Sizzling City Chicken Recipe: Pioneer Woman’s Homestyle Joy

City chicken, a delightful Midwestern culinary gem, defies its poultry-suggestive name with a mouthwatering twist of skewered meat magic.

This classic dish transforms tender pork or veal into a savory sensation that dances across your taste buds.

Layers of carefully cubed meat nestled on wooden skewers tell a story of traditional home cooking that transcends generations.

Breaded to golden perfection and often smothered in rich, velvety gravy, this comfort food speaks directly to the heart of satisfying meals.

Each bite brings a nostalgic warmth reminiscent of family gatherings and cherished recipes passed down through generations.

The simplicity of its preparation belies the incredible depth of flavor waiting to tantalize your palate.

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that promises to become an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman City Chicken

• Pork Cubes: Choose well-trimmed, fresh cuts with minimal fat for tender, juicy results.
• Veal Cubes: Seek pale, soft meat from trusted butchers for delicate flavor and texture.

• Eggs: Select large, fresh eggs at room temperature for smoother coating adherence.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Look for fine, dry breadcrumbs and aged Parmesan for crispy, flavorful crust.
• Paprika: Opt for sweet or smoked varieties to enhance depth of flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground pepper and kosher salt for maximum taste impact.

• Cooking Oil: Select high smoke-point oils like vegetable or canola for even browning.
• Skewers: Choose wooden or metal skewers that can withstand oven and stovetop temperatures.
• Broth or Water: Use homemade or low-sodium stock for richer gravy base.
• Flour: Select all-purpose flour for smooth, lump-free gravy texture.
• Aluminum Foil: Use heavy-duty foil to seal in moisture during baking.

Equipment Used for Pioneer Woman City Chicken

• Oven: Essential for baking skewers to perfect doneness.
• Mixing bowls (2): One for eggs, another for breadcrumb coating mixture.
• Skewers: Wooden or metal, needed for assembling meat cubes.
• Skillet: For browning meat before baking.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth gravy without lumps.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate salt and pepper seasoning.
• Aluminum foil: Covers baking dish to retain moisture.
• Baking dish: Holds skewers during oven cooking.
• Cutting board: Optional for preparing meat if needed.
• Cooking oil: For browning skewers in the pan.

Instructions for Pioneer Woman City Chicken

• Prep Your Cooking Space

Kick off by warming up the oven and setting out two bowls – one for egg wash and another for crispy coating mix. Get your skewers and seasonings ready for action.

• Skewer and Season Meat

Thread cubes of meat onto skewers, alternating between types. Shower the meat with salt and pepper, making sure every piece gets some love.

• Create Crunchy Coating

Dip each skewer into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Roll the meat through the breadcrumb blend, ensuring a thick, even layer covers every inch.

• Sizzle and Brown

Heat a skillet with a splash of oil. Gently place skewers in the pan, turning to create a gorgeous golden crust on all sides. The sizzling sound means magic is happening.

• Finish in the Oven

Transfer the skewered meat to a baking dish. Cover with foil and slide into the oven. Let them bake until the meat is tender and cooked completely through.

• Whip Up a Flavor-Packed Sauce

Use the same skillet to create a rich sauce. Pour in some liquid, scrape up those tasty browned bits, and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the skewers for an extra burst of deliciousness.

Cooking Tips for Pioneer Woman City Chicken

• Perfect Meat Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality pork and veal with consistent meat sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture across skewers.
• Customize Coating Crunch: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with panko for extra crispy exterior or add crushed nuts like almonds for unique textural variation and rich flavor profile.
• Spice Blend Experimentation: Replace paprika with smoked paprika for deeper smokiness or incorporate dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into breadcrumb mixture to enhance overall taste complexity.
• Alternative Protein Options: Substitute pork and veal with chicken, turkey, or lamb cubes depending on dietary preferences or ingredient availability while maintaining similar preparation techniques.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman City Chicken

• Savor with Sidekicks: Pair these juicy meat skewers with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
• Garnish with Green Goodness: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a bright, herbal note and make the dish pop with color.
• Host a Skewer Feast: Create a fun dinner experience by serving on a large platter with extra gravy on the side, allowing guests to help themselves and enjoy family-style.
• Complement with Cool Companions: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, savory flavors of the meat skewers.

Storage and Reheating for Pioneer Woman City Chicken

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover skewers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual or grouped skewers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated skewers in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Assemble raw skewered meat with coating one day before cooking, storing covered in refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.

Best City Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

City chicken from Pittsburgh offers a nostalgic twist on meat preparation. Home cooks can create this comfort classic with skewered pork and veal, recreating a Depression-era dish you’ll savor with simple ingredients and heartwarming memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) city chicken (pork or veal pieces cut into cubes)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 tbsps Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup chicken stock, broth, or water
• 1–2 tbsps flour

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and set up two distinct mixing bowls for coating the meat skewers.
2. Coating Setup: Whisk eggs in one bowl, then combine breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese in the second bowl to create a flavorful crisp coating.
3. Skewer Assembly: Alternate pork and veal cubes on skewers, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
4. Breading Process: Dip each skewered meat piece into whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then roll thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture for complete coverage.
5. Initial Cooking: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully brown the skewers by rotating every 2-3 minutes until golden on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes total.
6. Oven Finishing: Transfer browned skewers to a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
7. Gravy Creation: Deglaze the skillet with broth, scraping up browned bits, then whisk in flour to create a smooth, rich gravy that simmers and thickens for 3-4 minutes.
8. Serving: Remove skewers from oven, drizzle with prepared gravy, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose equal portions of pork and veal cubes for authentic texture and balanced flavor profile.
• Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto skewers to create a crispy, even golden crust that locks in moisture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm pork reaches exactly 145°F, ensuring juicy and safe protein without overcooking.
• Gravy Rescue Tip: Whisk flour gradually and continuously to prevent lumps, creating a silky smooth sauce that enhances the entire dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg