Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tenderloin steak coated in a flour and spice mix, fried to golden perfection, and served with a velvety gravy. This southern-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs beef tenderloin, all-purpose flour, buttermilk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Pat steak dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour with 1 tsp black pepper. Dredge each steak in the mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crusty. Transfer to oven and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, deglaze with 1/2 cup buttermilk, scraping up browned bits. Add 1 cup gravy mix and 1/2 cup water. Simmer 5 minutes until gravy thickens. Serve steak with gravy and mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy 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 beef tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy 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 Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy 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 Chicken Fried Steak with Creamy Gravy?

Southern one pot 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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