Classic Chicken Fried Steak With Gravy Recipe

For the chicken fried steak

• 4 tenderized cube steaks or round steaks (about ⅓ pound each)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup ground cracker crumbs
• ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  
• 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup ground cracker crumbs
• Neutral oil (such as canola oil or vegetable oil), for frying

For the creamy country gravy

• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. 2

   One at a time, pound the steaks to a ¼-inch thickness. Sprinkle lightly all over with kosher salt.

3. 3

   Pour half of the flour into a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cracker crumbs, and cayenne pepper, if using, for the steak dredge.

4. 4

   In a third shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg until smooth.

5. 5

   In a large cast-iron skillet, heat a ¼-inch layer of neutral oil over medium-high heat.

6. 6

   While the oil is heating, working one at a time, lightly coat the steak all over with plain flour, shaking off any excess.

7. 7

   Dip the steak into the egg mixture to coat all over, shaking off any excess.

8. 8

   Then, dip steak into the cracker crumb mixture, coating all over. Repeat with the remaining steaks.

9. 9

   Working in batches as needed, fry steaks in the hot oil until edges are golden brown and steaks are cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.

10. 10

    Transfer the steaks to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet to keep warm in the oven while you make the gravy.

11. 11

    In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, constantly whisking, until evenly mixed and light brown, about 5 minutes.

12. 12

    Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Cook, constantly whisking, until gravy thickens to desired consistency, 2–4 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

13. 13

    Serve the chicken fried steak with gravy over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes, if desired.

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