Southern Chicken-Fried Steak with Gravy (Crispy, Tender, and Smothered in Rich Gravy)
July 30, 2026 by edit
I was in my late twenties, and I was traveling through the South. I stopped at a small diner and ordered chicken-fried steak. I had no idea what it was. When it arrived, it was a breaded steak, smothered in gravy. I was confused, but I was intrigued.
I took a bite, and I was hooked. It was crispy, tender, and absolutely delicious.
Now I make it for family dinners and special occasions.
Why This Chicken-Fried Steak Is So Good
Crispy on the outside. The breading is perfectly golden and crispy.
Tender on the inside. The steak is tender and juicy.
Smothered in gravy. The creamy, peppery gravy is the perfect complement.
A Southern classic. It’s a beloved Southern dish.
Comfort food. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
A crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves it.
For the steak:
4 cube steaks (about 1 lb)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
Oil for frying
For the gravy:
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Substitution notes:
No cube steak? Use round steak. No all-purpose flour? Use a gluten-free blend.
Let’s Make Chicken-Fried Steak (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
Season the cube steaks with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Step 3: Bread the Steaks
Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and then dredge again in the flour mixture.
Step 4: Fry the Steaks
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the oil from the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the steaks with the gravy.
