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
Units
Scale
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