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 to 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 a plate of hot, golden, crispy chicken fried steak smothered in creamy, flavorful gravy. This Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe brings you all that Southern comfort food goodness, made easy and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for sharing around the kitchen table on any night.

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 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’ll be honest—this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy recipe has been one of my go-to comfort meals whenever I need something hearty and satisfying fast. The crunchy coating with tender cube steak inside, paired with that velvety homemade gravy? It’s a total game changer.

Quick and Easy: Ready from start to finish in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Authentic Southern Flavor: Classic seasoning and creamy gravy deliver that true down-home taste.
Crispy Crunch: Double-dredging the steak creates a perfectly golden, crispy crust every time.
Great for Family Meals: This recipe yields 4 generous servings, ideal for dinner with loved ones.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let me share a bit about the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible. Shopping for quality cube steaks and fresh dairy will give you the best results—and don’t forget seasoned salt, which really amps up the flavor!

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 the batter and the creamy gravy.
Large Egg: Helps the flour mixture cling to the steak for that crispy crust.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for both coating the steak and thickening the gravy.
Seasoned Salt: Provides a balanced savory kick—Lawry’s is my favorite brand to use.
Ground Black Pepper: Brings subtle heat and sharpness to the seasoning.
Cube Steaks: Tender cuts perfect for quick frying and soaking up that flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying at the right temperature to get that crunch without greasiness.
Unsalted Butter or Reserved Cooking Oil: Adds depth and richness to the gravy base.
Kosher Salt: To season the gravy just right.

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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 wonderfully adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak the spices, swap out the milk for a dairy-free version, or jazz up your gravy with a little extra flair—this dish welcomes your creativity!

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your seasoned flour mixture. I love how this slight heat brightens up the cozy flavors and gives the dish a little extra personality.
Herby Twist: Stir in some finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into your gravy. It adds a fresh note that balances the richness perfectly.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use oil instead of butter for the gravy. I’ve tried almond milk and it still delivers a silky, comforting sauce.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to coat the steaks and make the gravy. Just make sure your blend can handle frying and thickening for the best results.
Seasonal Veggie Addition: Serve with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions on top of the steak before adding the gravy. It’s a wonderfully earthy addition, especially in cooler months.

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

Begin by mixing your wet and dry coatings separately. Whisk together ¾ cup of whole milk with 1 large egg until smooth in one shallow bowl. In another, combine ¾ cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. This seasoned flour is what gives your steak that irresistible flavor and golden crust—so don’t skip the seasoning!

Step 2: Coat the Steaks

Pat your 1 pound of cube steaks dry—this step helps the coating stick better. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture first, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the milk and egg blend, and dredge again in the flour mixture, ensuring every nook is covered. Place them on a wire rack and let them rest briefly while you move on to the gravy. Trust me, double dredging creates that perfect crispy crunch.

Step 3: Fry the Steaks

Heat about 1 to 2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Fry the steaks in batches, cooking each side for about 2 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Flip only once to preserve the crust. Remove the cooked steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, and don’t forget to reserve ¼ cup of that flavorful cooking oil for your gravy—it's liquid gold!

Step 4: Make the Gravy

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add ¼ cup unsalted butter or use the reserved cooking oil from your steak pan. Whisk in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns a beautiful golden color and smells nutty. This step is crucial for a smooth, flavorful gravy without that raw flour taste.

Step 5: Simmer and Season

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring continuously to keep lumps at bay. Keep cooking and whisking the gravy for 6 to 8 minutes until it thickens and becomes silky smooth. Taste it, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. This creamy gravy is what makes the whole dish sing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your crispy chicken fried steaks, then generously ladle the warm rich gravy over the top. Serve immediately for that perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and creamy in every bite. It’s hard to resist this Southern classic once it’s on the table!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe is all about attention to detail—these tips come from my own kitchen trials and will help you nail that perfect crispy crust and silky gravy every time.

Perfect Oil Temperature: I always heat the vegetable oil until it’s hot but not smoking before frying. This ensures the coating crisps up quickly without absorbing too much oil, keeping the steak crunchy.
Double Dredging Trick: Dredging the cube steaks twice in the seasoned flour mixture and milk combo really builds a thick, flavorful crust that stays put even after frying.
Rest Before Frying: Letting the coated steaks rest on a wire rack before frying helps the breading set, so it sticks better and cooks evenly.
Reserve the Oil: Don’t throw away your cooking oil! I always save ¼ cup to make my gravy, which adds extra richness and flavor straight from the pan.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich 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

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brightens up the plate and adds a fresh, herbal lift to your crispy chicken fried steak. For a little extra zing, serve with a wedge of lemon or a dash of hot sauce on the side.

Side Dishes

Classic Southern sides make the perfect companions: creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or a crisp coleslaw balance the rich gravy and crispy steak. For a heartier meal, try creamy macaroni and cheese or roasted vegetables for color and texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy chicken fried steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days—perfect for quick reheats that still taste great.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze your chicken fried steak in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the steak in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes to retain its crispiness. Warm the rich gravy separately on the stovetop, whisking occasionally until smooth and heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! If cube steak isn’t available, use regular round steak or sirloin and tenderize it yourself with a meat mallet to achieve that tender texture before coating.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

The oil should be hot but not smoking—around medium heat. You can test by dropping a pinch of flour or a small piece of bread in; it should sizzle immediately and turn golden in about 30 seconds.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, the rich gravy can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, whisking until smooth to bring it back to perfect pourable consistency.

What’s the best way to keep the steak coating crispy when reheating?

Avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy. Instead, warm the steak in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through to preserve that wonderful crispy crust.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Rich Gravy Recipe is truly a labor of love that brings comforting Southern charm to your table in just 30 minutes. With its golden, crunchy coating and luxuriously creamy gravy, this dish promises smiles and full hearts at every meal. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend feast, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen!