Picture this: golden, crispy crust, tender cube steak inside, and a rich, peppery gravy cascading over the top—Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is the kind of Southern comfort food that brings big smiles and even bigger appetites to the table. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of savory crunch and creamy goodness, making this dish a true homestyle favorite. Whether it’s Sunday supper or just a special treat, let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of every good Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak are classic ingredients that work their magic with simple techniques. Each one plays its part—bringing flavor, moisture, and that unforgettable crunch we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:
- Cube Steaks: Tenderized beef cuts that soak up all the flavors and achieve the perfect pan-fried crispiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the essential base for the crunchy breading and the creamy gravy.
- Cornstarch: Lightens the flour coating and delivers extra crunch to the crust.
- Seasoned Salt: Instantly boosts the savory depth of every bite.
- Paprika: Adds color and a gentle smoky undertone to the breading.
- Black Pepper: Gives a lively, peppery kick both in the crust and the gravy.
- Garlic Powder: Brings subtle warmth that makes the steak seriously craveable.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavors for a well-balanced bite.
- Large Eggs: Help the breading stick tight so it crisps perfectly when fried.
- Whole Milk: Makes everything luscious—adding moisture to the steaks and silkiness to the gravy.
- Vegetable Oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point mean your crust gets golden and never greasy.
- For the Gravy: Reserved flour, whole milk, and salt and pepper create that signature smooth, creamy finish.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
Step 1: Prepare Your Dredging Station
The secret to any amazing Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is a good dredging system. Grab two shallow bowls: in one, whisk together flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder—this seasoned mix gives your crust bold flavor and color. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with 1/2 cup of milk to make a rich, sticky bath that clings to the steak beautifully.
Step 2: Coat the Cube Steaks
Pat each cube steak dry (this really helps the coating stick), then dip it into the flour mixture, then the egg mix, and then back into the flour. Press firmly to pack on the crumbs—this step ensures every steak gets its fair share of crispy, golden goodness!
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a sturdy skillet and heat over medium-high until it’s shimmering and ready for action. Fry the steaks in batches, three to four minutes per side, until each one is a rich, tantalizing golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to keep the crust nice and crisp.
Step 4: Make That Signature Gravy
Once you’ve finished frying, pour off most of the oil, leaving behind 2 tablespoons and all those flavorful browned bits. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of the reserved flour mixture, whisk it together, and cook for a couple of minutes to banish any raw taste. Slowly pour in the remaining milk while whisking, then keep stirring until the gravy turns thick, creamy, and ready to ladle over your Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
Garnishes
Finishing touches make all the difference! Top your hot steaks with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and chopped green onions or parsley. These pops of color not only brighten up the plate, they also add fresh flavor contrast to the rich, creamy gravy.
Side Dishes
No Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is complete without classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a must—they’re the perfect canvas for soaking up extra gravy. Buttery biscuits, sweet corn, or tangy coleslaw round out the Southern comfort experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak cut into bite-size strips on a platter with little cups of gravy for dipping—perfect for game day or casual parties! Or host a family-style feast with the steaks arranged on a big platter, extra gravy in a pitcher, and all the fixings served buffet-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak, let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three days—just keep the steak and gravy separate for best results.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken fried steaks by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then popping them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Store the gravy separately in an airtight container, leaving a little headspace for expansion.
Reheating
To reheat, bake steaks on a rack in a 375°F oven until hot and crispy again (about 15 minutes). Warm the gravy gently in a saucepan, stirring constantly, and add a splash of milk if it needs thinning. Avoid microwaving the steak if you want to keep that crust extra crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak?
Absolutely! While cube steak is classic for its tenderness and ease, you can substitute thinly pounded round steak, sirloin, or even pork for a little twist—just be sure to tenderize them well.
Why use both flour and cornstarch in the breading?
The combination of flour and cornstarch is pure magic for achieving that extra-light, ultra-crunchy coating that sets Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak apart from the rest!
How do I avoid soggy breading?
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying (test with a small piece of bread—it should sizzle immediately), and always drain the steaks on a wire rack or paper towels. This step helps keep the crust perfectly crisp.
Can I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak without eggs?
If you’re out of eggs or avoiding them, substitute with buttermilk or even a slurry of flour and water. Eggs help with binding, but you’ll still get a delicious result with these swaps.
Is it possible to make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the gravy up to two days ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently, whisking and thinning with a bit of milk as needed when ready to serve alongside your Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as digging into a plate of homemade Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak, smothered in that dreamy gravy. If you’re craving a touch of Southern hospitality at your table, this recipe is a must-try. Gather your loved ones, share the love, and watch smiles appear with that very first bite!
Print
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak recipe. Tender cube steaks are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to crispy perfection, and smothered in a creamy gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Cube Steaks:
- 4 cube steaks (about 4–6 ounces each)
Flour Mixture:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (divided)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
-
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup flour (from dredging)
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Set up the Dredging Station: Whisk together flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in one bowl. In another bowl, beat eggs with 1/2 cup of milk.
- Dredge the Cube Steaks: Pat the cube steaks dry and coat each in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and back in the flour. Press firmly to adhere.
- Fry the Steaks: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry steaks until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Gravy: Prepare gravy in the skillet using flour, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Plate the chicken fried steaks and top with gravy before serving.
Notes
- This dish is delicious with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
- For a tangier flavor, use buttermilk in the egg mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with gravy
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
