This Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy is the very definition of Southern comfort food. Fried in a cast-iron skillet until crispy and golden brown, it’s finished with a generous helping of rich, creamy pan gravy.

What is a Good Breading for Chicken-Fried Steak?

In this recipe I’ll show you a perfectly seasoned flour and panko breadcrumb combination for extra crispiness!

What Is Chicken Fried Steak?

Depending on where you’re from in the South, you may also know chicken fried steak as country fried steak. This classic Southern dish starts with a thin-cut sirloin steak that has been tenderized, often by the butcher using an electric tenderizer, transforming it into cube steak.

The steak is then coated using a seasoned flour and egg wash, much like the process used to make fried chicken. It’s fried until crispy and golden brown, which is exactly how this hearty Southern favorite got its name.

Easy Southern Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy Recipe

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

Cubed Steak – Sirloin cube steak also referred to cubed steak. This refers to a steak run through a tenderizing machine by the butcher leaving tiny “cubes” on the surface.
Flour Breading – Self rising flour, panko breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper.
Liquid – Whole milk beaten with large eggs for the egg wash.
Oil – Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying. You’ll also need fresh snipped chives for garnishing.
Homemade Pan Gravy – Pan drippings from frying the steak, all purpose flour, half and half or whole milk, black pepper, salt and beef stock or beef broth.

How to Make the Best Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy Recipe

Season Cubed Steak – Season the cube steaks on both sides with seasoned salt and black pepper.
Make Seasoned Flour and Panko – Whisk together the self-rising flour, panko breadcrumbs and seasonings. Set aside.
Prep Egg Wash – In a separate shallow bowl whisk together the milk and eggs.
Coat the Steak Pieces – Dip the steaks into the seasoned flour, then into the egg wash, then back into the seasoned flour. Transfers to sheet pan.
Chill to Set Breading – Refrigerate uncovered for 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
Fry Steaks – Heat in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and fry in batches until golden brown.
Keep Warm – Transfer steaks onto a sheet pan fitted with a wire rack and into a 225°F oven on a rack to keep warm while you make the gravy.
Make the Gravy – Add the flour to the drippings in the skillet, stirring constantly over medium heat. Add the seasonings and whisk in beef broth and half and half.
Serve – Serve chicken fried steak immediately drizzled with gravy.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Chicken Fried Steak with Panko

Large cast iron skillet or similar.
Three shallow bowls to prepare the dredging station.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Balloon whisk.
Baking sheet pan fitted with a wire rack.

how-do-you-make-chicken-fried-steak-and-gravy

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Flour – Self rising flour adds another level of crispy texture to the breading. You can use the same amount of all-purpose flour for the breading adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Panko Breadcrumbs – I like to add panko breadcrumbs to a seasoned flour mixture to give the coating more crunch. It’s a bit of a departure from a traditional Southern breading, but it adds such a nice crispy texture. It’s become my preferred method to add the extra crunch that we love. The coating is applied in a dredging fashion similar to Southern fried chicken.
What Kind of Steak To Make Chicken Fried Steak? A thin cut sirloin or top round will work perfectly for this recipe although sirloin is most commonly used.
What is Cube Steak? This refers to a sirloin steak that’s been run through a meat tenderizer by the butcher resulting in “cubes” hence the name. Depending on where you are in the country it’s referred to as cube or cubed steak.
How Long Do You Cook Chicken Fried Steak? Cube steak cooks fairly quickly and will only take about 3-4 minutes per side to cook through. When frying in batches, it’s helpful to have nearby a pan with an oven safe rack to place cooked steaks on and into the oven to keep warm.
How Do You Make Pan Gravy? Rich pan gravy is the classic topping for this steak and it’s not hard to make. Scrape all the brown bits on the bottom of the skillet from frying the steaks. Add all purpose flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes then whisk in the seasonings. while whisking constantly, add the liquids per the recipe until it’s fully combined. Once it begins to bubble, immediately lower the heat and allow it to gently bubble and thicken for 5 minutes. Serve it drizzled over the steak and it’s ready to serve.
Chicken Fried Chicken – For more Southern comfort checkout my Chicken Fried Chicken with Peppered Milk Gravy, too.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store leftover Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Reheat steak pieced gently in a skillet over medium heat, on a sheet pan in the preheated 350°F oven for a few minutes or in an air fryer.

Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy

Serve this gravy smothered chicken fried steak with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, or buttered rice and bacon wrapped asparagus.
A stack of buttered biscuits to sop up the gravy sure wouldn’t hurt.
A tall glass pitcher of sweet tea to wash it all down would make it a well rounded meal.
Creamy and simple to make Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese.
Other main dish inspiration you may like to try are this recipe for Salisbury Steak from Miss in the Kitchen.

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

5 from 1 vote