The Ultimate Guide to City Chicken: A Comfort Food Classic
City Chicken, despite its name, contains absolutely no chicken! This Midwest favorite is a clever and delicious dish typically made with cubed pork and sometimes veal, threaded onto skewers and often breaded before being baked or fried. It’s a budget-friendly and flavorful alternative to actual chicken, offering a unique taste and texture that has made it a beloved comfort food for generations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect City Chicken at home, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques.
## What is City Chicken?
The history of City Chicken is rooted in the resourcefulness of immigrants in the Midwest during the early 20th century. Chicken was an expensive commodity, so resourceful butchers and home cooks found a way to create a similar-tasting dish using readily available and affordable pork. The pork cubes were skewered to resemble chicken drumsticks, breaded, and cooked similarly, thus earning the name “City Chicken.” While veal is sometimes used in combination with pork, the defining characteristic remains the skewer and the breaded exterior.
## Why You’ll Love City Chicken
* **Budget-Friendly:** Pork is generally more affordable than chicken, making this a cost-effective meal.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of pork, seasonings, and breading creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
* **Versatile:** You can bake, fry, or even grill City Chicken, adapting the recipe to your preferences.
* **Comfort Food:** It’s a classic comfort food that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth.
* **Fun to Make:** The process of skewering and breading the meat can be a fun activity, especially when cooking with family.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt):** This is the most commonly used cut of pork for City Chicken. It’s flavorful and has a good amount of fat, which keeps the meat moist during cooking. About 2-3 pounds will serve 4-6 people.
* **Veal (Optional):** Some recipes include veal for added flavor and tenderness. If using, use about 1 pound of veal along with 2 pounds of pork.
* **Wooden Skewers:** You’ll need enough skewers to thread all the meat cubes. Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning during cooking. Alternatively, use metal skewers.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** For dredging the meat.
* **Eggs:** Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the meat.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs can be used. Panko breadcrumbs will create a particularly crispy crust.
* **Seasonings:** Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary are commonly used to season City Chicken. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Oil or Lard:** For frying or baking. Lard adds a particularly rich flavor when frying.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide on how to make City Chicken:
**1. Prepare the Meat:**
* **Cut the Pork (and Veal):** Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Cut the pork and veal (if using) into 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
* **Season the Meat:** In a large bowl, combine the pork and veal cubes. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any other desired herbs and spices. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated.
**2. Assemble the City Chicken:**
* **Thread the Meat onto Skewers:** Thread 3-4 cubes of meat onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each cube. This will allow for better heat circulation and even cooking. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water. Be gentle to prevent the meat from splitting.
**3. Breading the City Chicken:**
* **Set Up a Breading Station:** Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs with a fork. In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
* **Dredge in Flour:** Dredge each skewered meat in the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
* **Dip in Egg:** Dip the floured meat into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s completely covered.
* **Coat in Breadcrumbs:** Roll the egg-dipped meat in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Make sure the entire surface is covered with breadcrumbs.
**4. Cooking the City Chicken:**
There are two primary methods for cooking City Chicken: frying and baking. Each method offers a slightly different result.
**Method 1: Frying**
* **Heat the Oil or Lard:** In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil or lard over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden brown quickly.
* **Fry the City Chicken:** Carefully place the breaded City Chicken skewers into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the breading is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C).
* **Drain on Paper Towels:** Remove the City Chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
**Method 2: Baking**
* **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Prepare a Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
* **Arrange the City Chicken:** Place the breaded City Chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
* **Drizzle with Oil (Optional):** Drizzle the City Chicken with a little bit of oil or melted butter to help the breading brown evenly. You can also spray them with cooking spray.
* **Bake the City Chicken:** Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the breading is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C).
* **Broil for Extra Crispness (Optional):** For a crispier crust, broil the City Chicken for the last few minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
**Method 3: Air Frying**
* **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
* **Arrange the City Chicken:** Place the breaded City Chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook in batches.
* **Cook the City Chicken:** Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the breading is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C).
## Tips for Perfect City Chicken
* **Soak the Skewers:** Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning during cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy City Chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the pork is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination.
* **Get Creative with Breadcrumbs:** Try using different types of breadcrumbs, such as Panko breadcrumbs for a crispier crust, or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
* **Rest the Meat:** After cooking, let the City Chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
## Serving Suggestions
City Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few popular serving suggestions:
* **Mashed Potatoes and Gravy:** A classic combination that complements the richness of the City Chicken.
* **Green Beans:** A simple and healthy side dish that adds a touch of freshness.
* **Coleslaw:** The creamy and tangy flavors of coleslaw provide a nice contrast to the savory City Chicken.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A summertime favorite that’s perfect for grilling.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comforting and satisfying side dish that’s always a hit.
* **Apple Sauce:** The sweetness of apple sauce balances the savory flavors of the City Chicken.
* **Stuffing:** Adding a side of stuffing elevates this comfort meal. Try using a simple bread stuffing or getting adventurous with a wild rice or sausage stuffing.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes pair perfectly. They can be roasted alongside the city chicken in the oven for a complete one-pan meal.
* **Creamed Spinach:** A classic side dish that’s rich and flavorful.
## Variations and Adaptations
* **Spicy City Chicken:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Herb-Crusted City Chicken:** Use a mixture of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary, in the breadcrumb mixture for an herb-infused flavor.
* **Cheese-Stuffed City Chicken:** Cut a small pocket into each meat cube and stuff it with a small piece of cheese before threading onto the skewers. Use cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for best results.
* **Gluten-Free City Chicken:** Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Smoked Paprika City Chicken:** Substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika in the seasoning mix for a smoky flavor.
* **Marinated City Chicken:** Marinate the cubed pork in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey for at least 30 minutes before threading onto skewers. This adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
* **Sauce it up!** Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a creamy horseradish sauce can complement the City Chicken perfectly.
## Make-Ahead Tips
City Chicken can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
* **Assemble Ahead:** You can prepare the City Chicken skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Thread the meat onto the skewers, bread them, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
* **Freeze for Later:** City Chicken can also be frozen for longer storage. Place the breaded skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frying or baking.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Leftover City Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat City Chicken, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave.
## Recipe Card: Classic City Chicken
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 30-40 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 pounds pork shoulder (Boston Butt), cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 pound veal (optional), cut into 1-inch cubes
* Wooden skewers, soaked in water
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 2 cups plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
* Oil or lard, for frying or baking
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the pork and veal cubes. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary (if using). Mix well.
2. Thread 3-4 cubes of meat onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each cube.
3. Prepare a breading station: Place flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
4. Dredge each skewered meat in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in breadcrumbs.
5. **Frying Method:** Heat 1 inch of oil or lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the City Chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. **Baking Method:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place breaded skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. **Air Fryer Method:** Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place breaded skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
## Conclusion
City Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of culinary history that represents resourcefulness, adaptation, and the enduring power of comfort food. Whether you choose to fry, bake, or air fry it, this dish is sure to bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. So, gather your ingredients, soak your skewers, and get ready to create a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you back to the heartland. Enjoy!