Name: Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 cube steaks (about ½ inch thick); 2 cups buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; For the country gravy:; ¼ cup pan drippings or butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; Salt and black pepper, to taste

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This crispy buttermilk chicken fried steak with country gravy is pure Southern comfort on a plate. I love how the cube steaks get tenderized in buttermilk, fried until golden and crunchy, then smothered in creamy gravy. It’s hearty, satisfying, and always makes me feel like I’m enjoying a home-cooked classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of crispy and creamy. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the steaks and gives the coating extra flavor. The gravy is rich and smooth, soaking into the crunchy crust just enough without making it soggy. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but worth every bite. Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak with Country Gravy

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cube steaks (about ½ inch thick)
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the country gravy:
¼ cup pan drippings or butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Place cube steaks in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) to tenderize.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs.
In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Remove steaks from buttermilk, dip each in the flour mixture, then in eggs, then back in the flour for a double coating.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry steaks for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
For gravy, keep about ¼ cup pan drippings in the skillet. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper.
Serve chicken fried steaks hot, smothered with country gravy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, 1 hour to marinate, and 20 minutes to cook.

Variations

Sometimes I swap cube steak for thin-cut chicken breasts. For a spicier version, I add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade and extra cayenne to the flour. I also like serving it with mashed potatoes or biscuits for a full Southern spread.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the steaks on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. The gravy can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk to thin it out.

FAQs

Can I use regular steak instead of cube steak?

Yes, I can use sirloin or round steak, but I pound it thin with a meat mallet to get the right tenderness.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes, I can bake the coated steaks at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, though they won’t be as crispy as frying.

Can I make the gravy creamier?

Yes, I sometimes stir in a splash of heavy cream or add a pat of butter at the end for extra richness.

Can I freeze chicken fried steak?

Yes, I can freeze the cooked steaks (without gravy) for up to 2 months. I reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.

What sides go best with chicken fried steak?

I like serving it with mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, or coleslaw for a complete comfort meal.

Conclusion

This crispy buttermilk chicken fried steak with country gravy is one of my favorite comfort food recipes. The crunchy coating, tender steak, and creamy gravy make every bite irresistible. It’s a true classic that always brings a little Southern warmth to the table.