Hello, comfort food fans! If you’re looking for a delicious, homestyle meal that’s simple to make and deeply satisfying, you’ve come to the right place. Easy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. Let’s jump into the details and learn how to make this tasty recipe!
Introduction
Chicken Fried Steak, despite its name, doesn’t contain chicken! It’s a beloved Southern dish made with tender beef cube steaks that are breaded, fried, and topped with creamy gravy. This dish combines the best of crispy coating with rich, creamy sauce—ideal for a comforting family dinner or a hearty weekend brunch. Paired with mashed potatoes or biscuits, Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
The Steak
- 4 beef cube steaks (about 1/2 pound each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Oil for frying
The Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved frying oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a perfectly seasoned, crispy steak with a rich, creamy gravy.
How to Make Easy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy:
- Prepare the Steaks: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Bread the Steaks: Dredge each beef cube steak in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally dredge it again in the flour mixture. This double dredging helps create a thick, crispy coating on each steak.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place each steak in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the steaks and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Reserve 1/4 cup of the frying oil for making the gravy.
- Make the Gravy: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the reserved frying oil. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, or until it turns golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the chicken fried steak hot, topped with the creamy gravy. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
Helpful Tips
- Tenderize the Steaks: If your cube steaks aren’t very tender, use a meat mallet to further tenderize them, making them easier to cook and chew.
- Control the Thickness of the Gravy: Add more milk if you prefer a thinner gravy, or let it simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
- Crispier Coating: For an extra-crispy crust, let the breaded steaks rest for a few minutes before frying.
Cooking Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you make the best Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy:
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 350°F) before adding the steaks. This helps the crust become crispy and prevents it from soaking up too much oil.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the steaks in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy steaks.
- Gravy Consistency: Use a whisk to stir the gravy continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy alongside traditional Southern sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, or buttermilk biscuits. For added flavor, garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper. This dish also pairs wonderfully with iced tea or lemonade for a classic Southern experience.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief look at the nutritional value of Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy:
- Calories: 500
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 550mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 2%
- Calcium: 12%
- Iron: 20%
This dish is rich in protein and provides a comforting balance of flavors and textures.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the steak in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave on medium power. Reheat the gravy separately, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened too much.
Leftover gravy also tastes fantastic over biscuits, toast, or mashed potatoes for an easy breakfast or lunch option!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the steaks ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated with a little extra milk to maintain its creamy consistency.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
If cube steak isn’t available, you can tenderize round steak or sirloin with a meat mallet to achieve a similar texture.
How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
For thicker gravy, let it simmer longer. For thinner gravy, add a small amount of milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy this Southern classic, you might also like these recipes:
- Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
- Classic Southern Fried Chicken
- Mashed Potatoes with Cream Gravy
- Country-Style Meatloaf
Conclusion
There you have it—a deliciously Easy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy recipe that brings Southern comfort to your table. This dish is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with rich, homemade gravy for a taste that’s simply unforgettable. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out. Enjoy every bite!