Dinner

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy: Indulgent Comfort Food Recipe

Bymia larkspur October 27, 2025October 27, 2025

Introduction

Chicken fried steak is a beloved comfort food featuring tenderized beef steak, breaded and fried to a crispy golden perfection. Topped with rich, creamy gravy, this classic dish brings indulgence and warmth to your dining table.

A close-up of two pieces of crispy fried chicken stacked on a white plate, covered in a thick layer of brown gravy with visible black pepper specks, topped with finely chopped green herbs. The chicken coating looks crunchy with a golden brown color, while the gravy appears smooth and slightly glossy, pooling around the base of the chicken. In the background, there is a white bowl with more gravy, and everything is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pieces of beef steak
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups milk (for gravy)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
1/2 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for gravy)

Instructions

Step 1: Tenderize the beef steaks gently to prepare them for breading.
Step 2: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: plain flour, egg beaten with buttermilk, and seasoned flour mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Coat each steak first in flour, then dip into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and finish by dredging in the seasoned flour mixture for a crispy crust.
Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the steaks until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side.
Step 5: Remove the steaks and keep warm. In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
Step 6: Slowly add milk while whisking continuously. Simmer the gravy until it thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve the crispy fried steaks topped generously with the creamy gravy.

Tips & Variations

Use a meat mallet and plastic wrap to tenderize the steak evenly without tearing it.
For extra crispy coating, double-dip the steaks by repeating the egg and seasoned flour coating step.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoned flour for a subtle kick.
Try using evaporated milk or cream instead of regular milk for a richer gravy.

Storage

Store leftover fried steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispy coating, adding a splash of milk to loosen the gravy if needed.

How to Serve

The dish shows a crispy, golden-brown fried cutlet as the main layer in the center, covered with a thick, light brown gravy sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Under the cutlet, more gravy spreads lightly on the white plate’s surface. In the background, there is a creamy, off-white mound of mashed potatoes with small green herb bits scattered on top. The dish is placed on a white marbled texture surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, tender cuts like cube steak or sirloin work best for this recipe as they tenderize well and cook quickly.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Make sure to dry the steak before breading, and press the coating firmly onto the meat. Let the breaded steaks rest for a few minutes before frying to help the crust set.