Chicken fried steak: just the name conjures up images of hearty, satisfying comfort food. For those unfamiliar with this Southern and Midwestern staple, imagine a tenderized steak, coated in a crispy, seasoned breading, and smothered in creamy gravy. It’s a dish that sticks to your ribs and warms your soul, perfect for a family dinner or a weekend treat. And when it comes to reliable, delicious comfort food, few names are as trusted as the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Her Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Steak recipe is a go-to for many home cooks, promising a flavorful and relatively simple take on this classic dish.
Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, has built her culinary empire on approachable and scrumptious recipes that resonate with busy families. Her version of pioneer woman chicken fried steak is no exception. It streamlines the process without sacrificing any of the essential flavors or textures that make this dish so beloved. What sets a truly great chicken fried steak apart? It’s all about the balance: tender steak, a crunchy, well-seasoned crust, and a rich, creamy gravy to tie it all together. Many homemade attempts fall short, either lacking in seasoning or missing the mark on the crucial gravy component. That’s where the Pioneer Woman’s expertise shines.
To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need a few key ingredients and tools. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is your best friend for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. For the steak itself, cube steak or tenderized round steak works wonderfully. The breading comes together with all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and other spices – the Pioneer Woman doesn’t skimp on flavor! And of course, no pioneer woman chicken fried steak is complete without the gravy, typically a creamy white gravy made with milk and drippings (though Ree’s recipe is designed to be straightforward).
The magic of pioneer woman chicken fried steak lies in the technique as much as the ingredients. First, ensure your cube steaks are properly tenderized and seasoned with salt and pepper. Setting up a breading station is crucial for efficient and less messy cooking. You’ll need two shallow dishes: one for a mixture of eggs and milk, and another for your seasoned flour. The flour mixture is where you can really build flavor. Don’t be shy with kosher salt, black pepper, and consider adding paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for a little kick, just as the original article suggests.
The frying process is where the transformation happens. Heat about ½ inch of canola oil in your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a sprinkle of flour is added. Carefully dredge each steak first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally back in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently place the breaded steaks in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy steak. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The key is that deep golden brown color – don’t pull them out too early! Place the cooked steaks on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
Now, for the gravy – the crowning glory of pioneer woman chicken fried steak. Ree Drummond’s recipe typically features a creamy white gravy, often made in the same skillet after frying the steaks, utilizing the flavorful drippings. This gravy is usually a simple roux-based sauce, starting with butter and flour, then whisking in milk until thickened and creamy. Seasoning is crucial here too – salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of seasoned salt elevate the gravy to perfection.
Serving suggestions for pioneer woman chicken fried steak are classic comfort food pairings. Mashed potatoes and gravy are almost mandatory – the creamy potatoes soaking up that delicious white gravy is pure bliss. Green beans or black-eyed peas offer a comforting Southern side dish to complete the meal.
In conclusion, the pioneer woman chicken fried steak recipe is a fantastic way to bring classic comfort food to your table. Ree Drummond’s approachable style and focus on flavor make this recipe a winner for both experienced and novice cooks. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a truly satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, fire up your cast iron skillet and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort, Pioneer Woman style!
Close-up of white gravy in a skillet, highlighting its creamy texture and rich appearance, perfect for pioneer woman chicken fried steak.
Southern comfort food classics like collard greens, representing the hearty and flavorful side dishes that complement pioneer woman chicken fried steak.
Rich, brown gravy in a saucepan, showcasing a different gravy option that could be served with pioneer woman chicken fried steak for variety.
