Go Back
–+ servings
Southern Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Gravy

Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

Southern Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy: Double-dredged for extra crunch, smothered in pan-drippings gravy. Gluten-free & keto options included. The ultimate comfort food!
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best southern chicken fried steak recipe, crispy chicken fried steak with gravy, gluten-free chicken fried steak, how to double dredge steak, pan-drippings pepper gravy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

For the Steak:

  • 1 lb cube steaks or round steaks 4 steaks
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt divided (½ tsp for meat, 1 tsp for breading)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk for tang
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1:1 blend + 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice preference
  • 1 ½ cups neutral oil peanut, canola, or vegetable

For the Gravy:

  • 3 tbsp reserved pan drippings flavor gold!
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or sub whole milk + 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 ¾ cups whole milk add more for thinner gravy
  • Kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper be generous!

Instructions

Prep & Preheat

  • Oven Hack: Preheat oven to 200°F. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet inside—this keeps steaks crisp while you make gravy.
  • Pound Steaks: If using round steak, cover with plastic wrap and pound to ¼-inch thickness. Season both sides with ½ tsp salt.

Double-Dredge Assembly Line

  • Dredge Station 1: Mix flour, 1 tsp salt, garlic powder, and cayenne in a shallow dish.
  • Egg Wash: Whisk eggs and milk in a second dish.
  • Breading:
  • First Coat: Press steak firmly into flour mix. Shake off excess.
  • Dip: Soak in egg wash, letting excess drip off.
  • Second Coat: Press into flour mix again, using fingers to clump flour for extra crunch.

Fry to Golden Glory

  • Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high until shimmering (350°F).
  • Fry steaks one at a time: 3-4 mins per side. Baste tops with hot oil using a spoon for even browning.
  • Transfer to oven rack to stay warm and crisp.

Gravy from Pan Magic

  • Drain oil, leaving 3 tbsp drippings + browned bits in skillet.
  • Make Roux: Whisk flour into drippings over medium heat. Cook 4-5 mins until golden-brown.
  • Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer 3-4 mins, whisking constantly, until thickened.
  • Season: Add salt and a heavy hand of black pepper.

Serve & Devour

  • Smother steaks with gravy. Pair with:
  • Buttermilk biscuits
  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Collard greens with bacon
Tried this recipe?Mention @ThatOvenFeelin or tag #ThatOvenFeelin!