City Chicken Recipe
Introduction
City Chicken offers a nostalgic, comforting dish that’s perfect for both weeknight family meals and festive gatherings. Despite its name, this “chicken” recipe typically features skewered cubes of pork (and sometimes veal), breaded and baked or fried to golden perfection. With its flavorful, crispy coating and tender, juicy interior, City Chicken is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
This recipe is especially enticing because it delivers all the satisfaction of fried chicken, but with inexpensive cuts of pork. The irresistible crunch and familiar seasoning ensure it’s a hit with adults and kids alike, making it a staple in Midwest kitchens.
The Appeal of City Chicken
The secret to standout City Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy coating and moist meat. Each skewer marries nostalgic comfort with simple home preparation—no deep fryer required. By using readily available pork and a classic seasoning blend, this dish feels down-home and universally appealing.
Crafting the Perfect Skewers
Start by cutting your pork into uniform cubes for even cooking. For best results, use a quality set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 to keep your prep sanitary and organized. Cubes measuring 1½ inches cook evenly and give the best texture.
To prepare, thread 3–4 cubes of pork onto each skewer. This presentation makes City Chicken a fun, interactive eating experience perfect for sharing or even party platters.
Breading and Cooking Methods
Uniform breading is the hallmark of authentic City Chicken. Dip the skewered pork into seasoned flour, then beaten egg, and finally coat with crunchy breadcrumbs. For flawless, evenly coated skewers, use a wide, shallow mixing bowl, and press the breadcrumbs firmly into the meat. Lining your baking sheet with a strip of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet ensures easy cleanup and helps achieve that golden brown crust.
While traditional city chicken is oven-baked, you can also use an air fryer for quicker cook time and a lighter finish. The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey delivers excellent results—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—without excess oil.
Tips for Serving City Chicken
Serve City Chicken hot, straight from the oven or air fryer. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or a hearty salad—simply store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to maintain freshness. For dipping sauces, classic mustard, gravy, or ranch all pair beautifully.
If making this dish for a potluck or picnic, transport easily in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green, which keeps the skewers tidy and portable.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
A typical City Chicken serving (roughly 2 skewers) contains about 320–380 calories, with most of the fat coming from the breading and a touch of added oil. Using lean pork keeps the dish balanced in protein while minimizing excess fat.
Why This City Chicken Recipe Shines (Recap)
Whether you opt for oven-baked or air-fried, this City Chicken recipe delivers the irresistible flavor and crunchy texture of a childhood classic. The easy-to-find ingredients and approachable technique make it a reliable addition to your comfort food repertoire.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (or air fryer to 375°F). Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet for easy cleanup.
- Thread 3-4 pieces of pork onto each skewer, pressing gently to secure. Use a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for clean, safe prep.
- In separate shallow bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Dredge each skewered pork in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing firmly for even coverage.
- Arrange skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with vegetable oil or spritz with an YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black for crispness.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Use a Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital, Instant Read to ensure pork reaches 145°F internally. Alternatively, air fry at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping once.
- Cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Enjoy this timeless City Chicken recipe that brings a delicious crunch and satisfying flavor to any table—without breaking the bank or requiring complicated techniques!