The Recipe Ree Drummond Wished She Never Made For Food Network

Ree Drummond, known to millions as The Pioneer Woman, has become a symbol of warmth, authenticity, and culinary creativity.

Raised on a ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, Ree’s life has always revolved around the rhythms of rural living, instilling in her a deep respect for the land and its traditions.

Despite her small-town roots, Ree’s ambitions led her to the bustling city of Los Angeles, where she pursued a degree in journalism at the University of Southern California.

It was during a visit back home that she met Ladd Drummond, a rugged cowboy whose charm and shared values pulled her back into the ranching world.

Their love story unfolded against the backdrop of Oklahoma’s vast landscapes, and together, the couple built a life steeped in hard work, family values, and a commitment to preserving their ranching heritage.

While raising five children and managing the family ranch, Ree discovered her passion for cooking and storytelling.

In 2006, she launched her blog, The Pioneer Woman, documenting her life on the ranch and sharing recipes that quickly resonated with readers across the country.

Ree’s approachable writing style and relatable content made her blog an instant hit, eventually leading to a series of cookbooks, a television show on the Food Network, and even her own line of kitchenware.

Her recipes, often inspired by hearty, home-cooked meals, celebrate the simplicity and comfort of ranch life.

From her first cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl, to her subsequent publications, Ree has built a brand that feels both aspirational and accessible.

However, even culinary icons like Ree Drummond are not immune to the occasional kitchen disaster.

In fact, one particular recipe from her Food Network show stands out as a moment she’d rather forget.

In a candid confession, Ree revealed her regret over a dish she once created: a fried chicken pizza.

On paper, it sounded like a deliciously indulgent concept, but in execution, it turned out to be what she later described as “absolutely terrible.”

The idea was ambitious: a pizza topped with big, beautiful pieces of homemade fried chicken, thick-cut pickles, and a drizzle of honey.

However, things didn’t quite go as planned.

Instead of homemade fried chicken, Ree ended up using frozen chicken tenders, which she admitted weren’t exactly winning any beauty contests.

To make matters worse, the dish became a chaotic mess when coleslaw and jalapeño slices were added to the mix.

Ree described it as “a sea of chaos,” with the toppings completely overwhelming the simplicity of the pizza.

In her memoir Frontier Follies, Ree reflected on the disaster, calling it “the craziest thing” she’d ever made.

She admitted that the pizza had too much going on, and the combination of flavors and textures simply didn’t work.

The barbecue sauce made the dish soggy, the coleslaw felt out of place, and the jalapeño slices added an unnecessary kick.

Ree’s vision of a visually stunning and delicious fried chicken pizza had been derailed by a series of unfortunate decisions.

Looking back, Ree has offered some advice to anyone brave enough to attempt a similar dish.

She suggests scaling back on the toppings to avoid overwhelming the pizza.

For example, leaving out the jalapeño slices and focusing on the pickles for a subtle tang could help balance the flavors.

Ree also recommends rethinking the coleslaw, perhaps by caramelizing it or adding toasted almonds for a crunchier texture.

These adjustments could transform the dish from a chaotic mess into something more cohesive and enjoyable.

Ree’s honesty about her culinary misstep has only endeared her more to her fans.

It’s a reminder that even the most accomplished chefs and home cooks have their off days.

Her willingness to laugh at herself and share her failures alongside her successes is part of what makes her so relatable.

After all, cooking is as much about experimentation and learning from mistakes as it is about creating perfect dishes.

This isn’t the first time Ree has been candid about her kitchen adventures.

Over the years, she has shared stories of recipes that didn’t go as planned, offering her audience a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of cooking.

It’s this transparency that has helped her build a loyal following, as fans appreciate her ability to turn even the most disastrous moments into teachable—and often hilarious—experiences.

Ree’s journey from a rancher’s wife to a culinary icon has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Through her blog, cookbooks, television show, and product lines, she has brought a slice of ranch life into the homes of millions.

Her recipes, infused with warmth and authenticity, continue to inspire home cooks to embrace the joys of cooking.

And while not every dish is a hit, Ree’s willingness to share her failures reminds us all that perfection isn’t the goal—it’s the love and effort we put into our food that truly matters.

As for the fried chicken pizza, it may not have been Ree’s finest moment, but it’s a testament to her adventurous spirit in the kitchen.

Sometimes, taking risks leads to unforgettable dishes; other times, it results in a story that will make you laugh for years to come.

Either way, Ree Drummond’s culinary journey is proof that even the best cooks are always learning, growing, and occasionally making a mess.