This classic Southern dish is comfort food at its finest. Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Fried Steak is perfectly crispy, tender on the inside, and smothered in a creamy, peppery gravy. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a hearty weekend brunch, this recipe delivers mouthwatering flavor every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Crispy and flavorful: The golden crust and juicy steak create a perfect texture combo.
- Homemade gravy: Creamy, savory, and so easy to whip up!
- Comfort food classic: A beloved dish that satisfies cravings for down-home cooking.
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples make this recipe accessible for any cook.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need (find the full list and measurements below):
- Cube steak
- Flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
You’ll find the complete list of ingredients in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prepare the steaks: Season cube steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up the dredging station: In one bowl, whisk together flour with seasonings. In another, mix eggs and milk.
- Coat the steaks: Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour. Press the coating onto the steak for an even layer.
- Fry the steaks: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the gravy: In the same skillet, pour off most of the oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Stir in a few tablespoons of flour and cook until golden. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the chicken fried steak and generously ladle the gravy on top.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use cube steak: Its tenderized texture makes it perfect for frying.
- Keep the oil temperature steady: Use medium heat to avoid burning the crust.
- Double dredge for extra crunch: The second coating of flour creates a super crispy crust.
- Gravy consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add more milk a little at a time.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture for a hint of heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the dredge.
- Different meats: Swap cube steak for chicken breasts or pork chops for a twist on the classic.
- Herbed gravy: Stir in fresh thyme or parsley for extra flavor in the gravy.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and Southern-style green beans. Add a fluffy biscuit or cornbread on the side to soak up the rich gravy. For a lighter touch, serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover steak and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the steak in an oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness. Warm the gravy on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze the fried steak without the gravy. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
FAQs
- Why is it called Chicken Fried Steak?
The dish is prepared like fried chicken, with a similar breading and frying process, but uses steak instead of chicken. - Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat on the stovetop, whisking to smooth out any lumps. - What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil works well because of their high smoke points and neutral flavor. - Can I bake instead of fry the steak?
While baking won’t give the same crispy texture, you can bake breaded steaks at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is a timeless dish that delivers big on flavor and comfort. The crispy coating, tender steak, and velvety gravy make it a meal to remember. Whether you’re introducing this classic to your family or revisiting an old favorite, it’s bound to be a hit. Give it a try—you’ll love every bite!
Print
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Description
This classic Chicken Fried Steak recipe by the Pioneer Woman is a Southern comfort food staple. Tenderized steak is coated in a crispy, golden crust and smothered in creamy white gravy, making it the ultimate indulgence for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
For the Steak:
- Prepare the Coating Station: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Coat the Steaks: Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Fry the Steaks: Fry the coated steaks in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
For the Gravy:
- Make a Roux: After frying the steaks, carefully drain most of the oil, leaving about 1/4 cup in the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful bits. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Serve the chicken fried steak hot, smothered with creamy gravy. Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic Southern meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or onion powder to the flour mixture.
- Cube steak is ideal for this recipe, but you can use tenderized round steak if needed.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Chicken Fried Steak, Southern Comfort Food, Crispy Steak Recipe, Pioneer Woman Recipes, Homemade Gravy
- Calories: 550-600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg