City Chicken is a comforting, nostalgic dish that takes you straight to the heart of Midwestern home cooking. Despite its name, it doesn’t contain any chicken at all! Instead, this hearty meal is made with tender cubes of pork or veal, skewered, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection. It’s a dish that’s often associated with family gatherings and Sunday dinners, offering a deliciously satisfying alternative to the more typical fried chicken. The best part? It’s as fun to make as it is to eat, making it an excellent choice for both casual and special occasions.
Why You Should Make This Recipe:
City Chicken is a fantastic option for anyone looking to try something new while still enjoying the familiar flavors of fried chicken. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that doesn’t require any complicated techniques or fancy ingredients, yet the result is a mouthwatering, crispy treat that’s sure to please any crowd. The combination of crispy breading and juicy, tender meat makes each bite a flavor-packed experience. It’s a great choice for dinner parties, family meals, or when you simply want something hearty and comforting. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to experience a piece of culinary history, as City Chicken has been a beloved dish in many American households for decades. If you love fried foods with a twist, this dish is a must-try that’s sure to become a family favorite.
City Chicken is a delicious and hearty dish that offers the comfort of fried chicken, but with a twist! Despite its name, it’s traditionally made with pork or veal, not chicken. The meat is skewered, breaded, and fried until crispy, making it a great alternative to more conventional meat dishes. City Chicken is a nostalgic, classic recipe that’s often served in Midwestern and Eastern United States homes, and it’s especially great for special occasions or a family dinner. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
• 1 lb pork or veal (or a combination of both), cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (for basting)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
• Thread the pork or veal cubes onto wooden skewers, packing them tightly together. Use 4 to 6 skewers depending on the size of the meat chunks.
2. Breading Process:
• In one bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
• In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
• Dredge each skewer of meat first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
3. Fry the Skewers:
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, place the breaded skewers into the skillet. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Simmer with Broth:
• Once the meat is crispy, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add chicken broth and butter to the pan, spooning the broth over the meat as it simmers for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step helps to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
5. Serve:
• Once cooked, remove the skewers from the pan and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Why You Should Make City Chicken:
City Chicken is a unique and satisfying dish that brings a bit of nostalgia to the dinner table. It’s the perfect comfort food to share with family and friends, and its crispy texture combined with the juicy meat and savory broth is irresistible. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, a side of veggies, or a salad, it’s sure to become a hit in your kitchen. Give it a try for something a little different and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal!