Granny’s Golden Secret: Crispy Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this pioneer woman chicken fried steak that promises a golden, crunchy exterior and tender, juicy meat.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish, perfecting every crispy bite.

Ranch-raised cooks know the secret to creating an irresistible meal that makes taste buds dance with joy.

Thick cuts of beef get coated in a seasoned breading that creates a satisfying crunch with each forkful.

Homestyle cooking doesn’t get more delicious than this hearty recipe passed down through generations.

Creamy white gravy adds the perfect finishing touch to this beloved comfort classic.

Prepare to savor every delectable moment of this mouthwatering chicken fried steak that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 662 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that locks in juicy meat flavors.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural meat taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the coating.
• Paprika: Provides warm, slightly sweet undertones and beautiful color.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a spicy kick for adventurous palates.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers savory complexity to the breading.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a subtle, aromatic background note.

• Eggs: Acts as a glue to help breading adhere perfectly to the meat.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes meat and adds tangy richness to the coating.
• Hot Sauce: Brings unexpected zesty heat and moisture to the dish.

• Cube Steak: Affordable cut that becomes tender through pounding and breading.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral, high-heat cooking medium for crispy results.
• Butter: Adds luxurious flavor and helps prevent burning.

• Milk: Creates smooth, creamy base for traditional Southern-style sauce.
• Flour: Thickens gravy and provides silky consistency.

Tools for Chicken Fried Steak the Pioneer Woman Way

• Large skillet: Essential for perfectly frying the steaks and creating golden, crispy coating.
• Wire rack: Helps steaks rest and maintain crispiness after coating.
• Shallow dishes: Two needed for flour and buttermilk-egg mixtures during dredging process.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry seasonings and blending wet ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs: Helps safely flip and remove steaks from hot oil without splashing.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Absorbs excess oil after frying, keeping steaks crisp.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.

How to Cook Chicken Fried Steak Step-by-Step

• Create Crispy Coating

Mix flour with a blend of zesty seasonings in a shallow dish. Whisk the dry ingredients until well combined.

• Prepare Wet Dredging Mixture

Whip eggs and buttermilk together with a splash of hot sauce in a separate bowl.

• Coat the Meat

Dunk each steak into the seasoned flour, then dive into the buttermilk mixture. Roll the meat again in flour, pressing firmly to create a thick, crunchy layer.

• Rest and Prepare

Let the coated steaks relax for 10 minutes to help the breading stick tight.

• Heat Up the Skillet

Warm vegetable oil with a knob of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat until sizzling hot.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully slide steaks into the hot oil, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

• Whip Up Country Gravy

Remove steaks and drain excess oil. Sprinkle flour into the pan drippings, whisking until golden. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth.

• Serve and Enjoy

Drench the crispy steaks in warm gravy. Pair with your favorite Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy biscuits.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Tips

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Meat Tenderizing Trick: Use a meat mallet to pound cube steaks until thin and even, ensuring extra tenderness and faster cooking for a perfectly crispy exterior.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising crunch.
• Oil Temperature Control: Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, preventing greasy coating and ensuring golden-brown, crispy perfection every time.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Dial up or down cayenne and hot sauce to match personal heat preferences, from mild to fiery hot southern-style chicken fried steak.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare coated steaks ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying, allowing flavors to meld and coating to set for maximum crispiness.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Fried Steak

• Comfort Food Companion: Serve this classic chicken fried steak with creamy mashed potatoes, soaking up that rich country gravy for the ultimate homestyle comfort experience.
• Hearty Side Symphony: Pair with flaky buttermilk biscuits and crisp green beans to balance the rich, crunchy steak and create a perfectly balanced Southern-style plate.
• Weekend Family Feast: Create a nostalgic family dinner by plating the steak with sweet corn kernels, fresh coleslaw, and a cold glass of sweet tea for that authentic Southern charm.
• Brunch Transformation: Elevate the dish by topping the chicken fried steak with a sunny-side-up egg, adding a burst of golden richness that complements the crispy breaded exterior.

How to Store Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Revive the crispy coating by warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture and maintain original crunch.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then store in a sealed container for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Tip: Prepare coating mixtures in advance and store separately in sealed containers. Keep seasoned flour and egg mixture refrigerated for up to 24 hours, allowing quick weekend meal preparation.

Crispy Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Pioneer woman chicken fried steak celebrates classic Southern comfort with crispy, golden-brown beef smothered in creamy, peppery gravy. Hearty portions and rich flavors make this dish a beloved staple you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cube steaks (tenderized beef steaks)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp salt
• ½ tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• ½ tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp paprika
• ¼ tbsp paprika
• ½ tbsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp onion powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 cups whole milk

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish to create a robust, aromatic coating mixture.
2. Wet Dredging Setup: Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce in a separate bowl to develop a tangy, rich dipping solution.
3. Initial Coating Process: Completely encase each cube steak in seasoned flour, shaking off excess to ensure an even, light coverage.
4. Moisture Sealing: Dunk the floured steak into the buttermilk-egg mixture, then return to seasoned flour, pressing firmly to create a thick, crisp exterior that locks in juiciness.
5. Resting Phase: Position breaded steaks on a wire rack for 10 minutes, allowing the coating to set and adhere firmly.
6. Oil Preparation: Combine vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet, heating to 350F to achieve optimal frying temperature and enhance flavor development.
7. Frying Technique: Carefully lower steaks into hot oil, cooking individually for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a deep golden-brown crust and proper internal temperature.
8. Oil Drainage: Transfer fried steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil while maintaining warmth.
9. Gravy Creation: Utilize remaining pan drippings to craft a rich country gravy by whisking in flour, gradually adding milk, and simmering until reaching a smooth, velvety consistency.
10. Final Presentation: Generously drench the crispy chicken fried steak with warm, seasoned gravy and serve alongside classic Southern accompaniments like mashed potatoes or green beans.

Notes

• Flour Coating Technique: Press seasoned flour firmly into the steak to create a thick, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and prevents the breading from falling off during cooking.
• Temperature Control: Maintain oil at a consistent 350F to ensure even browning and crispy texture without burning the exterior or leaving the inside undercooked.
• Resting Period: Allow breaded steaks to rest for 10 minutes before frying, which helps the coating adhere better and creates a more stable, crunchier crust.
• Gravy Smoothness: Whisk continuously while making the roux and adding milk to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy gravy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1300mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg