There’s something about chicken fried steak that just feels like a big hug from the inside. It’s that golden, crispy coating that crunches just right, giving way to the tender, juicy beef inside. But the magic doesn’t stop there. It’s the gravy, isn’t it? That smooth, creamy sauce that brings everything together—rich and comforting, with a little kick of pepper to balance out the richness. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to slow down and savor every bite, even if you’re already stuffed.
The key to making it just like Ree’s recipe is in the details. The seasoning on the steak needs to be spot on—nothing too fancy, just the right amount of salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic. Then, you’ve got the flour dredge, which should be light but enough to create that irresistible crunch. Don’t skip the buttermilk soak; it helps tenderize the meat while adding a tang that complements the gravy perfectly.
One of the best parts of this dish is how it’s versatile—serve it with mashed potatoes, corn, or even a side salad to break up all that rich goodness. But if you’re in the mood to go all out, some biscuits alongside would make it feel like you’ve stepped into a Southern kitchen where every meal is a celebration. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Key Ingredients in Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
To make the most delicious, crispy, and creamy chicken fried steak, you’ll want to have these key ingredients on hand. Each one plays a vital role in giving the dish its signature flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your dredge. It coats the cube steaks and creates that beautiful, golden, crispy crust. It also helps thicken the gravy, giving it the perfect texture.
- Seasoned salt: A little sprinkle of this magic blend adds a savory kick to both the steak and the flour mixture, giving your dish the right balance of flavor without overpowering it.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is essential for seasoning the steak and adding just a hint of heat that cuts through the richness of the gravy.
- Cube steaks: The star of the show! These tenderized cuts of beef are the perfect choice for chicken fried steak, offering a juicy and flavorful bite that melts in your mouth once fried.
- Salt: You’ll need a pinch of salt to season the cube steaks and help enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
- Whole milk: Used for soaking the steaks, whole milk helps the flour dredge stick to the meat and adds richness to the flavor. It also gives the gravy its creamy base.
- Half-and-half: The combination of milk and cream in half-and-half makes your gravy extra smooth and velvety, adding that luscious texture we all love.
- Egg: The egg helps bind the flour coating to the steak. It also adds a rich flavor to the crust and contributes to the overall crispy texture.
- Paprika: A touch of paprika not only brings a little color to the dredge but also adds a mild, smoky flavor that enhances the savory seasonings.
- Vegetable oil: The oil is crucial for frying the cube steaks to perfection. You need enough oil to create that crispy golden crust, and vegetable oil has the high heat tolerance needed for frying.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
- STEP 1: Begin by placing 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a shallow dish or bowl. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- STEP 2: Season the cube steaks by sprinkling a pinch of salt over each side of the steaks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- STEP 3: In a separate shallow dish, combine 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of half-and-half, and crack 1 large egg into the mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined to create the milk and egg mixture.
- STEP 4: In another shallow dish, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Stir the ingredients until evenly mixed to create the second seasoned flour mixture.
- STEP 5: Set up your breading station by arranging the three dishes in a row: the seasoned flour mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture, and finally the seasoned flour mixture again.
- STEP 6: Take each cube steak and dredge it in the first dish of seasoned flour, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated with the flour mixture.
- STEP 7: Dip the floured cube steak into the milk and egg mixture, making sure the steak is fully submerged and coated on both sides.
- STEP 8: Return the steak to the second dish of seasoned flour and press gently to ensure the coating adheres well to the steak. Repeat this process for all the cube steaks.
- STEP 9: Heat 1 quart of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- STEP 10: Carefully place the breaded cube steaks into the skillet, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan.
- STEP 11: Cook the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- STEP 12: Once the steaks are cooked through and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- STEP 13: Serve the chicken fried steaks immediately with your preferred sides, or top them with gravy for a classic finish.
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
1. Classic Comfort Combo: Pairing your crispy chicken fried steak with creamy mashed potatoes is like hitting the ultimate comfort food jackpot. The smooth and buttery texture of the mashed potatoes perfectly complements the crunchy exterior of the steak, while their subtle flavors mingle in each heavenly bite. Add a side of buttery corn for a touch of sweetness, and you’ve got yourself a plate of pure comfort that will have you coming back for seconds.
2. Southern Charm with Biscuits: Elevate your chicken fried steak experience by serving it alongside freshly baked biscuits. The warm, flaky biscuits provide the ideal canvas for sopping up the rich gravy, creating a mouthwatering medley of textures and flavors. It’s a taste of Southern hospitality that will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of home-cooked goodness. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed chicken fried steak without biscuits.
3. Fresh and Crisp Salad Twist: For a lighter take on this indulgent dish, consider pairing your chicken fried steak with a vibrant side salad. The crisp, refreshing greens offer a delightful contrast to the hearty steak, providing a burst of freshness with every bite. Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad to tie all the flavors together, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies both your cravings and your desire for something light and refreshing. It’s a deliciously balanced option that proves chicken fried steak can be versatile in catering to all tastes and preferences.
How to Store Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
Once you’ve savored every last bite of your Pioneer Woman chicken fried steak, you might find yourself with leftovers that are just too good to waste. Fear not, as there are a few simple ways to store this delectable dish to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful for future cravings.
One of the easiest ways to store your chicken fried steak is by refrigerating it. Simply place the leftover steaks in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Make sure to allow the steaks to cool to room temperature before refrigerating them to prevent condensation, which can make the coating soggy. When properly stored in the refrigerator, your chicken fried steak can last for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors all over again with a quick reheating.
If you’re looking to save your chicken fried steak for a longer period, freezing is your best bet. To freeze the steaks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This method helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the crispiness of the coating. When properly frozen, chicken fried steak can last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the steaks in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to recapture that crispy texture.
Another option for storing your Pioneer Woman chicken fried steak is to separate the steaks from the gravy. If you have leftover gravy, store it in a separate container in the refrigerator, as gravy can have a different texture when reheated. By keeping the steaks and gravy apart, you can easily reheat each component without compromising the flavors and textures. When reheating the steaks, opt for methods like baking or air frying to retain the crispy coating, and warm the gravy separately on the stovetop to maintain its creamy consistency.
Whether you choose to refrigerate, freeze, or store your chicken fried steak components separately, taking these simple steps will help preserve the deliciousness of this classic comfort food. So, go ahead and indulge in this Southern favorite, knowing that you can enjoy it again with just a few storage tricks up your sleeve.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! You’ve just learned all the little secrets to making the most delicious, crispy, and comforting chicken fried steak, just like Ree’s recipe. From that perfectly seasoned steak to the silky smooth gravy, it’s a dish that’s sure to win hearts and stomachs alike. Whether you’re serving it up with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or a fresh salad, you’ve got a meal that will have everyone coming back for more.
I hope you found this guide helpful and that you’re feeling excited to try it out in your own kitchen. After all, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into that crispy, golden steak topped with rich, creamy gravy, is there?
If you give this recipe a go (or if you’ve already made it), I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your thoughts, or if you ran into any bumps along the way, let me know—I’m happy to help. And if you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to share those too. I’m always here to chat about food and share the love of cooking!
Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak
Description
Crispy, golden-brown breading encases a tender, juicy steak, smothered in a creamy, savory gravy. Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Fried Steak is the perfect comfort food—crispy, hearty, and packed with rich, satisfying flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
Instructions
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To begin, place 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a shallow dish or bowl and mix them together.
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Next, season the cube steaks by sprinkling salt over each side of the steaks.
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In a separate shallow dish, pour 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of half-and-half, and crack 1 large egg into it. Whisk the mixture together until well combined.
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In another shallow dish, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Stir the ingredients to ensure they are evenly mixed.
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Set up your breading station by placing the three dishes in a row, starting with the seasoned flour mixture, followed by the milk and egg mixture, and then the seasoned flour mixture again.
-
Take each cube steak and dredge it in the first dish of seasoned flour, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly.
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Next, dip the floured cube steak into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring the steak is fully submerged and coated on both sides.
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Return the steak to the second dish of seasoned flour and press gently to ensure the coating sticks well to the steak. Repeat this process for all the cube steaks.
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Heat 1 quart of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the breaded cube steaks into the skillet, being sure not to overcrowd the pan.
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Cook the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Once the steaks are cooked through and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Serve the chicken fried steaks immediately with your favorite sides, or top them with gravy for a classic finish.
Note
- Seasoning the cube steaks with salt before breading enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Setting up a breading station with the seasoned flour, milk and egg mixture, and seasoned flour again helps create a crispy and flavorful coating on the steaks.
- Be sure to press the flour coating gently onto the steak after dipping it in the milk and egg mixture to help it adhere well.
- Cooking the chicken fried steaks in batches in hot oil ensures they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
- For a classic touch, consider serving the chicken fried steaks with creamy gravy for a delicious finishing touch.
