Name: Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with 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 cup); ¼ cup unsalted butter or reserved cooking oil from steak; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

There’s nothing quite like a big, hearty plate of Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe to warm your soul. Imagine tender cube steaks with a perfectly crunchy crust, smothered in silky homemade gravy—comfort food at its absolute best.

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 Gravy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Southern classic for friends—it was love at first bite. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple yet impressively satisfying, perfect for both busy weeknights and weekend comfort dinners.

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for when you want something homemade without spending all day in the kitchen.
Perfectly Crispy: The double coating of seasoned flour and milk ensures a golden, crunchy crust every single time.
Rich Creamy Gravy: The homemade gravy is smooth, flavorful, and the perfect finishing touch that brings everything together.
Classic Comfort Food: This recipe embodies Southern hospitality and delivers a nostalgic, satisfying meal on every plate.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients before you start shopping. You want simple, high-quality basics here—nothing fancy, just things you likely have or can easily find. Using cube steaks makes life easier, but I include tips if you can’t find them. The flavorful seasoned salt and fresh black pepper really elevate the crust, and for the gravy, whole milk and butter bring that dreamy texture.

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, giving a creamy texture that makes every bite shine.
Large Egg: Helps bind the coating to the steak so it crisps up perfectly during frying.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crispy coating and the gravy, creating that signature crisp and thick, luscious sauce.
Seasoned Salt: Adds a subtle kick of flavor—Lawry's is a great choice for a balanced seasoning blend.
Ground Black Pepper: Brings gentle heat that complements the seasoned salt and deepens the flavor profile.
Cube Steaks: Tenderized beef that cooks quickly and stays juicy underneath the crunchy crust.
Vegetable Oil: Vital for frying—choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that crisp exterior.
Unsalted Butter (or Reserved Cooking Oil): For making that silky, dreamy gravy, adding flavor and thickness.
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To season the gravy perfectly to your taste.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is how easily you can personalize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs while keeping that classic Southern comfort at its heart.

Variation: Classic Southern Style – For that authentic experience, I like using seasoned salt like Lawry’s and freshly ground black pepper in the flour coating. It gives the steak that perfect blend of savory spices each bite.
Variation: Gluten-Free Twist – You can switch the all-purpose flour to a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a blend good for frying to keep that gorgeous crispy crust. I tried this version for a friend, and the texture was surprisingly spot on.
Variation: Dairy-Free Delight – Swap whole milk for unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter substitute for the gravy. The gravy still comes out rich and creamy without missing out on flavor.
Variation: Extra Crispy Coating – For an extra crunch, after the second flour coating, let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes before frying. This helps the crust set better and stay crispy longer.
Variation: Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into your flour mixture for a subtle heat that warms up each bite without overpowering the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with 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 with Care

Start by whisking together ¾ cup of whole milk and 1 large egg in a shallow bowl until smooth. In another shallow bowl, mix ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. This double setup keeps your wet and dry ingredients ready for the steak to get its perfect crust. A tip? Pat your cube steaks dry with paper towels before dredging – it helps that coating stick like a charm.

Step 2: Double Dredge for Crispy Perfection

One at a time, coat each 1-pound cube steak in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into your milk and egg mixture before returning it for a second thorough flour coating. This double-dip process is the secret to building that irresistible crispy crust. After coating all the steaks, place them on a wire rack to rest while you prepare the gravy ingredients – resting helps the coatings set tightly so they won’t slip off in the pan.

Step 3: Fry Steaks to Golden Crispy Goodness

Heat about 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F. Carefully fry the steaks in batches, cooking each side for about 2 minutes until they're beautifully golden and crisp. As they finish, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Don't forget to reserve ¼ cup of that flavorful cooking oil for your gravy—it carries so much of the steak's delicious essence.

Step 4: Whisk Up a Rich, Creamy Gravy

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter or your reserved cooking oil. Whisk in ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly to keep lumps at bay. Let the gravy cook for 6 to 8 minutes, whisking frequently until it thickens into a smooth, comforting sauce. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – this step is where you can really customize your flavor.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy Every Bite

Plate your gorgeous, crispy steaks and ladle over your homemade gravy generously. Serve immediately for that irresistible crispy exterior combined with the creamy, savory sauce. This dish truly shines when hot and fresh – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect crisp on your Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe is all about the little details—and I’m here to share the tips that have made all the difference in my kitchen.

Double Coating Magic: I always do the flour, then the milk-egg bath, followed by another flour dredge. This double coating is the secret to that unbeatable crisp crust.
Dry Surface Matters: Patting each cube steak dry before coating really helped me avoid soggy patches and ensured the breading stuck beautifully.
Hot Oil is Non-Negotiable: Heating the vegetable oil to around 350°F before frying keeps the crust crispy instead of greasy—trust me, I tested lukewarm oil once and regret it!
Save the Oil for Gravy: Reserving ¼ cup of your cooking oil (or substitute butter) adds an incredible depth of flavor to the homemade gravy—don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Steak with 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 brighten up this rich Southern classic, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. A dash of cracked black pepper adds a rustic touch, and if you like a little heat, a few red pepper flakes work wonders.

Side Dishes

Serve your crispy chicken fried steak alongside creamy mashed potatoes—they’re the perfect canvas for that luscious gravy. Add some buttered green beans or roasted asparagus for a fresh crunch. For a real Southern feast, buttery cornbread or a crisp garden salad round out the meal beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the steak moist yet prevents it from losing its signature crispness too quickly.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked steaks in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap them well to protect against freezer burn and preserve their flavor.

Reheating

To get back that crispy exterior, gently reheat your chicken fried steak in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. This keeps the crust crunchy while warming through without drying out the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef if I can’t find cube steak?

Absolutely! If cube steak isn’t available, just use a regular round or sirloin steak and tenderize it with a meat mallet until it’s about ¼ inch thick. This ensures it cooks evenly and remains tender.

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

The oil should be heated to about 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a little flour in the oil—if it sizzles and bubbles immediately, you’re ready to fry!

My gravy is lumpy—how can I fix it?

Whisk the gravy constantly while slowly adding the milk to prevent lumps. If lumps appear, try whisking vigorously or strain the gravy. Cooking on medium heat and whisking frequently until smooth helps, too.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or low lactose?

You can substitute lactose-free milk or a plant-based milk for whole milk to reduce lactose. Just use an unsalted dairy-free butter or extra cooking oil for the gravy to keep the rich texture.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With just 30 minutes, you can bring a taste of Southern hospitality straight to your table. I hope these tips and serving ideas help you create a memorable meal full of crispy, creamy, and deeply satisfying flavors. Happy cooking!