Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Milk Gravy

Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

This Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is a classic Southern dinner that brings crispy steak and rich creamy milk gravy to the table in about 35 to 40 minutes. It uses simple pantry ingredients, basic cooking steps, and a familiar comfort food method that works well for home cooks of all skill levels.

• Easy to follow: This chicken fried steak recipe uses a clear dredging process, a hot skillet, and a quick gravy made right in the pan. The steps are straightforward, so it fits busy weeknights and weekend meals alike.
• Comforting and filling: Cube steaks, flour coating, and warm gravy make this Paula Deen recipe hearty enough for a full family dinner. It pairs well with simple sides and keeps everyone satisfied.
• Great for serving a crowd: The recipe makes 6 steaks, so it works for families, guests, and potluck-style meals. You can fry the steaks in batches and keep them warm in the oven.
• Bold Southern flavor: The mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, and buttermilk gives this chicken fried steak with creamy milk gravy its signature taste. The gravy adds a smooth finish that ties everything together.

For a classic country-style dinner, this Paula Deen chicken fried steak recipe gives you crispy coating, tender beef, and rich gravy in one skillet.

For another comforting dinner idea, you may also like this easy chicken spaghetti recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Here is the full ingredient list for this chicken fried steak recipe. Every item below is included with the exact measurement needed for the dish.

Main ingredients

• 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 3 and 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 6 cube steaks, about 1 and 1/2 pounds total
• 2 cups whole milk

The flour is divided because part of it coats the steaks and the rest helps build the gravy. The buttermilk and egg make the coating stick, while the whole milk creates the classic creamy milk gravy.

Ingredient notes

• Cube steaks are the best choice here because they cook quickly and stay tender.
• Vegetable oil works well because it holds heat evenly for frying.
• Black pepper is used in both the coating and the gravy for a deeper savory taste.
• Ground paprika adds a mild color and a little warmth to the crust.

For a broader look at beef cuts and nutrition, this beef nutrition guide is a helpful read.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak

This Paula Deen chicken fried steak recipe is simple to make if you set up your ingredients before you start. The total time is about 35 to 40 minutes, including about 20 minutes of prep and 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time per batch.

Prepare the coating and egg mixture

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. This low heat will keep the fried steaks warm while you finish the batch cooking.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup flour, 3 teaspoons salt, 3 teaspoons black pepper, and the paprika.
3. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and the lightly beaten egg.

Fry the steaks

4. Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of 2 inches. Heat it over medium heat until a thermometer reads 350 degrees.
5. Working in batches, dredge each cube steak in the flour mixture and shake off the excess.
6. Dip the steak into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture again for a thicker crust.
7. Carefully place the coated steaks in the hot oil and fry for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until done. Keep the oil temperature near 350 degrees while frying.
8. Drain the steaks on paper towels, then place them in the oven to stay warm.

Make the creamy milk gravy

9. Pour off the oil from the skillet, leaving 1/4 cup in the pan.
10. Heat the reserved oil over medium heat, then whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup flour.
11. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
12. Slowly add the 2 cups whole milk, whisking until the gravy is smooth.
13. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
14. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
15. Spoon the warm gravy over the steaks and serve right away.

For the best texture, keep the oil hot and fry in small batches. That helps the coating stay crisp instead of turning soggy.

If you want another comforting meal idea, try this simple homemade turkey carcass soup for a cozy next-day dinner.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak

• Fry in batches: Putting too many steaks in the pan at once drops the oil temperature and makes the crust less crisp.
• Use a thermometer: A steady 350 degrees helps the steaks cook evenly and brown well.
• Shake off extra coating: Too much flour or buttermilk can make the crust clumpy instead of light and even.
• Keep the steaks warm: The 200 degree oven helps hold the finished steaks while you make the gravy.
• Whisk the gravy slowly: Adding the milk a little at a time helps prevent lumps.
• Season as you go: The salt and pepper are split between the coating and the gravy, which gives the dish balanced flavor.

These small steps make a big difference in any chicken fried steak recipe, especially when you want the coating crisp and the gravy smooth.

Nutrition Information and Serving Suggestions

Nutritional information: Not available for this recipe.

This Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe makes a filling dinner on its own, but classic sides help round it out and make the meal feel complete.

Serve the steaks hot, spoon plenty of gravy over the top, and add one or two simple sides for a full Southern-style plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paula Deen Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

🥩🍳 Crispy golden cube steaks smothered in velvety creamy milk gravy – ultimate Southern comfort with 40g protein satisfaction!
🥛🍲 Double-dredged perfection in 40 minutes – family-pleasing classic better than diner, pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes!

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

– 4 teaspoons salt, divided

– 3 and 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided

– 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika

– 1 cup buttermilk

– 1 large egg, lightly beaten

– Vegetable oil for frying

– 6 cube steaks, about 1 and 1/2 pounds total

– 2 cups whole milk

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Notes

🔥 Maintain oil at 350°F with thermometer – too low makes greasy, too high burns coating.
🥛 Shake off excess flour/buttermilk between dredges for even crispy exterior.
🍳 Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and dropping oil temperature.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• undefined: undefined
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Deep-Fried
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: High-Protein

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg