City chicken is a classic dish typically features tender cubes of pork or veal, skewered, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection before being baked until juicy and tender.
Tips and Tricks for the Best City Chicken
- Choosing Meat: Pork loin or shoulder is ideal for its tenderness and affordability. For a more traditional twist, add veal cubes.
- Soaking Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during frying.
- Double Coating for Extra Crunch: For an ultra-crispy crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Preventing Dry Meat: Don’t skip the baking broth! It infuses moisture and flavor, ensuring the pork stays tender.
City Chicken Variations
Air Fryer City Chicken:
Skip the skillet! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Air fry the breaded skewers for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Spicy City Chicken:
Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Gluten-Free Version:
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Panko Breading:
Swap traditional breadcrumbs for panko to achieve an extra-crispy texture.
How to Serve City Chicken
City chicken pairs beautifully with classic comfort-food sides. Here are a few favorites:
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: The perfect combination for soaking up juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the pork.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: A simple, satisfying option for a complete meal.
For an old-fashioned twist, serve city chicken with homemade pickles or applesauce for a touch of sweetness.
How to Store and Reheat City Chicken
- Refrigerating: Store leftover city chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy.
Recipe FAQs
1. Why is it called city chicken if there’s no chicken in it?
City chicken originated during the early 20th century when chicken was expensive. Pork and veal were used as affordable alternatives and skewered to mimic drumsticks.
2. Can I use other meats for city chicken?
Yes! While pork and veal are traditional, you can experiment with chicken, turkey, or even beef for a modern twist.
3. Can I make city chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bread and fry the skewers a day ahead, then bake them just before serving to save time.
4. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Make sure to pat the meat dry before breading and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the skewers. Let the breaded skewers rest for 5 minutes before frying.
5. Is city chicken healthy?
City chicken can be lightened up by baking instead of frying and using lean pork or turkey. Pair it with steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
City Chicken Recipe
City chicken is a classic dish typically features tender cubes of pork or veal, skewered, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection before being baked until juicy and tender.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless pork, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 14 (4-inch) skewers
- Salt, pepper, and seasoned salt (like Lawry's®) to taste
- 4 eggs
- 3 tbsp milk
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Thread 2-3 pork cubes onto each skewer. Season generously with salt, pepper, and seasoned salt. Set aside.
- Whisk the eggs and milk in one bowl.
- Place the breadcrumbs in another bowl.
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch:
- Dip each skewer into the egg mixture, coat with breadcrumbs, then repeat for a double layer of crispiness.
- Heat the oil to 350°F in a large skillet or deep-fryer. Fry the skewers for about 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pour 2 cups of water into a 9x13-inch baking dish and set a wire rack inside.
- Place the fried skewers on the rack, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to crisp up the coating.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1208Total Fat 99gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 78gCholesterol 258mgSodium 768mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 50g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion: A Comfort Classic Worth Revisiting
City chicken is a timeless dish that brings together crispy breading, tender meat, and cozy nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re recreating a family tradition or discovering this recipe for the first time, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite at your table.
Try these other chicken recipes: