Chicken Fried Steak Texas Style

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Cream Gravy Southern Comfort

By Aidan RiversOctober 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Cream Gravy: A Southern Classic

Ever find yourself craving something truly comforting? You know, proper stick-to-your ribs food? Honestly, that's how I felt last week! So, naturally, my brain landed on a Chicken Fried Steak recipe with all the trimmings.

I'm talking crispy, golden steak smothered in a creamy, peppery gravy.

What's the Deal with Chicken Fried Steak?

This Texas Chicken Fried Steak isn’t actually chicken. Think of it as a Southern cousin to Wiener Schnitzel. It's basically a beef steak tenderized, breaded, and fried.

It's believed to have originated in Texas, influenced by German immigrants. It's pure comfort food that warms the soul. This recipe is medium difficulty.

It takes about 45 minutes total. It serves 4 hungry folks.

Why You Need This Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy in Your Life

This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is pure indulgence. It delivers a hearty dose of protein and is perfect for a weekend brunch or a celebratory dinner.

It's special because it combines simple ingredients into a dish that's truly unforgettable. You are going to love this !

The Secret to the Perfect Country Fried Steak

Ready to get started? You will need beef cube steaks, flour, milk, and some seasonings. Plus, oil for frying and the ingredients for the gravy.

A great Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe starts with great ingredients. Let's gather our gear and make this incredible Southern Fried Steak Recipe .

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chicken Fried Steak Masterpiece

Alright, mate! Let's talk grub. Here's what you'll need to nail this Chicken Fried Steak recipe with Cream Gravy. No need to stress, I've kept it simple.

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown on what you need for this Southern Fried Steak Recipe , from the star of the show to the basics. Remember, quality counts!

Beef Cube Steaks: 4 steaks, about 1/2 inch thick ( 600g ). Look for steaks with good marbling. Trust me, it makes a difference.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup ( 125g ), plus extra for dredging. Plain old all-purpose will do nicely.
Salt: 2 teaspoons . Sea salt or kosher salt is best, but table salt works in a pinch.
Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon . Freshly ground is always a win.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon . Adds that lovely savoury note.
Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . A touch of colour and flavour.
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Adds a kick, if you're feeling brave.
Large Eggs: 2 . Free range, if you can. Happy hens lay better eggs, right?
Milk: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Full fat gives the best flavour, honestly.
Vegetable Oil: About 2-3 cups ( 500-700ml ). Canola oil works too. Something neutral for frying.

For the Cream Gravy, which makes this recipe a true Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy delight, you'll need:

Reserved Cooking Oil: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). Don't chuck out that oil after frying the steak! It’s full of flavour.
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup ( 30g ). More of that flour we talked about.
Whole Milk: 3 cups ( 720ml ). Full fat again! For that rich, creamy goodness.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste. Season it like you mean it!
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste. Freshly ground is key here.
Nutmeg: Pinch (optional). Adds a touch of warmth.

Seasoning Notes

Spice it up, baby! Get your flavour on with these combos:

Essential Spice Mix: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This is your base.
Flavour Enhancers: Cayenne pepper for heat, a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
Quick Subs: Don’t have garlic powder? Use a clove of minced garlic. Honestly, a little swap will do the trick!.

Equipment Needed

Don't go buying a load of fancy stuff. These are the essentials for this Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe :

Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Gotta tenderize those steaks!
Shallow Dishes: For breading. Plates work just fine, you know?
Large Skillet: Cast iron is the king. It also conducts the heat better.
Tongs: Essential for turning the steak without making a mess.
Whisk: For that silky smooth gravy.

Okay, let's dive into making some proper comfort food. We're talking Chicken Fried Steak Recipe time! Honestly, who doesn't love a good, Crispy Chicken Fried Steak ? It's basically a hug on a plate.

Let's Get Started: Prep Steps for Texas Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak Texas Style presentation

First things first, the mise en place . It’s fancy talk for getting your stuff together. Cut your Steak and lay it all out. Saves a headache later, you know?

Essential Mise en Place

Get those steaks ready to tenderize, usually cube steak works a treat. Measure out your flour, spices, eggs, and milk. Have your oil ready for frying. Prep is key, trust me!

Time Saving Organization Tips

Batch your seasoning and measure your ingredients! I like to put all the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another.

This keeps me from adding too much of one spice.

Safety Reminders

Keep an eye on that hot oil. Seriously, oil burns are not fun. Use tongs when you're putting the steak in and taking it out. Let’s keep those arms burn free, yeah?

Southern Fried Steak Recipe : step-by-step Instructions

Right then, time to get cooking. This Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe isn’t tricky, promise!

Bash those steaks! Flatten them to about ¼-inch thick . This helps them cook evenly and get super tender.
Prep your breading stations. One with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and maybe a touch of cayenne for a kick! Another with beaten eggs and a splash of milk.
Dredge, baby, dredge! Dip each steak in the flour mix, then the egg, then back in the flour. Make sure it's fully coated. That's how you get the crispy goodness.
Get that oil hot! We’re talking around 350° F ( 175° C) . Not too hot, not too cold, or you’ll end up with a soggy disaster!
Fry 'em up! Pop the steaks in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3- 4 minutes per side , until they’re golden brown. Use your eyes!

Pro Tips to make a Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy to die for

Okay, here are a few tricks I've picked up over the years.

I will never ever forget what it felt like to serve this dish with perfectly made Mashed Potatoes to my lovely auntie, that made her day.

Expert Techniques to make your Cream Gravy shine

Use freshly ground black pepper in your Cream Gravy . Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't overcrowd the pan! Seriously, this is the biggest mistake people make. If the pan is too crowded, the oil temperature drops, and you end up with soggy steaks.

So there you have it. A proper Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with a Cream Gravy . It’s proper comfort food that always hits the spot. Go on, give it a bash!

Remember, cooking should be fun. I hope my Chicken Fried Steak Recipe gets you experimenting in the kitchen!. Enjoy the process! Now go out there and make some magic happen!

Right then, let's chat about making this Chicken Fried Steak Recipe even better, shall we? Honestly, even a classic like this one can benefit from a bit of tweaking and some insider knowledge.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Right, so you've got your Crispy Chicken Fried Steak ready. How do you make it look like it came straight out of a fancy restaurant? First off, presentation! A dollop of creamy Mashed Potatoes right next to your Southern Fried Steak Recipe looks gorgeous.

Think about adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley for colour, you know? For drinks, an ice-cold beer works wonders, or even a glass of sweet tea if you're feeling proper Southern.

I even like to add a side of corn on the cob, so you know?

Storage Tips

Listen up, nobody wants soggy leftovers, right? If you've got any Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy left (unlikely, I know!), pop it in the fridge within two hours.

It'll keep for about 3 days. For the gravy, store it separately in an airtight container. Freezing isn't ideal, as the breading can get a bit mushy, but if you must, wrap the steak tightly and freeze for up to a month.

Reheating? Oven is best - keeps the Steak crispy. Honestly, the microwave is a last resort!

Variations

Fancy mixing things up a bit? I get it. For a lighter version of this Easy Chicken Fried Steak Recipe , try using skimmed milk in the Cream Gravy .

You can also use pork instead of Texas Chicken Fried Steak , and you know? Seasonal swaps can be fun too! In the autumn, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to your breading for a warm, comforting twist.

The Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Cream Gravy it's super adaptable.

Nutrition Basics

Okay, so this isn't exactly health food, is it? But everything in moderation, right? You're looking at roughly 700 calories per serving, and a fair bit of fat.

But hey, it's packed with protein. The key health benefit? Pure, unadulterated happiness! And the Country Fried Steak are worth it

So, there you have it! Some little tweaks to make your Chicken Fried Steak Recipe even better! Now, go on, get cooking and enjoy every single bite! You know you want to.

Delicious Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with Creamy Gravy

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Chicken Fried Steak? Is it actually chicken?

Great question! Despite the name, Chicken Fried Steak recipe with is actually made with beef steak. It gets its name because the steak is prepared in the same way you'd prepare fried chicken: dredged in seasoned flour and fried until golden and crispy.

Think of it as a Southern take on wiener schnitzel, but with a rich cream gravy!

My Chicken Fried Steak always ends up soggy. What am I doing wrong?

Soggy Chicken Fried Steak is a culinary tragedy, akin to a soggy bottom on The Great British Bake Off! Several things can cause this. First, ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before adding the steak. Second, don't overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature.

Finally, use a wire rack to drain the cooked steaks, allowing excess oil to drip off. A double dredge in the flour mix also helps!

Can I make the cream gravy ahead of time?

You can indeed, but with a little caveat. The gravy will thicken as it cools, so you might need to add a splash of milk when reheating to thin it out to the desired consistency. Be sure to whisk it frequently while reheating to prevent lumps from forming nobody wants lumpy gravy!

What are some variations I can try with this Chicken Fried Steak Recipe with?

Fancy a twist? Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick. Soaking the steaks in buttermilk before breading will also make them extra tender. For a richer gravy, use half and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.

You could even experiment with different seasonings in the breading, like smoked paprika or onion powder. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

How should I store leftover Chicken Fried Steak and gravy? And how long will it last?

Store the Chicken Fried Steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They'll generally last for 3-4 days. When reheating, the steak is best reheated in the oven to maintain crispness (though it won't be quite as good as fresh).

The gravy can be reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a little milk if needed to thin it out.

Is Chicken Fried Steak healthy?

Let's be honest, Chicken Fried Steak is a treat rather than a health food! It's high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. That being said, you can make some adjustments to lighten it up a bit.

Use leaner cube steaks, trim excess fat, bake the steak instead of frying (though the texture won't be the same), and use skim milk for the gravy. But sometimes, you just gotta indulge, right?