Rustic Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Magic

Comfort takes on new meaning with this Pioneer Woman chicken fried steak that promises pure culinary magic.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty classic that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crispy, golden breading creates a delectable crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Tender beef meets perfectly seasoned coating in a dance of flavor that feels like home.

Generations of cooks have perfected this dish, passing down techniques that speak to tradition and love.

Juicy meat beneath a crackling exterior will have you reaching for seconds before you’ve finished your first serving.

Gather around the table and savor a meal that connects you to generations of home cooking.

All the Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Fried Steak

• Beef Round Steak: A tender cut of beef perfect for creating a classic chicken fried steak with a crispy coating.

• All-Purpose Flour, Eggs, Milk: A classic dredging combination that creates a golden, crunchy exterior for the steak.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat's natural flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides the perfect medium for frying the steak to a crispy golden brown.

• Bacon Grease, Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, flavorful base for the classic country-style gravy.

Chicken Fried Steak—How to Make It Like the Pros

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Start by selecting a tender beef round steak.

Use a meat mallet to pound the steak gently, creating an even thickness of about half an inch.

This helps break down the muscle fibers, ensuring a more tender and delicious result.

Step 2: Seasoning the Meat

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the steak.

Don’t be shy with the seasoning – this is your chance to add deep, rich flavor to the meat.

Step 3: Creating the Dredging Station

Set up two separate bowls for coating the steak.

In one bowl, place all-purpose flour.

In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until well combined.

This double-dipping technique will create an extra crispy exterior.

Step 4: Coating the Steak

Carefully dredge each steak piece in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Next, dip the floured steak into the egg mixture, then return it to the flour for a second coating.

This double-dipping ensures a super crunchy, golden exterior.

Step 5: Frying to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the coated steaks into the hot oil.

Fry each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown, which typically takes about 4 minutes per side.

The coating should be crisp and the meat cooked through.

Step 6: Crafting the Creamy Gravy

In a separate pan, melt bacon grease.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth base.

Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens to a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Serving the Dish

Transfer the golden-brown fried steaks to serving plates.

Generously drizzle the warm, velvety gravy over the top.

Serve immediately while the steak is hot and crispy, creating a classic comfort food experience that’s sure to delight everyone at the table.

Tips for Crispy, Juicy Chicken Fried Steak Success

• Use a meat mallet to evenly tenderize the steak, ensuring consistent thickness for uniform cooking and crispy texture.
• Dip the steak twice in flour after the egg wash to create an extra-crispy, golden-brown breading that stays crunchy.
• Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F to prevent burning and achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.
• Slowly whisk chicken broth into the roux to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy gravy that complements the fried steak.
• Place fried steaks on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain the crispy breading's texture.

The Right Way to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Steak

• Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place steaks on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Warm a skillet with small amount of oil over medium heat. Reheat steaks for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully to maintain crispy coating. Add extra gravy if desired to keep meat moist.

Best Pairings for Classic Chicken Fried Steak Dinners

• Savor Flavor-Packed Pairings for Chicken Fried Steak
• Creamy Comfort Mashed Potatoes: Silky, buttery potatoes create the perfect base to soak up the rich, peppery gravy and complement the crispy steak's texture.
• Southern-Style Collard Greens: Tangy, slightly bitter greens cut through the richness of the fried steak, providing a fresh and balanced side dish that adds a nutritious punch.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy, warm biscuits offer a delightful vehicle for extra gravy and provide a classic Southern accompaniment that enhances the overall comfort food experience.
• Sweet Tea Refreshment: Ice-cold, sugary sweet tea balances the savory, crispy steak and serves as a quintessential Southern beverage that cleanses the palate between bites.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak: Fun Ways to Switch It Up

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use cornstarch as an alternative coating for extra crispiness.
• Low-Carb Protein Swap: Substitute beef round steak with thin chicken breasts or pork cutlets. Use crushed pork rinds instead of flour for a keto-friendly breading that provides similar crunch.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace milk in egg mixture with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use olive oil or avocado oil for frying instead of traditional cooking oils for added health benefits.
• Lighter Baked Option: Skip deep-frying and oven-bake the coated steaks at 425°F on a wire rack. Spray with cooking spray for golden exterior and reduce overall fat content while maintaining crispy texture.

FAQs

• Why is tenderizing the steak important?

Tenderizing breaks down tough muscle fibers in beef round steak, making the meat softer and more enjoyable to eat. This process ensures a more tender and less chewy chicken fried steak.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

While round steak works best, you can substitute with cube steak or sirloin. Just ensure the meat is relatively thin and can be easily tenderized for the best results.

• How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a thermometer to check that oil reaches 350-375°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

• What's the secret to getting a crispy coating?

Double-dredging is key – coating the steak in flour, then egg mixture, then flour again creates an extra crunchy exterior that seals in moisture and provides a satisfying texture.

Chicken Fried Steak: Why It’s a Pioneer Woman Favorite

• Straightforward steps make this chicken fried steak recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, turning a potentially complicated dish into an easy meal.
• The double-dredging technique creates an incredibly crunchy exterior that gives an amazing textural contrast to the tender beef, making every bite satisfying and delicious.
• This hearty Southern-style dish brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table, perfect for feeding hungry families who love traditional comfort food with rich, indulgent flavors.
• Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this chicken fried steak recipe works brilliantly for multiple occasions and always impresses guests with its homemade goodness.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern classic Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak brings rustic comfort straight from Texas ranch kitchens. Crispy golden breading and rich cream gravy create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies hungry souls with pure home-style deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef round steak (top round or sirloin)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fats:

• 1 cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
• 3 tablespoons bacon grease (or cooking oil)

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Instructions

1. Pound beef round steak to approximately 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform tenderization across the surface.
2. Liberally coat both sides of meat with robust salt and freshly ground black pepper, massaging seasoning into the protein.
3. Establish a strategic dredging setup with two separate containers: one filled with pure all-purpose flour and another containing a whisked mixture of fresh eggs and whole milk.
4. Methodically coat each steak piece first in flour, creating a delicate powdery layer, then immerse completely in egg mixture, and return to flour for an enhanced crispy exterior.
5. Preheat cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil to 350°F, maintaining consistent medium-high temperature for optimal browning.
6. Carefully place breaded steaks into hot oil, allowing each side to transform into a rich golden-brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
7. For accompanying gravy, utilize residual bacon drippings in a separate pan, gradually incorporating flour and whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
8. Slowly introduce chicken broth while stirring, allowing sauce to simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes until reaching desired consistency.
9. Transfer crispy steaks onto serving plates and generously drench with warm, velvety gravy moments before presenting.

Notes

• Pound the meat carefully to ensure even thickness for consistent cooking and tender texture.
• Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra tenderness and a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the meat’s richness.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for people with dietary restrictions.
• Allow the coated steaks to rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better and create a crispier crust.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg