Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

If you’re looking for the ultimate Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy recipe, you’ve come to the right place.

Tender cube steaks are coated in a perfectly seasoned breading, fried until golden brown and crispy, then topped with rich homemade country gravy for a classic Southern comfort food dinner.

This easy recipe uses a simple double-dredge method to create an extra crispy coating that holds up beautifully under creamy gravy.

Whether you’re making Sunday dinner, a special family meal, or just craving a restaurant favorite at home, this recipe is sure to become one you’ll make again and again.

Serve this homemade Chicken Fried Steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, biscuits, or your favorite Southern side dishes for a meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, golden breading with tender cube steak
• Rich homemade country gravy made in the same skillet
• Easy ingredients you can find at any grocery store
• Includes easy substitutions if you don’t want to cook with beer
• Perfect for family dinners and Sunday suppers
• Better than many restaurant versions

You may also like:

Country Fried Chicken

Ingredient Notes

Cube Steak: Cube steak is already tenderized, making it perfect for chicken fried steak.

Beer: Beer helps create a light, crispy coating. (*See note below for substitutions.)

Cayenne Pepper: Adds just a little heat. Reduce or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

Vegetable Oil: Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet by about ¼ inch for shallow frying.

Can I Make Chicken Fried Steak Without Beer?

Absolutely!

If you prefer not to cook with beer, simply substitute one of these options:

• ½ cup buttermilk plus 2 eggs
• ½ cup whole milk plus 2 eggs
• ½ cup club soda plus 2 eggs for a light, crispy coating

All three options produce delicious results.

Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak

• Pat the cube steaks dry before breading.
• Let the breaded steaks rest for 5–10 minutes before frying to help the coating stick.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet.
• Flip the steaks only once while cooking.
• Keep finished steaks warm in a 200°F oven while frying the remaining batches.
• Adjust the heat as needed to keep the breading from burning.

What to Serve with Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak pairs well with many classic Southern side dishes, including:

• Garlic Mashed potatoes
• Sheet Pan Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
• Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
• Honey Butter Biscuits
• Fiesta Corn
• Ranch House Pinto Beans

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Fried Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Store leftover gravy separately whenever possible.

Can You Freeze Chicken Fried Steak?

Yes!

Allow the steaks to cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer until heated through.

The microwave works if you’re short on time, but the breading won’t stay as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Chicken Fried Steak?

The steak is prepared using the same breading and frying method commonly used for fried chicken.

What cut of meat is used for Chicken Fried Steak?

Cube steak is the traditional choice because it has already been tenderized.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Fry the steaks ahead of time and refrigerate them. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving and prepare fresh gravy when ready to eat.

Why did my breading fall off?

Allow the breaded steaks to rest for several minutes before frying, avoid moving them too much while cooking, and only flip them once.

Can I use buttermilk instead of beer?

Yes. Buttermilk and eggs make an excellent substitute for the beer mixture.

Can I make the gravy thicker?

Yes. Continue simmering until it reaches your desired consistency, or whisk together a small amount of flour and milk and stir it into the gravy.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely. Add extra cayenne pepper or a little hot sauce to the gravy.

Is Chicken Fried Steak the same as Country Fried Steak?

They’re very similar. Chicken Fried Steak is typically served with white country gravy, while Country Fried Steak is sometimes served with brown gravy depending on the region.

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Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fried Steak

• 6 cube steaks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (12-ounce) can beer (you’ll use about half)
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Homemade Gravy

• 3 tablespoons reserved oil from frying
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (more if needed)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

How to Make Chicken Fried Steak

Step 1

Pour about ¼ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until hot.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together half of the beer (about 6 ounces) and the eggs.

Step 3

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Season both sides of each cube steak lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 5

Coat each steak in the seasoned flour mixture.

Step 6

Dip the steak into the beer and egg mixture.

Step 7

Return the steak to the seasoned flour for a second coating, pressing lightly so the breading sticks well.

Step 8

Place the steaks carefully into the hot oil.

Cook about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate while cooking the remaining steaks.

How to Make the Homemade Gravy

Leave about 3 tablespoons of oil in the skillet.

Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute until a smooth paste forms.

Slowly whisk in the milk.

Continue whisking until the gravy thickens.

Add additional milk if you’d like a thinner gravy.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired.

Serve immediately over the chicken fried steak.