Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Southern-style chicken fried steak, breaded and fried to golden perfection, served with a creamy white pepper gravy. This american-inspired beef ready in about 290 minutes pairs cube steak, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 270 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 lb cube steak in a shallow dish and pour 2 cups buttermilk over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  3. Step 3: Remove steak from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Set aside on a plate.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (use a thermometer).
  5. Step 5: Fry the breaded steaks in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain.
  6. Step 6: For gravy, remove all but 3 tbsp of oil from the skillet, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, and melt over medium heat.
  7. Step 7: Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  8. Step 8: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  9. Step 9: Season gravy with 1/2 tsp black pepper and salt to taste.
  10. Step 10: Serve the chicken fried steak hot, topped with creamy white gravy.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 290 minutes (270 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cube steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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