Why You’ll Love this All American Chicken Fried Steak With Cream Gravy Recipe
When you take your first bite of this All American Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, you’ll instantly understand why it’s a beloved classic. The crispy, golden crust gives way to tender meat, and that first crunch is absolutely satisfying.
The rich, creamy gravy envelops every bite, adding a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.
You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together, allowing you to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, there’s something incredibly nostalgic about this dish that brings back fond memories of home-cooked meals.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this!
Ingredients of All American Chicken Fried Steak With Cream Gravy
When it comes to making All American Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, the ingredients are half the fun. You’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few fresh items to create that crunchy, savory masterpiece. If you’ve never made chicken fried steak before, don’t worry—this recipe is approachable and will quickly become a favorite.
Just imagine the aroma of sizzling steak and the rich, creamy gravy wafting through your kitchen. You might even find yourself dancing a little as you cook. So, let’s gather everything you’ll need!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 cube steaks (about 5 oz. each, pounded to 1/4-inch thick)
- 4-5 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 onion, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour (for gravy)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (for gravy)
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper (for gravy)
Now, before you dash off to the store, let’s talk about a few considerations. First, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t panic. You can easily make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
It’s a little kitchen hack that saves the day. Also, the cube steaks are key for that classic texture, but if you can’t find them, you can use another cut of beef that’s tender and can be pounded thin.
Just remember, the thinner the steak, the crispier your chicken fried steak will be. So, roll up those sleeves and get ready to cook!
How to Make All American Chicken Fried Steak With Cream Gravy
Making All American Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy is a delightful adventure in the kitchen, and I’m excited to walk you through it. First things first, let’s get organized. You’ll want to gather all your ingredients—3 cups of all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, buttermilk, egg, baking powder, baking soda, cube steaks, vegetable oil for frying, onion, thyme, garlic, and the ingredients for the gravy. Trust me, having everything ready will save you from scrambling around like a chicken with its head cut off when it’s time to cook.
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 200°F. This is where your finished steaks will hang out and stay warm while you whip up that luscious gravy. In a shallow dish, toss together 3 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and that punch of cayenne pepper (that’s just 1/8 teaspoon, but it packs a flavorful kick).
Now, in another shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda until it froths up like a bubbly potion. Take your 6 cube steaks, pat them dry with paper towels, and season them with salt and pepper. Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, dip it into the buttermilk batter, and then back into the flour. Lay them on a wire rack like they’re getting ready for a photo shoot.
Next, let’s get frying. Pour 4-5 cups of vegetable oil into a large Dutch oven or pan—enough to cover the steaks when they’re frying—and heat it over medium-high until it reaches a sizzling 375°F. Fry three steaks at a time until they’re gloriously golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Don’t worry if the oil spits a bit; it’s just excited to cook.
Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and keep them warm in the oven while you repeat with the remaining steaks. Now, onto the gravy. Carefully strain the hot oil into a medium pot, leaving behind those delicious browned bits in the Dutch oven. Add 2 tablespoons of the frying oil back into the Dutch oven and sauté your minced onion and thyme until softened, about 5 minutes.
Toss in the minced garlic and cook until it’s fragrant—about 15 seconds, and you’ll be the proud chef of a savory aroma wafting through your kitchen. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour, whisk in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, then add 2 cups of whole milk, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. Simmer until thickened, which takes about 5 minutes.
Finally, spoon that velvety gravy over your crispy steaks, and just try to contain your excitement as you serve it up. Enjoy!
All American Chicken Fried Steak With Cream Gravy Substitutions & Variations
Although traditional chicken fried steak is a classic favorite, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to put your own spin on this dish.
For a healthier twist, I often swap out the cube steaks for chicken cutlets or even turkey. If you’re gluten-free, using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend works wonders in the breading.
Want to spice things up? Add some paprika or even a dash of hot sauce to your buttermilk mixture.
For the gravy, I’ve experimented with adding sautéed mushrooms or even jalapeños for an extra kick.
Finally, feel free to use half-and-half instead of whole milk for a richer gravy.
Get creative and make this dish your own!
What to Serve with All American Chicken Fried Steak With Cream Gravy
Wondering what to pair with your crispy chicken fried steak and creamy gravy? I’ve found that the classic sides really complement this dish perfectly.
Mashed potatoes are a must; their creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the savory gravy. You can also opt for buttery corn or green beans for a fresh crunch.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, coleslaw adds a nice tangy contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of biscuits, perfect for sopping up that delicious gravy.
And don’t forget a revitalizing salad; it balances out the richness of the steak. These sides will elevate your chicken fried steak experience and make for a fantastic meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your chicken fried steak turns out perfectly every time, consider a few helpful tips.
First, make certain your oil is at the right temperature, around 375°F, before frying. This guarantees a crispy exterior while keeping the steak juicy inside.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry only a few steaks at a time to maintain that oil temperature.
Let the steaks rest on a wire rack after frying to prevent them from getting soggy.
For the gravy, always scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan; they add incredible flavor.
Finally, adjust the seasoning in your flour and gravy to suit your taste.
Enjoy your crispy chicken fried steak with pride!