Pioneer Woman’s Savory Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

My grandma’s cherished Pioneer Woman chicken fried steak recipe always sparks nostalgic memories of our Texas kitchen.

Weekend comfort meals rarely get more satisfying than this crispy, golden masterpiece.

Southern cooking demands precise techniques and generous seasoning that guarantee maximum flavor.

Tender beef coated in perfectly seasoned breading creates a magical dining experience.

Ranch-style kitchens across Texas celebrate this classic dish with pride and passion.

Crunchy exteriors give way to incredibly juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

Mastering this beloved recipe connects you directly to authentic home-style cooking traditions.

What Makes Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak So Satisfying

Mastering Comfort Food Quickly: Reasons to Love This Chicken Fried Steak

• Speed Demon Meal: Prepares in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy families craving southern-style comfort food.
• Crowd-Pleasing Tradition: Delivers classic southern flavors that appeal to multiple generations, creating a nostalgic dining experience everyone will enjoy.
• Budget-Friendly Protein: Uses affordable cube steak and pantry staples, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Chicken Fried Steak (Pioneer Woman) Ingredients

• Cube Steak: Tender beef cut perfect for chicken fried steak, often tenderized to ensure a soft texture.
• All-Purpose Flour, Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Classic blend for creating a crispy, flavorful coating with a slight kick of spice.
• Eggs, Milk: Helps create a thick, adhesive layer for the flour coating, ensuring a crunchy exterior.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for achieving a golden-brown, crispy texture when frying the steaks.

• Seasoned Salt: Provides depth of flavor and extra seasoning to the coating.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and classic seasoning to the dish.
• Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and slight reddish color to the coating.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a spicy element to the chicken fried steak.

• Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil after frying to maintain crispy texture.

Chicken Fried Steak Pioneer Woman Method

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

Mix your dry ingredients in a wide, shallow dish.

You’ll want to blend flour with a blend of zesty seasonings that will make your taste buds dance.

Grab your seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne for a flavor explosion that’ll wake up every single bite.

Step 2: Craft the Dipping Station

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk together until they’re perfectly combined.

This liquid mixture will help your coating stick like a delicious dream to the meat.

Step 3: Transform Cube Steaks into Crispy Masterpieces

Take each cube steak and perform a delightful coating dance.

First, roll the steak in the seasoned flour, giving it a complete flour hug.

Next, take a quick dip in the egg mixture, then return for another flour coating.

Gently shake off any excess flour, creating a light, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Prepare the Sizzling Oil Bath

Select a large skillet and pour vegetable oil, creating a shallow pool that’s ready for frying.

Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready to transform your steaks into golden perfection.

Step 5: Fry to Crispy Golden Bliss

Carefully place coated steaks into the hot oil, working in batches to maintain perfect temperature.

Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown color that signals crispy deliciousness.

Use tongs to flip and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Drain and Rest the Crispy Steaks

Transfer your fried steaks onto a paper towel-lined plate.

The towels will absorb extra oil, keeping your dish crisp and not greasy.

Let them rest briefly, allowing the coating to set and flavors to settle.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Your Culinary Creation

Plate your chicken fried steak with classic sides like mashed potatoes or creamy gravy.

Each bite promises a crunchy exterior and tender interior that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Fried Steak Tips from the Pioneer Woman

• Keep the oil steady around 350°F for perfectly crispy, golden-brown steaks without burning the coating.
• Pound cube steaks evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness for uniform cooking and maximum crunchiness.
• Let coated steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better and create a crispier texture.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet – fry steaks in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even browning.
• Increase or decrease cayenne pepper to match your preferred heat intensity without compromising the classic chicken fried steak flavor.

Chicken Fried Steak That Warms Up Just Right

• Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Chicken fried steak can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its crispy texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place steaks on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain crispiness.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil, and cook steaks for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy edges return.

Top Picks for Chicken Fried Steak

Pair Crispy Comfort with Perfect Sidekicks

• Match Southern Soulmates: Serve homemade mashed potatoes with creamy gravy alongside the chicken fried steak to create a classic southern comfort duo that hugs your taste buds.
• Brighten with Tangy Contrast: Add a crisp cucumber salad or coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to cut through the richness of the fried steak and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Wine and Dine Southern Style: Choose a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a cold American lager beer to complement the hearty flavors and crispy texture of the chicken fried steak.
• Zesty Finish: Incorporate a small side of pickled vegetables or jalapeños to add a spicy kick that enhances the savory coating and balances the meal's richness.

Chicken Fried Steak – More Ways to Serve It

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crispy texture while accommodating dietary needs.
• Keto-Friendly Crunch: Swap traditional flour with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil to reduce carbohydrate content and align with ketogenic diet requirements.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add chipotle powder and ground cumin to the flour mixture. Incorporate diced green chiles into the egg wash for a zesty southwestern flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use herb-infused salt alternatives like Mrs. Dash. Select lean cuts of beef and reduce salt content in the seasoning blend while maintaining robust flavor through fresh herbs and spices.

FAQs

• Why do I need to double-coat the cube steak?

Double-coating creates an extra crispy, thick crust that seals in the meat’s moisture and gives the chicken fried steak its signature crunch. The first flour coating helps the egg mixture stick, and the second flour layer ensures an even, golden-brown exterior.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of cube steak?

Cube steak works best because it’s already tenderized, which helps the meat stay soft and absorb the seasoning. Other cuts might be too tough or not have the right texture for chicken fried steak.

• How hot should the oil be for perfect frying?

The oil should be around 350-375°F. If it’s not hot enough, the steak will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks properly. Use a cooking thermometer for the best results.

• What makes the seasoning blend special in this recipe?

The combination of seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne creates a balanced flavor profile. The seasoned salt adds depth, black pepper provides heat, paprika brings a subtle smokiness, and cayenne gives a slight kick to the coating.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Chicken Fried Steak whispers southern comfort with crispy golden breading and rich country gravy. Succulent beef cutlets deliver classic American diner charm that satisfies deep hunger and nostalgic cravings you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 cube steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)

Dry Coating & Seasoning:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Wet Ingredients & Liquid:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or as needed for desired consistency)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Create a robust seasoning blend by combining flour with an aromatic mix of seasoned salt, ground black pepper, vibrant paprika, and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat.
2. Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate vessel to form a silky, uniform binding liquid.
3. Meticulously coat each cube steak first in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Dunk the flour-dusted steak into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Return the steak to the seasoned flour, pressing gently to create a thick, textured exterior that will crisp beautifully during cooking.
6. Warm vegetable oil in a heavy skillet until it shimmers and reaches the perfect frying temperature, approximately 350°F.
7. Gently lower the coated steaks into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
8. Fry each steak for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, watching for a rich golden-brown crust that signals perfect doneness.
9. Transfer the crispy steaks to a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil and maintain their crunchy texture.
10. Allow the steaks to rest briefly before serving to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor retention.

Notes

• Customize flour blend by adding garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth of flavor.
• Ensure meat is at room temperature before coating to help breading stick better and create consistent browning.
• Double-dredging technique creates extra crispy, thick crust that prevents breading from falling off during frying.
• Use cast iron skillet for most even heat distribution and crispiest exterior on chicken fried steak.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg