Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
If there’s one recipe that instantly transports me to a cozier, yesteryear kitchen, it’s this Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak. Each bite combines tender, juicy beef with a shatteringly crisp crust, all blanketed in peppery cream gravy—comfort food at its absolute best. This Southern staple is pure nostalgia, the perfect dish for family dinners or whenever you need a sprinkle of down-home warmth in your week. Whether you’ve had it in roadside diners or you’re trying it for the first time, get ready for a crunchy, creamy meal that’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of a fantastic Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak lies in everyday pantry staples—each one pulling their weight for flavor, texture, or golden color. Don’t be fooled by how humble they seem; these ingredients team up to make magic!
- Cube steaks (4, about 4 oz each): These tenderized cuts fry up juicy and perfectly soak in all the seasoning.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups for breading + 1/4 cup for gravy): This is your ticket to that signature crispy crust and the creamy gravy.
- Seasoned salt (1 teaspoon): Instantly ups the flavor in both breading and steak.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle smoky warmth and a hint of color.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle heat that wakes up the breading and the gravy.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Optional, but a tiny pinch adds Southern sass without overpowering.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind the breading, helping it crisp up beautifully.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups, divided): Keeps the steak moist in the coating and gives the gravy its signature creamy richness.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral and perfect for shallow frying to golden perfection.
- Pan drippings (1/4 cup): After frying, these flavorful drippings form the base for knockout gravy.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning the gravy just right.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station
This is where the fun starts! In one shallow bowl, thoroughly mix together the flour, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and a spark of cayenne. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with 1/2 cup of the milk. The double-dip method you’ll use here is the secret to the unforgettable coating on Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak.
Step 2: Dredge and Coat the Steaks
Take each cube steak and coat it generously in the seasoned flour. Dip it next into the egg mixture, then return it to the flour for one last good dusting. Press the flour firmly into the steak on the final dredge. Lay the coated steaks on a plate and let them rest for 5–10 minutes, letting the breading really adhere—this little wait is what keeps the coating on your steak, not in the pan.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy, Golden Perfection
Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high until shimmering. Carefully add the steaks, working in batches if needed so you don’t crowd the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side, turning once, until they’re deeply golden and crackling all over. As you finish, set the steaks on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and stay crispy.
Step 4: Craft the Creamy Gravy
Once your steaks are done, pour off all but 1/4 cup of the oil and pan drippings from the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, sprinkle in the 1/4 cup flour, and whisk for 2–3 minutes until it smells nutty and develops a pale color—this is your roux. Gradually whisk in the remaining 1 cup of milk, scraping up flavorful browned bits as you go. Let it simmer until thick and luxuriously creamy, then season liberally with salt and black pepper. This luscious gravy is the hallmark of every Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Transfer the hot steaks to plates and spoon generous ladles of gravy over the top. Each serving delivers that irresistible combination of crunchy crust and silky sauce, just as comforting as you remember. Enjoy immediately for ultimate crispiness!
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
Garnishes
Finish your Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak with a shower of freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of smoked paprika adds a bit of visual flair and depth.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate Southern experience, serve this crispy steak with fluffy mashed potatoes—the perfect vehicle for all that creamy gravy. A side of buttery green beans or steamed corn rounds the plate in true comfort food style. Biscuits or warm cornbread will sop up every last drop of gravy, leaving no regrets behind!
Creative Ways to Present
Transform leftovers into an epic Southern sandwich by tucking the steak and gravy inside a soft dinner roll with some crunchy pickles. Or slice the steak and serve atop buttermilk waffles with extra gravy for a playful brunch twist on chicken and waffles. However you plate it, Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is bound to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover steaks cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the gravy in a separate container helps the crust stay crisp until you’re ready to reheat and enjoy again.
Freezing
Freezing Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is a great way to meal prep! Freeze breaded, uncooked steaks on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a freezer bag (they’ll fry up crisp straight from frozen). Cooked leftovers can also be frozen, but know the crust may soften a bit—wrap each portion well to help preserve texture.
Reheating
To get the coating back to its crispy best, reheat steaks on a wire rack in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot through. Gently reheat gravy in a saucepan on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it’s thickened in the fridge, and whisk until smooth. Combine just before serving for steak that’s almost as good as day one!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak?
Cube steak is traditional because it’s tenderized and cooks quickly, but you can use thinly pounded sirloin or round steak if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to tenderize the meat well so it stays juicy inside that crispy breading.
How do I get the breading to stick better?
The biggest trick is pressing the flour mixture firmly into the steak and letting it rest before frying. Chilling the breaded steaks in the fridge for up to 30 minutes helps, too. This extra step helps prevent the breading from slipping off once it hits the hot oil.
What’s the difference between chicken fried steak and country fried steak?
Both dishes are similar, but chicken fried steak (like the Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak) typically features a crispy, fried coating and is served with creamy white gravy. Country fried steak usually has a lighter flour coating and often comes with brown onion gravy instead.
Can I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in both the breading and gravy. Just double-check your seasoned salt and spices to ensure they’re gluten-free, too.
Is there a way to make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the gravy up to two days in advance—just store it in a sealed container in the fridge and gently reheat over low heat, whisking in a splash of milk if needed to bring it back to pourable consistency. It’ll still be delicious draped over freshly fried steak.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: a Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak recipe that’s bursting with Southern soul, simple enough for weeknights yet stunning enough for Sunday supper. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with that unforgettable crunch and creamy gravy. If comfort food is your love language, this is the meal to make for your favorite people!
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Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic comfort of Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak, featuring tender cube steaks coated in a seasoned flour mix and fried to golden perfection, served with a creamy homemade gravy.
Ingredients
Cube Steaks:
- 4 cube steaks (about 4 oz each)
Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (divided)
Other:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup pan drippings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, mix flour, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne. In another bowl, whisk eggs with 1/2 cup milk.
- Dredge each cube steak: First in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, then back into the flour. Press the flour into the steaks to coat well. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Fry the steaks: In a skillet, heat oil and fry the steaks until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the gravy: Whisk flour into pan drippings, then slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Hot with gravy spooned over the top.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a true Southern comfort meal.
- For extra-crispy coating, let the breaded steaks chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
