Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy Recipe

Craving a hearty, Southern-style meal that hits all the comfort food notes? Look no further than chicken fried steak with white gravy! This dish combines tender, crispy-fried steak with creamy, savory gravy—a perfect pairing that’s sure to impress your taste buds. Follow this recipe for a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

For the Steak

• 4 cubed steaks (beef round steaks tenderized with a meat mallet)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the White Gravy

• 1/4 cup pan drippings (from frying the steak)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Coating

1. In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.

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2. Coat the Steaks

1. Pat the cubed steaks dry with paper towels.
2. Dip each steak into the flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
3. Next, dip the steak into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the steak to ensure an even coating.
4. Set the coated steaks aside on a wire rack for 10 minutes.This resting time allows the coating to adhere better, giving you an extra crispy crust.

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3. Fry the Steaks

1. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2. Fry the steaks in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
3. Transfer the steaks to a clean wire rack to drain any excess oil.Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature, making the coating soggy.

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4. Make the White Gravy

1. Carefully pour off all but 1/4 cup of the pan drippings.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden.
3. Gradually add the warm milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Pro Tip: If your gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.

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5. Serve and Enjoy

• Plate the chicken fried steaks and generously ladle the white gravy over the top.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits for a complete Southern meal.

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Pro Tips for Success

• Use cubed steak: It’s tender and absorbs the flavors beautifully. If unavailable, use beef round steak and tenderize it with a meat mallet.
• Season every layer: Don’t skip seasoning the flour and egg mixture. Every layer adds flavor to the final dish.
• Keep it crispy: Serve immediately for the crispiest coating. If you need to keep the steaks warm, place them in a low oven (200°F) on a wire rack.

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Conclusion

This chicken fried steak with white gravy is the ultimate comfort food, blending crispy, juicy steak with creamy, indulgent gravy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!