Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak: A Classic Southern Comfort Dish

There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown piece of Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak, smothered in creamy, savory gravy. It’s the kind of meal that warms your heart and makes you feel at home, no matter where you are. If you’ve never made this iconic Southern dish before, don’t worry—you’re about to learn how to make it like a pro.

What Is Chicken Fried Steak?

Despite its name, chicken fried steak doesn’t contain any chicken. Instead, it’s a breaded and fried steak, prepared in the style of fried chicken. This dish is all about simplicity and indulgence, combining tender, seasoned cube steak with a crispy coating and a rich, flavorful gravy.

Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

• Crispy and Tender: The steak is coated with a seasoned flour mixture and fried to perfection.
• Hearty Comfort Food: It’s satisfying, delicious, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
• Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, you’ll have a meal that feels like it came straight from a diner.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

Here’s everything you need to make this mouthwatering dish:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cube Steak	4 pieces (about 1 lb)	Tenderized cuts of beef, like round steak.
All-Purpose Flour	1 ½ cups	For dredging the steak and making the gravy.
Eggs	2 large	Adds moisture to help the coating stick.
Milk	1 cup	Used in both the dredging and gravy.
Salt and Pepper	To taste	Essential for seasoning the steak and gravy.
Oil for Frying	About 1 cup	Use vegetable or canola oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

1. Prepare the Cube Steaks

• Start by seasoning both sides of the cube steaks generously with salt and pepper. Let them rest while you prepare the dredging station.

2. Set Up the Dredging Station

• In one bowl, mix the flour with additional salt and pepper (feel free to add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor).
• In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.

3. Dredge the Steaks

• Coat each cube steak in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even layer.
• Dip the steak into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Coat the steak in the flour mixture again, pressing gently to create a thick, crispy coating.

4. Fry the Steaks

• Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
• Add the steaks to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd.
• Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the steaks and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

5. Make the Gravy

• Pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind.
• Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until golden and nutty.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
• Cook until the gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve

• Plate each steak and generously ladle the gravy on top.
• Garnish with parsley or serve alongside mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Fried Steak

• Tenderize the Steak: If your cube steak isn’t pre-tenderized, use a meat mallet to pound it to an even thickness.
• Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: Coating the steak twice ensures a crispy exterior.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the steaks in batches if needed to maintain the oil’s temperature.
• Use a Thermometer: Keep the oil at 350°F for consistent frying.
• Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	25g
Total Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	5g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sodium	500mg

What to Serve with Chicken Fried Steak

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with these classic sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes are perfect for soaking up the gravy.
• Green Beans: Add a fresh, healthy element to the meal.
• Biscuits: Flaky biscuits make a delicious addition.
• Coleslaw: A tangy slaw helps cut through the richness.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

1. Spicy Chicken Fried Steak

• Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.

2. Gluten-Free Version

• Use gluten-free flour and almond milk for the dredging and gravy.

3. Dairy-Free Option

• Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk.

4. Pork Fried Steak

• Swap the cube steak for pork chops for a fun twist on the recipe.

5. Baked Chicken Fried Steak

• For a healthier version, bake the steaks at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Steak

Refrigerate

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze

• Wrap each steak individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat

• Warm the steaks in a 350°F oven until crispy and heated through, about 10 minutes. Reheat gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.

FAQs About Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

1. What is cube steak?

Cube steak is a tenderized cut of beef, usually from the top round or top sirloin. Its texture makes it ideal for frying.

2. Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, you can use thinly pounded sirloin or round steak as alternatives.

3. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Make sure the steak is dry before dredging and press the coating firmly onto the meat.

4. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the gravy in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.

5. What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable or canola oil works well for frying chicken fried steak due to their high smoke points.

6. How do I avoid greasy steaks?

Drain the steaks on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil.

Why You Should Try Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Today

Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Southern comfort food at its finest. The crispy, golden steak paired with creamy, savory gravy is an experience that delights your taste buds and warms your soul. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence, this dish will make you feel like you’ve mastered the art of home cooking.

Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and make this iconic dish today. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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