Nothing quite encapsulates the comfort of Southern cooking like a golden, crispy Chicken Fried Steak draped in creamy, peppery gravy. It’s a dish that resonates with hearty flavor and homespun charm, serving up a satisfying crunch with every bite, followed by the rich, smooth embrace of homemade gravy. This recipe walks you through creating this iconic dish from scratch, ensuring every forkful carries the warmth of a well-loved kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fried Steak:
4 cube steaks (about 1/3 lb each)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper, divided
2 teaspoons kosher salt or sea salt, divided
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons TABASCO® Sauce (original)
2 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil for frying
For the Chicken Fried Steak Gravy:
4 tablespoons grease (from cooking the steaks)
4 tablespoons flour
2 to 3 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy whipping cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Shallow bowls for dredging
- Heavy skillet or large cast iron skillet
- Whisk
- Sheet pan or metal rack
- Paper towels
- Oven
