Chicken fried steak is a true comfort food classic, and when you’re on the hunt for the best version, looking to the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is always a smart move. Known for her approachable and delicious recipes, Ree’s take on chicken fried steak is no exception. If you’re dreaming of that perfect crispy coating and tender steak smothered in creamy gravy, this recipe inspired by the Pioneer Woman is your ticket to dinner bliss.
What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Fried Steak Special?
Ree Drummond’s recipes are beloved for their simplicity and focus on flavor, and her chicken fried steak recipe perfectly embodies this. It’s all about using accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques to create a dish that’s packed with Southern comfort. You won’t find any complicated steps here, just honest-to-goodness home cooking that delivers every time.
To get started on your Pioneer Woman-inspired chicken fried steak, gather these key ingredients. You’ll need cube steaks or tenderized round steak, all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, and your go-to cooking oil, like canola oil. Don’t forget the seasonings! Salt, black pepper, seasoned salt, and paprika are essential for that signature flavor. And for the creamy white gravy that takes this dish over the top, you’ll need butter, flour, milk, and more of that flavorful seasoned salt.
Creamy white gravy, a must-have for Pioneer Woman's chicken fried steak recipe.
Tips for Chicken Fried Steak Success, Pioneer Woman Style
Achieving that golden brown, crispy crust is key to a perfect chicken fried steak. Here are a few Pioneer Woman-inspired tips to guide you:
- Don’t fear the fry: A deep golden brown color is what you’re aiming for. Don’t pull the steak out of the pan too early, or you’ll miss out on that signature crunch.
- Oil temperature is crucial: Medium heat is ideal. Let your vegetable oil heat up properly in your cast iron skillet before adding the steak. A simple trick to check if the oil is ready? Sprinkle a bit of flour into the pan – if it bubbles, you’re good to go!
- Set up a breading station: Create an assembly line with shallow dishes. One for your egg and milk mixture, and another for your seasoned flour. This makes the breading process efficient and less messy.
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings, especially in the flour mixture. Seasoned salt and paprika are musts, and a touch of cayenne pepper and garlic powder can add an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Wet hand, dry hand: Use one hand for dipping the steak in the wet egg mixture and the other for coating it in the dry flour mixture. This prevents your hands from becoming overly coated in batter and keeps the process cleaner.
Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Meal
Chicken fried steak is fantastic on its own, but it becomes a full-fledged comfort food feast when paired with the right side dishes. Mashed potatoes and creamy white gravy are a classic pairing – the gravy is practically essential! But don’t stop there.
Southern side dishes like collard greens pair well with chicken fried steak Pioneer Woman style.
Consider adding other Southern-inspired sides like:
- Black-eyed peas: A hearty and flavorful side that complements the richness of the steak.
- Green beans: A simple and fresh vegetable side to balance the meal.
- Collard greens: Another Southern staple that adds depth of flavor.
And of course, let’s not forget the gravy. While white gravy is traditional, a rich brown gravy is also a fantastic option for smothering your chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes.
Rich brown gravy, another delicious option for serving with chicken fried steak.
Ready to Cook? Get the Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak Recipe
While specific recipes can vary slightly, you can find Ree Drummond’s Chicken Fried Steak recipe on The Pioneer Woman website. Look for her version and get ready to create a comforting and delicious meal that your whole family will love. With these tips and a little Pioneer Woman inspiration, you’ll be serving up perfect chicken fried steak in no time!
Find the full recipe on The Pioneer Woman’s website.
And if you’re feeling adventurous with gravy, explore making your own roux for an extra special touch!
