Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy

Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is a classic Southern comfort food that features crispy, breaded cube steaks served with a creamy, savory gravy. This dish combines the crispy texture of fried steak with the rich, indulgent flavor of homemade country gravy, making it perfect for a hearty meal. Whether served with mashed potatoes or a side of vegetables, it’s a meal that satisfies every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

• 4 cube steaks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the Country Gravy:

• 1/4 cup pan drippings
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the dredging mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
2. Dredge the steaks: Coat each cube steak in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg mixture, and then coat it again with the flour mixture. Make sure each steak is evenly covered.
3. Fry the steaks: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the steaks from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the gravy: For the gravy, add the pan drippings to the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Finish the gravy: Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and thickens to a gravy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Serve the chicken fried steaks topped with the creamy country gravy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Gravy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy for a spicy kick.
• Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak: Swap regular milk for buttermilk in the dredging mixture for a tangier flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Instead of cube steaks, you can use large mushroom caps, such as portobello mushrooms, to create a vegetarian version of this dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken fried steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the steak in a skillet over low heat to maintain its crispy texture. You can reheat the gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little milk if it thickens too much.

10 FAQs

1. What is chicken fried steak? Chicken fried steak is a breaded and fried piece of beef, often cube steak, served with a creamy gravy. Despite the name, it’s made with beef, not chicken.
2. What is the difference between chicken fried steak and country fried steak? The main difference is the gravy. Chicken fried steak is typically served with a thick, creamy white gravy made from the pan drippings, while country fried steak might have a simpler brown gravy.
3. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as round steak or sirloin, but cube steak is the most common choice because of its tenderness.
4. How do I make the steak extra crispy? Make sure to double-dip the steaks in the flour mixture and the egg mixture for extra crunch. Also, fry them at the right temperature (medium-high heat) so the coating crisps up quickly.
5. Can I make the country gravy without pan drippings? Yes, if you don’t have pan drippings, you can use butter or oil as a base for the gravy. Just make sure to cook the flour long enough to avoid a raw taste.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can bread and fry the steaks in advance, then reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness. Prepare the gravy fresh before serving.
7. What should I serve with chicken fried steak? Popular side dishes include mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, or cornbread. You can also serve it with a salad or roasted vegetables.
8. Is this dish gluten-free? No, this dish contains flour in the dredging mixture. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
9. Can I freeze leftover chicken fried steak? Yes, you can freeze the fried steak. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
10. How can I make the gravy thicker? If the gravy is too thin, you can add a little more flour or simmer it for a longer time until it thickens to your liking.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy is a beloved Southern classic that’s both comforting and indulgent. With crispy fried steak and a rich, creamy gravy, this dish is sure to please your taste buds. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a special occasion, or whenever you’re craving hearty comfort food. Enjoy this delicious recipe and make it your go-to meal for satisfying appetites!

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