This is a Southern classic comfort meal that is simple to make. The steak is dredged in cornstarch, eggs, buttermilk, and seasoned flour to create an addictive golden brown crust. It’s then smothered in a deliciously smooth and thick white pepper gravy to make the ultimate satisfying dinner. You may recognize this dish from Cracker Barrel’s menu, but they serve it with Sawmill gravy usually made with either sausage or bacon fat. So good, but we’re keeping ours a little (I mean a little) lighter than that by making our gravy using flour, milk, and a bit of seasoning. I usually serve this recipe with some creamy mashed potatoes and green beans or broccoli on the side. It truly is comfort on a plate!
What is Chicken Fried Steak?
So, what is with the name Chicken Fried Steak? Is it steak? Is it chicken? What is the deal? The term ‘chicken fried’ refers to the cooking style of making fried chicken, but instead in this recipe, you’re applying the same method to steak. Steak fried in a crispy seasoned coating? Yes, please! Originating in Texas, it is thought to have been created by German immigrants based on the traditional veal schnitzel but made without breadcrumbs, and made with chicken instead. If you’re interested in learning more about schnitzel, check out Chicken Schnitzel recipe. Sometimes you’ll see this chicken fried steak recipe referred to as ‘country fried steak’. It’s basically the same thing except the country fried version is often served with brown gravy instead of white gravy as in this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender steak: Cube steak is already tenderized, and I pound it even further, so the meat is melt-in-your-mouth soft. You can also use cube steak to make a non-breaded but equally delicious Swiss Steak meal!Crunchy coating: The seasoned coating is fried to a perfect golden brown.Easy gravy: The milk gravy is made with the pan drippings from frying the steaks so it’s not only quick to make but loaded with amazing flavor.It’s quick: This steak recipe is ready in about 30 minutes which makes it perfect for any night of the week.
key ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this scrumptious dish! Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Cube steak: This is an inexpensive cut of meat that has been tenderized with a meat tenderizer which makes it very easy to chew. It is sometimes also referred to as minute steak or Swiss steak. It’s an excellent cut for frying. If you can’t find cube steak, pounding round steak is another good option.Coating: Cornstarch, eggs, buttermilk, optional hot sauce (I use Tabasco, but you can omit it or replace it with cayenne powder), all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Both baking powder and cornstarch are the secret ingredients that help to absorb excess moisture but also give it a lighter, crispier crust.
Seasonings for the coating: Smoked or regular paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Go ahead and use your favorite seasonings here.For the gravy: All-purpose flour, milk (I use 2%), and salt and pepper. You’ll also use some of the same oil you used to fry the steaks.
How To Make Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy
All you need is a few minutes of preparation and 5 minutes or so to fry each steak. It couldn’t get any easier!
Recipe Tips
Bring cutlets to room temperature. You never want to add cold meat to a hot pan. By the time it heats up, the coating has absorbed too much of the oil resulting in a soggy outer layer. Bring them out of the fridge about 30 minutes ahead of starting the recipe.Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. The coating will stick better.Don’t overcrowd the pan. It’s best to fry the steaks one at a time to ensure you get a nice crunchy crust.Make sausage gravy. Some people like to add crumbled-up breakfast sausage to their gravy for added flavor and texture. It’s amazing both ways!Keep the first batch warm. As you fry the steaks, keep the ready ones in a 225°F/110°C oven to keep them warm.Add the browned bits from the bottom of the pan you fried the steaks into the gravy saucepan. They’ll give it lots of great flavor!
Storing Tips
Serve immediately. That way, you can enjoy the crispy coating at its best. You can, however, safely store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the gravy separately. To reheat, heat your oven to 400°F/200°C and place the steaks on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cook until warmed through. This will take about 10–15 minutes. Reheat the gravy in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, covered, for 30-second bursts until it is heated through. I don’t recommend using the microwave to reheat the steaks as you’ll end up with a soggy coating.
What To Serve With
Potatoes are a go-to side dish to serve with these steaks. Try my crockpot mashed potatoes recipe for any easy make-ahead option or my Whole30 mashed potatoes are good if you’re looking for something vegan and dairy-free. Texas Roadhouse Rolls or cornbread are also great for mopping up delicious gravy. Bring some comfort to your dinner table tonight with this delicious chicken fried steak with gravy. Save this recipe for the next time you have some chicken breast to use up. Pin it for more people to enjoy too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
