Crispy Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Down-Home Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe to Savor

Comfort food reaches new heights with this crispy pioneer woman chicken fried steak that promises a mouthwatering experience from the first bite.

Tender beef cuts get an irresistible golden coating that crackles with every slice.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish for its rich, hearty flavors.

Ranch-style cooking shines through in this recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.

Each crunchy bite tells a story of rustic culinary traditions passed down through generations.

The perfectly seasoned breading creates a satisfying crunch that seals in juicy, succulent meat.

This recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration of down-home cooking that you won’t want to miss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

For Coating and Breading:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational element creating a crispy, golden exterior that locks in juicy meat flavors.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps draw out moisture for better coating adhesion.
  • Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy undertones and depth to the breading's flavor profile.
  • Paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and beautiful reddish color to the coating.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a gentle heat that tingles the palate.
  • Garlic Powder: Contributes savory, aromatic notes without raw garlic texture.
  • Onion Powder: Provides sweet, mellow underlying flavor complexity.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent that helps breading stick perfectly to meat.
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes meat and adds tangy richness to the coating's flavor.
  • Hot Sauce: Introduces unexpected zesty kick and moisture to the breading mixture.
For Cooking and Finishing:
  • Cube Steaks: Traditionally tenderized beef cut ideal for creating classic Southern comfort dish.
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral high-heat cooking medium for achieving crispy exterior.
  • Butter: Enhances golden browning and adds luxurious, rich flavor to frying process.
  • Milk: Creates smooth, velvety gravy with rich, comforting consistency.

Tools To Fry Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Just Right

  • Large skillet: Essential for frying steaks with even heat distribution.
  • Wire rack: Perfect for resting coated steaks and ensuring crispy coating.
  • Shallow dishes: Two needed for flour and buttermilk-egg mixtures during coating process.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried steaks.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Tongs: Great for safely turning and removing steaks from hot oil.

How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Crispy

  • Whip Up the Seasoning Mix

Blend flour with a zesty combo of spices, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance. Mix those powders until they’re perfectly combined and ready to transform ordinary steaks into a crispy masterpiece.

  • Give Steaks Their Flavor Armor

Dunk each steak into the flour mixture, giving it a generous coating. Dip into a creamy bath of eggs and buttermilk, then roll again in the seasoned flour. Press firmly to create a crunchy shield that’ll make these steaks irresistible.

  • Bring the Sizzle to Life

Fire up your skillet with oil and a touch of butter. Drop those coated steaks into the hot pan, letting them turn a gorgeous golden brown. Fry each side until they’re crispy and singing with flavor, about 3-4 minutes per side.

  • Craft the Legendary Gravy

Turn those pan drippings into liquid gold. Sprinkle in flour and whisk like a pro. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until the gravy becomes smooth and dreamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to make it sing.

  • Plate and Celebrate

Slide those crispy steaks onto a plate, drown them in that heavenly gravy. Pair with your favorite sides and get ready for a meal that’ll transport you straight to comfort food heaven.

Tips For Golden Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak

  • Meat Tenderizing Trick: Use a meat mallet to pound cube steaks thinner for extra tenderness and faster cooking, ensuring a more delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Crispy Coating Perfection: Let coated steaks rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better and create an ultra-crispy exterior.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the classic crunch.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce to match your heat preference – from mild to fiery hot, making the dish adaptable to different taste buds.
  • Healthier Baking Alternative: For a lighter version, bake the coated steaks in a preheated 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, to reduce oil consumption while maintaining a crispy coating.

Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Hot Off The Skillet

  • Rustic Ranch Side Companions: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, soaking up the rich gravy and creating a comforting, hearty plate that screams Southern hospitality.
  • Zesty Veggie Balance: Add crisp green beans or roasted broccoli on the side to cut through the richness of the fried steak, providing a fresh and nutritious counterpoint.
  • Warm Bread Buddies: Pair with flaky buttermilk biscuits or soft dinner rolls to mop up every last drop of the delicious country gravy, completing the classic comfort food experience.
  • Breakfast Transformation: Turn leftovers into a killer breakfast by topping the chicken fried steak with a sunny-side-up egg, creating a decadent morning meal that's sure to satisfy.

Keep Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Delicious Next Day

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken fried steak in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste and texture retention.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive crispy coating by using an oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, which helps maintain the original crunchiness better than microwave heating.
  • Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags, where they can remain delicious for 2-3 months without losing quality.
  • Advance Preparation Hack: Prepare coating mixtures and coat steaks up to 24 hours before cooking, storing them covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor absorption and streamline meal preparation.
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Crispy Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Crispy Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

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

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman chicken fried steak delights with Southern comfort classic perfected through generations of home cooking. Crispy golden breading and creamy pepper gravy promise a satisfying meal that connects family and tradition.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Craft a robust dry coating by blending flour with an intricate mix of spices, creating a complex foundation for the dish’s flavor profile.
  2. Liquid Mixture Creation: Whisk eggs and buttermilk together, incorporating hot sauce to introduce a vibrant heat dimension that will elevate the overall taste experience.
  3. Coating Process: Systematically dress each cube steak by first enrobing it in the seasoned flour, then dipping into the liquid mixture, and finally returning to the flour coating. Press firmly to develop a substantial, textured crust that promises maximum crispiness.
  4. Resting Stage: Allow the breaded steaks to rest briefly, enabling the coating to set and minimizing the risk of separation during cooking.
  5. Cooking Technique: Heat oil with a touch of butter in a heavy skillet, creating an ideal environment for achieving a golden-brown exterior. Carefully lower the steaks and fry until each side develops a rich, amber crust and the meat is thoroughly cooked.
  6. Draining and Resting: Transfer the steaks to absorbent paper to remove excess oil while preserving their crisp texture.
  7. Gravy Preparation: Transform the pan’s remnant drippings into a luxurious sauce by whisking flour to create a roux, then gradually introducing milk. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth, velvety consistency and intensify the flavor with additional seasonings.
  8. Serving: Generously ladle the warm, rich gravy over the crispy steaks, presenting a classic Southern-inspired dish that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Notes

  • Manage Seasoning Intensity: Adjust spice blend according to personal heat tolerance, adding more black pepper or cayenne for extra kick or reducing for milder palates.
  • Prevent Soggy Coating: Let coated steaks rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior, reducing chances of falling off during cooking.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350-375°F oil temperature to ensure even cooking, golden-brown crust, and prevent greasy absorption; use a deep-fry thermometer for precision.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, adding xanthan gum for improved texture and binding in the breading process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1000 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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