Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

This dish we prepared last evening was nothing short of extraordinary—truly deserving of more than just five stars!

Chicken fried steak stands as a quintessential representation of Southern comfort food, effortlessly bringing the warmth of home cooking to your dinner table. This beloved dish blends the simplicity of country cuisine with the influence of the German Wiener Schnitzel, resulting in a delicious fusion. It’s a recipe designed to transform an economical cut of beef into a tender, crispy, and utterly delightful experience—a comforting embrace on a plate after a long day.

Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for soaking up every bit of savory gravy. Complement it with a side of buttered green beans or sweet corn on the cob to add a fresh, colorful touch. For the ultimate comfort food experience, consider adding a flaky biscuit to complete the meal.

Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Recipe

Servings: 4 Generous Portions

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 4 tenderized cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons reserved frying oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In a separate dish, beat the eggs with milk to create the egg wash.
3. Bread the steaks by dredging them in the flour mixture, dipping them in the egg wash, and then coating them in the flour mixture again.
4. Fry the steaks in heated oil in a skillet until they’re golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Once done, drain them on paper towels.
5. For the gravy, use 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the skillet, stir in the flour, and cook for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until thickened.
6. Serve the steaks smothered in the creamy gravy.

Variations & Tips:

• Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
• Swap the cube steaks for chicken breasts to create a chicken fried chicken variation.
• Make extra portions to reheat on busy days, using an oven and wire rack to maintain the crispiness.
• Balance the richness with a light side salad if desired.

This chicken fried steak recipe is simple yet deeply satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a special homemade treat. Indulge in the rich flavors and homely warmth that this Southern meal brings to your table. Enjoy!