Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

Ah, Chicken Fried Steak – the ultimate Southern comfort food. If you’ve ever dreamed of crispy, golden-brown breaded steak, smothered in a creamy, peppery gravy, then this Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak recipe is the answer to all your comfort food cravings. Tender beef steaks are breaded and fried to perfection, and then they’re bathed in a rich, velvety gravy that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this dish, you’ll be hooked for life!

Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

This dish is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Crispy Perfection

The steak gets a golden, crispy coating on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy and juicy in every bite.

Comfort in a Dish

This is one of those meals that just feels like home. It’s hearty, warm, and full of flavor. With a plate of this, you’re not just eating—you’re enjoying a meal that wraps you in comfort.

The Gravy

Let’s talk about that gravy. It’s creamy, peppery, and downright irresistible. It’s the perfect finishing touch for your chicken fried steak, and you’ll definitely want extra for your mashed potatoes (or whatever side you serve).

Simple Yet Satisfying

You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make this dish. It’s simple, straightforward, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients

Beef Steaks

The key here is to choose tender cuts like round steaks or sirloin. These are pounded thin to ensure they cook quickly and absorb all that delicious breading and gravy.

Buttermilk

The buttermilk is essential for marinating the steaks. It tenderizes the meat and adds a slight tanginess that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.

Flour and Cornstarch

These are used to make the breading, giving the steaks that perfect crispy exterior.

Seasonings

A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat) gives the breading and the gravy just the right amount of flavor.

Eggs

The eggs help the breading stick to the steaks, creating that irresistible crunch when fried.

Oil

You’ll need vegetable oil for frying. It ensures the steaks cook evenly and get that golden, crispy texture.

Heavy Cream

This is what makes the gravy luscious and creamy. The combination of cream, seasonings, and the flavorful fried bits from the steaks makes the gravy absolutely irresistible.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~650 kcal
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Tenderize the Steaks

Start by placing the beef steaks between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them until they’re about 1/4-inch thick. This helps tenderize the meat and makes them cook quickly.

Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk

Pour buttermilk into a shallow dish and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the steaks in the buttermilk, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours if you have the time.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading

In another shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.

Step 4: Dredge the Steaks

Remove the steaks from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dip each steak first into the egg, then into the flour mixture, pressing down gently to coat each side thoroughly. Make sure they’re nice and coated for that crispy crust!

Step 5: Fry the Steaks

In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a pinch of flour—it should sizzle), carefully add the breaded steaks. Fry them in batches, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the steaks and drain them on paper towels.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

For the gravy, lower the heat to medium and add a couple of tablespoons of the leftover flour mixture into the skillet (where you fried the steaks). Stir it around for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly add in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

Pour the gravy over the fried steaks and serve with your favorite sides. Think mashed potatoes, green beans, or even cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal!

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

With Mashed Potatoes

You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy. The smooth, buttery potatoes are the perfect counterpart to the crispy steak.

With Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli are simple, healthy sides that pair wonderfully with the richness of this dish.

With Cornbread

For a truly Southern experience, serve the chicken fried steak with a slice of cornbread. It’s the perfect way to mop up any leftover gravy!

Additional Tips

• Make the Gravy Ahead of Time: If you want to save a little time, make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
• Breading Variations: If you want to experiment, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs like thyme to the breading for extra flavor.
• Leftover Ideas: Leftover chicken fried steak can be turned into sandwiches the next day. Just add some lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of gravy for a delicious lunch.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re not sure if your steaks are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for medium-rare to medium.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A1: You can prepare the breading and gravy ahead of time, but the chicken fried steak is best fried fresh. You can always reheat the gravy before serving!

Q2: What kind of steak should I use?

A2: Round steak or sirloin are great options for chicken fried steak because they’re tender and take well to the breading and frying process.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A3: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the breading, and the recipe will be gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy coating, or in the microwave if you’re in a rush.

Q5: Can I freeze chicken fried steak?

A5: Yes, you can freeze the fried steaks! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak recipe is a true comfort food classic—crispy, golden, and smothered in creamy, peppery gravy. Whether you’re looking to wow your family at dinner or just craving a hearty, soul-satisfying meal, this dish will hit the spot every time. Don’t forget the mashed potatoes and cornbread—because, let’s be honest, those are non-negotiable for the full experience! Try it out, and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Print