Country chicken fried steak with white gravy is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy, golden-brown cubed steak with creamy, flavorful gravy. This Southern classic has been loved for generations, offering a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend indulgence, this dish brings the warm, home-cooked flavors you crave. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make chicken fried steak step-by-step, master a silky white gravy, and get helpful tips to make your meal unforgettable. Let’s dive into this flavorful favorite that your family will request time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Country Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy
This recipe is a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. The cubed steak is seasoned, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection, while the white gravy adds a rich, velvety finish. You’ll love how quick it is to make, how affordable the ingredients are, and how the meal can feed the whole family with ease. It’s a true comfort food experience, evoking memories of cozy dinners around the table. Plus, you can customize the spice level to suit your taste by adjusting the cayenne pepper.
Ingredients
- 4 cubed steaks (about 1/4 lb each)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup whole milk (for creamier gravy)
- 1 tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Country Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy
- Season the Steaks – In a small bowl, mix together salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the mixture evenly over both sides of the cubed steaks.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients – In a shallow dish, beat the egg and buttermilk until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix the Dry Coating – In a separate bowl, combine flour, the remaining salt and pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
- Bread the Steaks – Dip each steak into the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
- Fry Until Golden – Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the steaks until crispy and browned on both sides, about 10 minutes total.
- Drain and Save Oil – Remove steaks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the frying oil for the gravy.
- Make the Gravy Base – Stir 2 tablespoons of the leftover seasoned flour into the reserved oil, cooking briefly to form a roux.
- Simmer the Gravy – Slowly whisk in the milk and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy – Plate the chicken fried steaks and top with rich, creamy white gravy.
Helpful Tips
- Always season the steaks before breading for maximum flavor.
- For extra crispy coating, double-dip the steaks: flour, egg, then flour again.
- Keep the oil temperature steady—medium heat prevents burning while ensuring crispiness.
- Let the fried steaks rest briefly on paper towels to stay crunchy without becoming soggy.
- Use whole milk for the gravy for the richest, smoothest texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat Options: Swap cubed steak for thin pork chops or chicken cutlets.
- Milk Alternatives: For a lighter gravy, use 2% milk; for a dairy-free version, try unsweetened almond or oat milk.
- Spice Level: Add paprika or chili powder for smoky heat instead of cayenne.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap in a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and thickening the gravy.
- Extra Rich Gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for added indulgence.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked steaks (without gravy) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Reheating: Warm gravy on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
(Values are approximate and vary depending on exact ingredients used.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes and pour the gravy over both for a classic Southern meal.
- Pair with buttermilk biscuits or cornbread.
- Add a side of green beans or collard greens for balance.
- Make it a brunch dish by topping with a fried egg.
- For extra Southern flair, serve with sweet tea.
Frequently Asked Questions About Country Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy
1. What’s the difference between chicken fried steak and country fried steak?
Chicken fried steak is typically paired with creamy white gravy, while country fried steak is more often served with brown gravy. Both use similar meats and frying methods, but the gravy sets them apart.
2. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the steaks in advance and refrigerate them until ready to fry. Cook just before serving for the best crispy texture.
3. How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Make sure the steaks are dry before dredging, press the flour coating firmly onto the meat, and avoid flipping too often during frying.
4. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, though the texture will be less crispy. Place breaded steaks on a greased baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
5. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! You can omit the cayenne pepper for a mild version that kids will love.
Conclusion
Thank you for cooking along with me to make this classic country chicken fried steak with white gravy! This crispy, golden steak smothered in creamy, peppery gravy is a true Southern classic that brings warmth and comfort to the table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home just as it is in mine. Wishing you happy cooking and wonderful meals ahead!
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Country Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Country chicken fried steak with white gravy is the ultimate Southern comfort dish. Crispy golden steak topped with rich, peppery white gravy makes this recipe a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday meals, it’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
4 cubed steaks (about 1/4 lb each)
1 large egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
2 tbsp butter
1 cup whole milk
1 tbsp butter (for gravy)
Instructions
- Season the Steaks – In a small bowl, mix together salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the mixture evenly over both sides of the cubed steaks.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients – In a shallow dish, beat the egg and buttermilk until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix the Dry Coating – In a separate bowl, combine flour, the remaining salt and pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
- Bread the Steaks – Dip each steak into the egg mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
- Fry Until Golden – Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the steaks until crispy and browned on both sides, about 10 minutes total.
- Drain and Save Oil – Remove steaks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the frying oil for the gravy.
- Make the Gravy Base – Stir 2 tablespoons of the leftover seasoned flour into the reserved oil, cooking briefly to form a roux.
- Simmer the Gravy – Slowly whisk in the milk and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy – Plate the chicken fried steaks and top with rich, creamy white gravy.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
For richer gravy, add a splash of heavy cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 1 steak with gravy
- Sugar: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 28g