Crispy Cowboy Chicken Fried Steak with Silky Gravy Recipe

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty chicken fried steak with gravy that promises a mouthwatering journey through classic American cuisine.

Tender beef cutlets get coated in a crispy, golden breading that crackles with each delightful bite.

The secret lies in creating a perfectly seasoned crust that locks in juicy flavors while delivering that irresistible crunch.

Creamy white gravy cascades over the steak, adding rich, comforting depth to every forkful.

This recipe brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this dish accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor a true Southern classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients with Gravy

• All-Purpose Flour: Crucial for creating a crispy, golden exterior that locks in the meat's juices and provides delightful texture.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet color and mild smoky flavor to enhance the coating's appeal.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic depth without overwhelming the dish's primary flavors.
• Onion Powder: Contributes gentle, savory undertones that complement the meat's richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that intensify and balance the overall taste profile.

• Eggs: Act as a sticky binding agent that helps the flour coating adhere perfectly to the meat.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, clingy liquid layer that ensures the flour mixture sticks evenly.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides high-heat cooking medium for achieving perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• Whole Milk: Transforms into a luxuriously creamy gravy that adds indulgent moisture to the dish.

Cooking Equipment to Fry Up Comfort Food

• Large Skillet: Essential for frying steaks and making gravy with deep sides and even heat distribution.
• Shallow Dishes (2): Perfect for coating steaks with flour and egg mixtures before frying.
• Whisk: Great for blending eggs, milk, and creating smooth gravy without lumps.
• Tongs: Helps safely flip and remove steaks from hot oil while keeping hands protected.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for preparing and handling steaks before cooking.
• Paper Towels: Useful for draining excess oil from fried steaks and keeping them crispy.

Frying Chicken Steak and Simmering Gravy

• Steak Preparation

Transform your ordinary beef into a crispy, golden masterpiece by creating a flavorful coating. Mix dry seasonings with flour to build a delicious layer that will make your steak irresistible.

• Coating Technique

Dunk each steak into seasoned flour, then bathe it in an egg wash, and return it for a second flour roll. This double-dip method ensures a crunchy, perfectly sealed exterior that locks in all the juicy goodness.

• Sizzling Magic

Heat your skillet until it’s hot enough to create an instant sear. Carefully lower the coated steaks into shimmering oil, allowing each side to turn a beautiful golden brown. The sizzle tells you magic is happening.

• Creamy Gravy Creation

After removing the steaks, transform the skillet’s leftover bits into a luxurious gravy. Sprinkle flour into the pan, whisk in milk, and watch as it transforms into a silky, rich sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

• Delicious Finale

Plate your crispy steaks and generously pour the warm gravy over top. Each bite promises a symphony of crunch, tenderness, and comforting flavor that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Tips to Get Crispy Coating and Smooth Sauce

• Chill the seasoned flour mixture for 15 minutes before dredging to create an extra-crunchy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Adjust the paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to match your personal heat preference, making the dish uniquely yours.
• Choose cube steak or tenderized round steak for the most authentic texture, ensuring a tender and flavorful result every time.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F for perfect golden-brown crusting without burning or undercooking the meat.

How to Plate Chicken Fried Steak Just Right

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the rich, savory gravy for a classic Southern-style meal.
• Fresh Side Complement: Add crisp green beans or roasted asparagus to balance the hearty meat and provide a light, nutritious contrast.
• Brunch Crowd Pleaser: Accompany the chicken fried steak with sunny-side-up eggs and buttermilk biscuits for a weekend breakfast that satisfies serious hunger.
• Homestyle Table Setup: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and offer extra gravy on the side, letting everyone customize their plate with additional sauce.

Holding Gravy and Steak for Next Day Meals

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover chicken fried steak to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for optimal freshness.
• Maximize Refrigerator Life: Enjoy stored chicken fried steak within 3-4 days. Keep the gravy separate to maintain the crispy coating's texture and prevent sogginess.
• Revive Crispy Texture: Reheat steaks in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help restore the original crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Crispy Chicken Fried Steak With Gravy Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Southern chicken fried steak with gravy delivers comfort on a plate, showcasing classic American diner-style cooking. Crispy breaded beef and creamy pepper-flecked sauce promise a satisfying meal that connects diners with traditional home cooking.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 beef cube steaks (about 0.33 lbs / 150 g each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsps reserved frying oil
• ¼ cup milk (60 ml)
• 2 cups milk (480 ml)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Combine all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow container to create a robust and flavorful coating mixture.
2. Binding Liquid Creation: Whisk eggs and whole milk together in a separate dish, forming a smooth binding liquid that will help the breading adhere to the cube steaks.
3. Breading Process: Meticulously coat each cube steak by first dredging in the seasoned flour, then dipping in the egg-milk blend, and finally re-coating with flour to ensure a crisp, textured exterior that will provide a satisfying crunch.
4. Oil Heating and Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, then carefully introduce the breaded steaks, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes to achieve a deep golden-brown crust and ensure the internal temperature hits 160°F.
5. Resting and Oil Management: Transfer the cooked steaks to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain while maintaining the crispy texture, and reserve a portion of the frying oil for gravy preparation.
6. Gravy Development: Reduce skillet heat to medium and create a roux by whisking the reserved oil with an equal amount of flour, then gradually incorporate whole milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and lift the flavorful browned bits from the skillet bottom.
7. Gravy Finishing: Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring consistently until the gravy reaches a rich, smooth consistency, and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. Serving: Plate the crispy steaks and generously ladle the warm, velvety gravy over the top, presenting the dish immediately to preserve its optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Flour Power: Double-dredge the steaks for an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates a perfect crunch.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent 350°F heat to prevent soggy breading and ensure even, quick cooking without absorbing excess oil.
• Roux Rescue: Whisk continuously while making gravy to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth texture that coats the steak beautifully.
• Rest and Drain: Let fried steaks rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness and allow excess oil to drip away, keeping the coating perfectly crisp.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg