Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe is a crispy and tender recipe, which is made with tenderized cube steak and a classic pan gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Ingredients

For the Chicken Fried Steak:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. seasoned salt
• Black pepper
• 3/4 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 3 lb. cube steak (tenderized round steak)
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp. butter

For the Gravy:

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
• Black pepper

How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

1. Set Up Dredging Station: Create an assembly line with three shallow dishes. In the first, beat the milk and eggs together. In the second, whisk together the flour, seasoned salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Place the cube steaks in the third dish. Have a clean plate ready at the end of the line.
2. Dredge the Steaks: Working with one piece of steak at a time, sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. First, press the steak firmly into the flour mixture on both sides. Next, dip it into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, place it back in the flour mixture for a second, thick coating. Place the breaded steak on the clean plate and repeat for all pieces.
3. Fry the Steaks: Heat the oil and butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. When the butter sizzles, the oil is ready. Carefully place 2-3 pieces of steak in the skillet, being sure not to overcrowd it. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the crust is deep golden brown and crispy. Remove the steaks to a paper towel-lined plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining steaks.
4. Make the Roux: After all the steaks are fried, carefully pour the frying grease into a heatproof bowl. Without cleaning the skillet, return it to the stove over medium-low heat. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved grease back to the skillet. Sprinkle the 1/3 cup of flour over the grease and whisk vigorously to create a paste (a roux). Cook, stirring, until the roux is a deep golden brown.
5. Create the Gravy: While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the milk. Continue to whisk until the gravy is smooth. Add the seasoned salt and plenty of black pepper. Continue to cook, stirring, for 5-10 minutes until the gravy has thickened. If it gets too thick, add a splash more milk.
6. Serve: Serve the chicken fried steaks immediately with a generous portion of mashed potatoes, smothering everything with the hot pan gravy.

Recipe Tips

• How to get an extra crispy crust? The secret is the double dredge (dry-wet-dry). Make sure you press the steak firmly into the flour mixture each time to create a thick, craggy crust that will hold up to the frying and the gravy.
• How to avoid lumpy gravy? Whisk constantly! When you first add the milk to the hot roux, it will want to seize up. Whisk vigorously and pour the milk in slowly at first to create a smooth paste, then you can add the rest more quickly.
• Why is the breading falling off my steak? This can happen if the oil isn’t hot enough, or if the pan is overcrowded. Let the breaded steaks rest for a few minutes on the plate before frying to help the coating adhere.
• What is the best steak for chicken fried steak? Cube steak is the traditional choice. It’s an inexpensive cut (usually top round or top sirloin) that has been run through a mechanical tenderizer, which creates the cube-shaped indentations and makes it very tender.

What To Serve With Chicken Fried Steak

This Southern classic is a hearty meal that pairs best with traditional comfort food sides.

• Mashed Potatoes (essential for holding the gravy)
• Southern-style Green Beans
• Corn on the Cob or Creamed Corn
• Buttermilk Biscuits

How To Store Chicken Fried Steak

• Refrigerate: Store leftover steak and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak in an oven or air fryer to try and crisp it up again. The crust will soften in the fridge.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for the fried steak as the crust will become very soggy. The gravy can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Chicken Fried Steak Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 700-850 kcal
• Fat: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 35g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Chicken Curry in a Hurry Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Chicken and Dumplings Crock Pot Recipe