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Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

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Pioneer Woman’s chicken fried steak is a Southern classic featuring crispy, golden-brown breaded steak smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. This comfort food favorite is perfect for a hearty family meal and pairs well with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or a side of greens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy, flavorful coating – A perfect crunch in every bite
  • Rich and creamy gravy – Classic Southern-style white gravy
  • Budget-friendly – Uses inexpensive cuts of meat
  • Perfect for any meal – Enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
  • Authentic homestyle cooking – Just like grandma used to make

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

  • Cube steak (tenderized beef steak)
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil or lard (for frying)

For the Gravy:

  • Butter
  • Flour
  • Milk
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

this recipe

Prepare the Steak:

  1. Season the flour – In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Whisk the egg mixture – In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together.
  3. Bread the steak – Dredge each cube steak in the flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat again in flour.
  4. Fry the steak – Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each steak for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Gravy:

  1. Melt butter – In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Make a roux – Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add milk – Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve:

  • Pour the gravy over the crispy steak and serve hot with mashed potatoes or biscuits.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
  • Extra Crispy: Double coat the steak for an extra crunchy crust.
  • Lighter Version: Bake instead of frying, or use an air fryer at 375°F for 12 minutes.
  • Country Gravy Twist: Add crumbled sausage to the gravy for more flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
  • Freezing: Freeze fried steaks for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for chicken fried steak?

Cube steak is traditional, but round steak or sirloin can also be used.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Press the flour mixture into the steak firmly, and let it rest for 5 minutes before frying.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but buttermilk adds tenderness and better flavor.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or lard work best for a crispy coating.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend for breading and gravy.

What sides go well with chicken fried steak?

Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, biscuits, or cornbread.

Can I air fry chicken fried steak?

Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I make a thicker gravy?

Use more flour in the roux or let it simmer longer to thicken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, fry just before serving.

What’s the difference between chicken fried steak and country fried steak?

Chicken fried steak is crispier with a thick coating, while country fried steak has a lighter breading and brown gravy.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman’s chicken fried steak is the ultimate Southern comfort food, featuring a crispy, golden crust and a rich, creamy gravy. This easy-to-make classic is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a true taste of the South!

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Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern
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Description

This Chicken Fried Steak is a classic Southern dish, featuring tender cube steak coated in a crispy, golden-brown crust and smothered in a rich, creamy country gravy. This hearty comfort food, inspired by The Pioneer Woman, is perfect for a cozy dinner with mashed potatoes or biscuits!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak:

  • 4 cube steaks (tenderized beef steaks)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the Country Gravy:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

  1. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.

Step 2: Coat the Steaks

  1. Dredge each cube steak in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Dip into the buttermilk-egg mixture, coating completely.
  3. Dredge again in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure a thick, crispy coating.
  4. Place the coated steaks on a wire rack and let them rest for 10 minutes (this helps the coating stick).

Step 3: Fry the Steaks

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter for extra flavor.
  2. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), fry the steaks one at a time, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

  1. Drain excess oil from the pan, leaving about 2 tbsp of drippings.
  2. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute until golden.
  3. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
  4. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until smooth.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Serve Chicken Fried Steak smothered with warm country gravy.
  • Pair with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans for a true Southern meal!

Notes

  • Cube steak is best for this recipe, but you can also use tenderized round steak.
  • Let the breaded steaks rest before frying to help the coating stick better.
  • Use whole milk for the creamiest gravy, but you can substitute with half-and-half for a richer version.

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