crispy crust.
Double Dip Technique: Coating the steaks in the flour mixture, then the milk and egg, followed by another dredge in flour creates a sturdy, crunchy coating — trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
Oil Temperature Matters: Make sure your vegetable oil is hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) if you’re using a thermometer—so the coating crisps quickly without soaking up too much oil.
Reserve that Oil: Saving ¼ cup of the cooking oil after frying adds incredible depth to your homemade gravy; don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick, creamy white sauce in a pan. The sauce has a smooth texture with small specks of black pepper spread throughout, giving it a slightly speckled look. A silver spoon is lifting some of the sauce, showing its thick but flowing consistency. The pan is on a stove, and the background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe even further, consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top — it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness beautifully. For a little extra kick, a dash of hot sauce on the side works wonders too!

Side Dishes

Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans pair perfectly with this dish — the mashed potatoes are especially great for soaking up all that luscious gravy. For a fresh crunch, try a simple coleslaw or steamed broccoli. And if you want a bit of Southern charm, don’t forget the buttermilk biscuits or cornbread on the side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Chicken Fried Steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and makes for easy, tasty meals the next day.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this comforting dish later, freeze the cooked and cooled steaks in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Package the gravy separately to preserve texture and quality.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the steak in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to bring back that crispiness. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop, whisking occasionally to restore its creamy smoothness before serving together.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! If cube steak isn’t available, use a tender cut like sirloin or round and tenderize it yourself with a meat mallet to achieve the same texture and tenderness.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

The oil should be hot but not smoking, ideally around 350°F (175°C). You can test this by dropping a small pinch of flour into the oil — it should sizzle immediately without burning.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, the gravy can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking to return it to a smooth consistency before serving.

What’s the best way to keep the steak crispy when storing leftovers?

Store the steak uncovered in the refrigerator for a short time to help retain crispiness, or reheat in the oven instead of the microwave to bring back the crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic and comforting about a beautifully crispy Chicken Fried Steak smothered in creamy gravy. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special weekend treat. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Savory Gravy Recipe a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious bite!