Easy Pioneer Woman City Chicken Recipe: Crispy Comfort Magic

City chicken might sound like an urban culinary mystery, but this traditional Midwestern dish actually features tender skewered meat far from any farmyard.

Contrary to its name, this recipe doesn’t involve poultry at all, instead transforming succulent pork or veal into a delectable comfort food experience.

Savory seasonings and a crispy breaded exterior transform simple ingredients into something magical on your dinner plate.

Families have cherished this hearty meal for generations, passing down techniques that elevate humble protein into a memorable feast.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

The combination of carefully layered meat, crunchy coating, and rich gravy creates a satisfying meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Prepare to impress your loved ones with a classic recipe that bridges generations and brings warmth to your table: you won’t be able to resist seconds.

Tips for Crispy and Juicy Results

• Capture Meat Freshness: Opt for premium pork and veal cubes cut uniformly, guaranteeing even cooking and succulent results.
• Create Skewer Magic: Pack meat tightly on skewers, preventing moisture loss and ensuring consistent doneness from edge to center.
• Elevate Seasoning Technique: Apply salt and pepper liberally before breading to maximize flavor penetration and mouth-watering depth.
• Perfect Egg Coating: Whisk eggs completely for seamless breadcrumb adhesion, transforming ordinary ingredients into a crispy masterpiece.
• Boost Breadcrumb Flavor: Blend Parmesan and paprika into crumbs, delivering a golden, crunchy exterior that elevates the entire dish.

Store Your Skewers the Right Way

• Vacuum Seal for Maximum Freshness: Protect your city chicken by vacuum sealing each skewer, which eliminates air exposure and locks in flavors for up to 3 months in the freezer. This method prevents freezer burn and maintains the meat's original texture and taste.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Place skewers in a shallow airtight container, arranging them in a single layer to prevent crushing. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking becomes necessary.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Restore moisture by wrapping skewers in foil and warming in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.

Try These Fun City Chicken Twists

• Rustic Herb-Crusted Skewers: Replace breadcrumbs with a blend of fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley mixed with crushed panko for an aromatic herbal coating.
• Spicy Southwest Kabobs: Swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese and add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne to the breading mixture for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Variation: Substitute pork and veal with tender lamb cubes, season with oregano and garlic, and coat with a mixture of feta cheese and dried mint breadcrumbs.
• Smoky Paprika Chicken Version: Use chicken instead of pork and veal, add smoked paprika to the breading, and incorporate a touch of Spanish-style seasoning for deeper flavor complexity.

A Classic Finish to City Chicken

City Chicken transports palates to hearty Midwestern kitchens with its rustic charm.

Pioneer Woman’s recipe celebrates traditional meat preparation techniques that connect generations.

Skewered pork and veal cubes become golden-crusted delicacies through careful coating and precise cooking methods.

Rich breadcrumb layers provide crispy texture while maintaining succulent meat interior.

Homemade gravy completes this nostalgic dish with depth and complexity beyond standard protein preparations.

Regional culinary heritage shines through each carefully crafted bite – you’ll want seconds, share this recipe, spread deliciousness, and celebrate classic comfort cooking with friends and family.

What Makes City Chicken a Nostalgic Favorite

• Savor Unique Meat Combination: Enjoy the delightful blend of pork and veal skewers that create a rich, complex flavor profile not commonly found in everyday recipes.
• Master Quick and Easy Coating Technique: Learn a simple two-step breading method that delivers a crispy, golden-brown exterior with minimal effort, making restaurant-quality results achievable at home.
• Create Versatile One-Pan Meal Solution: Experience a convenient cooking process that moves seamlessly from stovetop to oven, minimizing dishes and maximizing flavor through a smart browning and baking technique that locks in moisture and develops deep, satisfying tastes.

Must-Have Ingredients for City Chicken

• Pork Cubes, Veal Cubes: Classic protein combination with rich, tender texture. Best when fresh and evenly cut into uniform cubes for consistent cooking.
• Wooden Skewers: Essential for creating structured meat presentation. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water before use to prevent burning.

• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumb mixture adhere to meat. Fresh eggs provide better coating consistency.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy exterior with golden-brown color. Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs work well.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and extra crunch to coating. Freshly grated provides best flavor.
• Paprika: Introduces mild smoky flavor and nice color to coating. Choose between sweet or hot varieties based on preference.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance meat's natural flavor. Use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
• Cooking Oil: Creates golden-brown crust during meat browning. Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Foundation for creating smooth gravy. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought broth recommended.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent for gravy. Sifted flour helps prevent lumps.

Cooking Pioneer’s City Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Coating Stations

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Set up 2 mixing bowls: one for beaten eggs and another for breadcrumb mixture (combine breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese).

Step 2: Skewer and Season Meat

If meat isn’t pre-skewered, alternate pork and veal cubes on wooden or metal skewers. Generously season meat with salt and pepper.

• Pork cubes
• Veal cubes
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Skewers

Step 3: Coat Meat Thoroughly

Dunk each meat skewer first into beaten eggs, then roll completely in breadcrumb mixture. Ensure full, even coating on all sides. Repeat for entire batch of skewers.

Step 4: Brown Skewers in Skillet

Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil. Once oil is hot, reduce heat to medium. Place skewered meat in pan, browning each side for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Step 5: Bake to Perfect Doneness

Transfer browned skewers to baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes or until pork is completely cooked through and no longer pink inside.

Step 6: Create Delicious Gravy

Return skillet to medium heat. Pour broth or water into pan, scraping up browned bits from bottom. Gradually whisk in flour to prevent lumps. Pour gravy over cooked meat skewers before serving.

Pioneer Woman City Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

City chicken emerges as a Pittsburgh classic, layering tender pork and veal cubes onto skewers and baking until golden brown. Crispy breadcrumb coating and savory herbs create a nostalgic dish you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) city chicken (pork or veal pieces cut into cubes)

Breading and Seasoning:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Liquids and Thickeners:

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup chicken stock, broth, or water
• 1–2 tablespoons flour

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C), preparing two separate mixing vessels for the coating process.
2. In one bowl, whisk the eggs until thoroughly blended. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, and finely grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy coating mixture.
3. Thread the meat cubes alternately onto skewers, ensuring an even distribution of pork and veal. Delicately season the assembled skewers with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Carefully dunk each skewered meat piece into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then roll generously in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Position a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and introduce the cooking oil. Once the oil shimmers and becomes hot, gently place the coated skewers into the pan.
6. Reduce the heat to medium and rotate the skewers every 2-3 minutes, achieving a golden-brown crust on all surfaces. This process should take approximately 8-10 minutes total.
7. Transfer the browned skewers to a prepared baking dish, covering loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the broth or water, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan’s surface.
9. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the gravy to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes until it reaches a smooth, rich consistency.
10. Remove the skewers from the oven, drizzle the prepared gravy over the top, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Capture delicious browned pan bits by making gravy right in the same skillet, creating a luxurious sauce from simple drippings.
• Cover meat with foil during baking to lock in moisture, ensuring each bite remains incredibly tender and never dries out.
• Blend pork and veal cubes for a more complex flavor profile that surpasses typical chicken or beef preparations.
• Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and paprika to develop an extra crunchy seasoning layer that transforms the entire dish.
• Brown meat before baking to seal in rich flavors and create a satisfyingly crispy exterior that elevates the overall eating experience.
• Skewer meat pieces for a rustic presentation that turns ordinary cooking into a delightful culinary adventure.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg