🍗 SOUTHERN CHICKEN-FRIED STEAK WITH GRAVY 🍗

Crispy • Golden • Tender • Smothered in Creamy Country Gravy

There’s nothing more comforting than Southern Chicken-Fried Steak with Gravy.
This classic Southern dish features tenderized beef steak coated in seasoned flour,
fried until golden and crispy, then smothered in rich, creamy country gravy.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for Sunday dinners or whenever you’re craving
true Southern comfort food.

📝 Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 oz each)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Country Gravy:

• ¼ cup oil (from frying) or butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (traditional Southern gravy is peppery)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Pat cube steaks dry with paper towels.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.

Step 2: Dredge the Steaks

1. Coat each steak in seasoned flour.
2. Dip into egg mixture.
3. Coat again in flour, pressing firmly to create a thick crust.
4. Let coated steaks rest for 10–15 minutes (helps crust stick better).

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

1. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Fry steaks 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove and place on a wire rack or paper towels.
4. Keep warm while preparing gravy.

Step 4: Make the Country Gravy

1. Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about ¼ cup (including browned bits).
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes).
5. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper.

🍽️ To Serve

Place crispy steak on a plate and generously spoon warm gravy over the top.

Best served with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttery biscuits
• Southern green beans
• Corn on the cob

💡 Tips for Perfect Chicken-Fried Steak

• ✔ Use cube steak (pre-tenderized round steak).
• ✔ Maintain oil temperature — too hot burns coating, too cool makes it greasy.
• ✔ Double dredging creates that classic thick, crunchy crust.
• ✔ Whisk gravy constantly for a smooth texture.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
• Reheat steak in oven at 350°F to keep crust crispy.
• Reheat gravy separately on stovetop with a splash of milk.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra crispy coating
• Tender, juicy beef inside
• Rich, creamy Southern-style gravy
• Pure comfort food classic