Golden, crispy chicken fried steak with creamy, peppered country gravy—Southern comfort food at its finest!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary Tags: Comfort Food, Family Favorite, Southern-Inspired
📝 Ingredients
For the Steaks:
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4 cube steaks (about ½ inch thick)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup buttermilk
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
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¼ cup pan drippings (from frying the steak)
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Breading
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In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
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In another dish, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
Step 2: Bread the Steaks
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Dip each cube steak in the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk/egg mixture, and again into the flour mixture. Press firmly so the coating sticks.
Step 3: Fry the Steaks
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Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Fry steaks for about 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
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Pour off excess oil, leaving ¼ cup of drippings in the pan.
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Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
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Slowly whisk in the milk. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
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Plate the steaks and spoon the gravy generously over the top.
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Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite Southern sides.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Buttermilk substitute: Use 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk.
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Spice level: Omit cayenne for milder gravy and steak.
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Make it lighter: Use air frying or shallow pan-frying to reduce oil absorption.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: breaded steaks → frying → cooked steaks → gravy being poured → plated dish)
Pro Tip: Let steaks rest for a few minutes after frying to retain crispiness.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Cube steak: Affordable, tenderized beef perfect for frying.
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Buttermilk & egg wash: Helps the coating stick and stay crispy.
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Pan drippings: Key to flavorful, authentic country gravy.
Substitutions:
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Use low-fat milk for gravy to reduce W-W points.
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Try whole wheat flour for breading (slight texture change but adds fiber).
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Add fresh cracked pepper to the gravy for extra bite.
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Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives for a fresh garnish.
Serving Suggestions:
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Mashed potatoes and green beans
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Buttermilk biscuits
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Roasted corn or coleslaw
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
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Gravy: Reheat gently on the stove, whisking in a little milk if needed to thin.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~580 kcal | Protein: ~32g | Carbs: ~25g | Fat: ~38g
W-W Points (per serving, including gravy, based on 4 servings):
➡️ 18 Points
Lightened version (air-fried steaks, low-fat milk for gravy, minimal oil):
➡️ 11–12 Points
W-W Points can vary depending on cooking method and ingredient brands. For best accuracy, input your exact ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Wheat, Egg, Milk
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes—chicken breast pounded thin works well and can lower W-W points.
Q: Can I air fry this?
A: You can! Air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Use cooking spray instead of deep frying.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free flour blends for both breading and gravy.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
Chicken fried steak is a nostalgic dish that brings back memories of Sunday family dinners. This version delivers the crispy, flavorful goodness of the original, but with tips for lightening it up to fit modern, health-conscious lifestyles—even for W-Wmembers!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Tried this chicken fried steak? Did you lighten it up or keep it classic? Share your version or tag me—I’d love to see your creations!