City Chicken is a savory, crispy delight with tender pieces of chicken are coated in a flavorful breading and pan-fried until golden brown. Served with a rich, savory gravy, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner.
What Is City Chicken?
City Chicken is a beloved Midwestern dish, originating in Cleveland, Ohio, though variations are found across the U.S. It’s a perfect example of how resourceful home cooks can make use of cheaper cuts of meat while still creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Despite the name, City Chicken is traditionally made with pork, veal, or a combination of the two, which is then breaded and fried or baked. The skewering of the meat is one of the key steps that makes this dish unique.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect City Chicken
Use Fresh Meat: Fresh pork or veal will provide the best texture and flavor. If you use frozen meat, ensure it’s completely thawed before preparing.
Soak Wooden Skewers: Always soak your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat. This will prevent them from burning during cooking.
Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For a crispier coating, dip the meat in flour, then egg, and then breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the meat to ensure they stick well.
Cook in Batches: If you’re frying the City Chicken, do so in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and gets golden brown.
Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure about the cooking time, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F for pork or veal. This ensures the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Variations of City Chicken
While the classic City Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to mix things up depending on your taste preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
Vegetarian City Chicken: Swap the meat for large pieces of cauliflower or seitan (a meat alternative made from wheat gluten) to make a vegetarian version of City Chicken. Coat the vegetables or seitan in breadcrumbs and follow the same frying or baking method.
Grilled City Chicken: For a lighter, healthier twist, skip the breading and skewer the pieces of pork or veal before grilling them. Brush with olive oil and season with herbs like rosemary and thyme for a smoky flavor.
Stuffed City Chicken: For a decadent variation, stuff the meat with a filling such as cheese, spinach, or garlic butter before skewering and cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the dish even more indulgent.
Baked City Chicken: If you’re looking to reduce the oil used in cooking, try baking the skewered meat in the oven instead of frying it. Place the skewers on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter or oil, and bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
How to Serve City Chicken
City Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the crispy, savory flavor of the City Chicken perfectly. You could even add roasted garlic or cheese to the potatoes for extra flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair City Chicken with a side of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- Gravy: Pour some homemade brown gravy or mushroom gravy over the City Chicken for an extra layer of richness.
- Salad: For a lighter option, serve with a simple side salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
How to Store City Chicken
City Chicken can be easily stored for later meals, making it a great dish for meal prep or leftovers.
- In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover cooked City Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked City Chicken. Place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the coating may not remain as crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken for City Chicken?
No, City Chicken traditionally uses pork or veal. However, if you prefer chicken, you can try using chicken breast or thighs as an alternative. Just note that the flavor and texture will be different.
What is the best way to cook City Chicken?
The most common methods for cooking City Chicken are frying or baking. Frying gives a crispy exterior, while baking is a healthier option.
How do I know when City Chicken is cooked?
To ensure that the City Chicken is fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Pork and veal should reach 145°F.
Can I make City Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the pieces of meat ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. If you want to store them for longer, freeze the breaded skewers before cooking.
City Chicken
City Chicken is a savory, crispy delight with tender pieces of chicken are coated in a flavorful breading and pan-fried until golden brown. Served with a rich, savory gravy, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs City Chicken (pork or veal, cut into cubes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup vegetable oil
For Gravy:
- ½ cup chicken stock, broth, or water
- 1-2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and get ready for a tasty treat!
- Beat two eggs in a shallow bowl.
- In another bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
- If the pork and veal aren’t already on skewers, alternate the pieces of meat and place them on a plate. Season with salt and pepper.
- Dip each skewer first into the beaten eggs, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the skewered meat and reduce the heat to medium. Brown all sides for 2-3 minutes.
- Once browned, transfer the skewers to a baking dish and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pork is no longer pink.
- In the same skillet, add chicken stock (or water) to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all the delicious browned bits! Whisk in flour, a little at a time, until smooth. Pour over the City Chicken once it’s out of the oven.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 660Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 207mgSodium: 650mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 41g
Chickenrecipes.blog, 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.
Final Thoughts
City Chicken is a nostalgic and delicious dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. With its crispy coating and tender meat, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with one of the many variations, this dish will surely become a family favorite. So grab your skewers and get cooking—City Chicken is waiting to be enjoyed!
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