If you’ve been searching for that perfect Southern comfort food that brings all the cozy vibes straight to your dinner table, look no further than this Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe. It’s a golden-crisp, tender steak coated in a seasoned flour crust, fried to perfection, and smothered in rich, creamy gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every bite is soul-satisfying and utterly irresistible, making it one of those dishes you’ll be eager to share with family and friends again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the perfect texture and flavor — from the tender cube steaks to the blend of spices, and that luscious, homemade gravy that ties everything together.
- 4 cube steaks (tenderized round steak): The star of the dish, already tenderized to ensure a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for creating a crispy, golden coating that locks in the juices.
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt: Adds a balanced savory kick to the dredging flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Contributes subtle smoky sweetness and a lovely color.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that complements the seasoned salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a hint of warmth for those who like a little spice.
- 2 large eggs: Helps the coating stick perfectly to the steak.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (divided): Splits between the egg wash and the smooth, creamy gravy base.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: For frying, giving the steak that crisp, golden exterior.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the frying oil and enhances flavor.
- For the gravy – 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Taken from the dredging mixture to create a roux that thickens the gravy.
- 2–2 1/2 cups whole milk: Poured slowly into the roux for a velvety smooth gravy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning that perfects the gravy flavor.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dredging Mixtures
First, preheat your oven to 200°F to keep your steaks warm while frying in batches. Then, mix the flour with seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you want a little spice) in a shallow bowl for easy dredging later.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs and half a cup of whole milk. This egg wash will help the flour coating stick generously to your steaks, making that signature crispy crust everyone loves.
Step 3: Dredge Your Cube Steaks
One at a time, coat each cube steak thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing it in for good coverage. Then dip it into your egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Finally, dredge it again in the flour mixture and press firmly so the double coating clings like a charm. Set each crusted steak on a plate and repeat until all four are ready for frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat the vegetable oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the fat is hot and shimmering, fry each steak for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until gorgeously golden brown and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and then keep warm on a baking sheet in your oven.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy
Pour off all but about 1/4 cup of the oil left in your skillet. Sprinkle in the reserved flour from your dredging mix and whisk constantly to form a roux. Let it cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it bubbles and smells nutty. Gradually add the milk, starting with 2 cups, whisking to keep the gravy smooth and thick. Add more milk if you want it thinner. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Ladle that spectacular gravy over your fried steaks and get ready for a true down-home feast that will quickly become a family favorite.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives add a fresh pop of color and a mild herbaceous note that perfectly offsets the rich gravy and crispy steak. For an extra special touch, a few cracked black peppercorns sprinkled on top bring visual appeal and a slight peppery crunch.
Side Dishes
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is traditionally paired with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy buttermilk biscuits that soak up all the amazing gravy. For a well-rounded plate, add some steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance the indulgence with fresh, vibrant greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions on rustic cast iron skillets or deep plates to keep them warm longer. You could also create a family-style platter with the steaks stacked high, surrounded by sides and garnishes, inviting everyone to dig in and share that warm comfort food magic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover chicken fried steaks tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for a quick and satisfying meal later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to stash some away. Place cooled steaks individually on a foil-lined tray to freeze quickly, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months for great taste and texture when reheated.
Reheating
To keep that signature crispiness, reheat leftover steaks in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Warm the gravy separately on the stovetop or microwave, then pour over right before serving to recapture that freshly made appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cube steak is traditional because it’s already tenderized, you can pound your own round steak or sirloin steaks thin to achieve similar results. Just be sure to tenderize well for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour for both dredging and gravy. Also, make sure your seasonings don’t contain any gluten additives. The dish will still be deliciously crispy.
How spicy is the Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe?
The recipe is mild by default. The cayenne pepper is optional and adds just a gentle heat, so you can easily adjust to your heat preference by leaving it out or adding more.
What’s the best way to get crispy coating without it getting soggy?
Double dredging the steaks in flour and egg wash and frying in hot oil ensures a crisp outer layer. Also, draining on paper towels and keeping them warm in the oven prevents sogginess before serving.
Can I prepare the chicken fried steak and gravy in advance?
You can prepare the dredged steaks ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. However, frying fresh gives the best crispness. The gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is pure, comforting joy on a plate and a perfect way to bring a taste of Southern hospitality into your kitchen. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved staple for family dinners, celebrations, or any time you crave that unbeatable combination of crispy steak and creamy gravy. You won’t regret it!
Print
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern comfort dish featuring tenderized cube steaks coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in an egg and milk wash, then fried to crispy golden perfection. Served smothered in creamy homemade milk gravy, this hearty main course is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 4 cube steaks (tenderized round steak), about 1/2-inch thick
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (divided)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Gravy
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (reserved from dredging mix)
- 2–2 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Season: Preheat your oven to 200°F to keep the cooked steaks warm. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with 1/2 cup of whole milk until combined.
- Dredge the Steaks: Working one steak at a time, coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to ensure the flour sticks well. Next, dip the coated steak into the egg and milk mixture, then dredge again in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres securely. Arrange the coated steaks on a plate and repeat for the remaining steaks.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat the vegetable oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the steaks in batches, cooking each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, then place them on a baking sheet in the preheated oven to keep warm.
- Make the Gravy: Remove all but about 1/4 cup of the oil from the skillet used for frying. Sprinkle in the reserved flour from the dredging process and whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook this mixture over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it lightly browns. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking continuously until the gravy is smooth and has thickened. Add more milk if necessary to reach desired consistency. Season the gravy generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the chicken fried steaks and ladle the warm homemade gravy over the top. Pair with classic sides such as mashed potatoes or buttermilk biscuits for a complete Southern meal.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or buttermilk biscuits for a traditional Southern comfort food experience.
- Cube steak is the preferred cut for this recipe, but you can tenderize your own steak cuts by pounding them thin.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of heat in the coating.
- Keep the cooked steaks warm in a low oven while frying the remaining steaks to maintain crispiness.
