City Chicken is a nostalgic dish with deep roots in Polish-American communities. Despite the name, it doesn’t actually contain chicken. This unique dish features breaded and fried skewers made of pork and veal, which resemble a chicken leg. It is a comfort food classic, often served with Polish side dishes like boiled dill potatoes or a creamy cucumber salad. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, City Chicken is a satisfying meal that brings a taste of tradition to your table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb pork (cut into 1 – 1 1/2-inch cubes)

• 1/2 lb veal (cut into 1 – 1 1/2-inch cubes)

• Salt (to taste)

• All-purpose flour (for breading)

• 2 eggs (lightly beaten)

• 2 tablespoons water

• 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Season and Skewer:
   Season the pork and veal cubes with seasoning salt. Thread the meat onto wooden skewers.

3. Set Up Breading Station:
   Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with water, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs.

4. Bread the Skewers:
   Dredge each skewer in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and roll in breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.

5. Fry the Skewers:
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded skewers until golden brown on all sides.

6. Bake the Skewers:
   Transfer the fried skewers to a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the breading.

Notes

• If you have a wire rack, use it to elevate the skewers and add a little water to the bottom of your baking dish to steam the City Chicken, keeping it moist as it bakes.

• For a low-carb version, substitute the breadcrumbs with ground almonds or ground pork rinds.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 107 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 11g

• Fat: 5g

• Protein: 1.5g

This dish is a comforting, crispy, and savory meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions!

The Origins of City Chicken: A Polish-American Classic

City Chicken originated in Polish-American communities, particularly in areas with large Eastern European populations, such as Pittsburgh, where it became a staple comfort food. Despite its name, the dish doesn’t actually contain chicken. Instead, it features chunks of pork and veal, which are skewered to resemble a chicken leg. This clever adaptation was born out of necessity during the Great Depression, when pork and veal were more affordable than chicken, but people still desired the comforting, crispy texture that fried chicken offered.

The dish quickly became a favorite among families and has endured as a nostalgic recipe passed down through generations. Its versatility and satisfying flavors have made it a beloved classic for special occasions and family dinners. Today, City Chicken continues to be a symbol of comfort, tradition, and hearty home-cooked meals.

The Meat: Pork and Veal for Tenderness and Flavor

City Chicken is traditionally made with a combination of pork and veal. The pork offers a rich, savory flavor, while the veal adds a delicate tenderness. The two meats complement each other perfectly, creating a balanced and flavorful bite. The meat is cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch cubes, which are threaded onto wooden skewers to resemble chicken drumsticks. This skewer preparation not only makes the dish visually appealing but also ensures that each piece of meat cooks evenly.

Seasoning the meat with salt and sometimes a little extra seasoning salt enhances its flavor before it is breaded. The skewering process also helps the meat hold its shape while cooking, ensuring it remains moist and tender inside with a crispy, golden-brown coating on the outside.

The Breading: Crispy and Golden Perfection

The breading is one of the key components of City Chicken that makes it so irresistible. The process of breading involves dipping the skewered meat into three separate bowls: flour, a mixture of beaten eggs with water, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Each step ensures that the meat is coated thoroughly, creating a golden, crispy crust when fried.

The flour acts as the first layer, helping the egg wash adhere to the meat. The egg wash, in turn, ensures the breadcrumbs stick firmly, resulting in a satisfying crunch. The seasoned breadcrumbs are typically mixed with a little salt and pepper, providing an extra layer of flavor that enhances the meat’s taste. When fried in hot oil, the breading becomes crisp and golden, giving the dish its signature crunch.

Frying and Baking: A Two-Step Process for the Perfect Texture

City Chicken undergoes a two-step cooking process: frying and baking. First, the breaded skewers are fried in vegetable oil until golden brown on all sides. This frying step gives the meat its crispy exterior and imparts a deep flavor from the oil, creating the characteristic texture of City Chicken. The oil should be heated to medium-high to ensure the breading crisps up without becoming soggy.

Once fried, the skewers are transferred to a baking dish, covered with foil, and baked for about 20 minutes. This baking step ensures that the meat is fully cooked through and tender while maintaining moisture. The foil helps to trap steam, keeping the meat juicy. After 20 minutes, the foil is removed, and the skewers are baked for an additional 5 minutes to allow the breading to become even more crispy and golden.

Using a wire rack during baking can help elevate the skewers and allow for better air circulation, ensuring the breading stays crisp. Adding a small amount of water to the bottom of the baking dish helps to create steam, which keeps the City Chicken moist while baking.

Serving City Chicken: A Comforting and Hearty Meal

City Chicken is typically served with classic Polish sides such as boiled dill potatoes, a creamy cucumber salad, or even a simple green salad. The richness of the meat and the crispy breading pairs perfectly with the freshness of the cucumber salad and the creaminess of boiled potatoes. The combination of textures and flavors makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any family dinner or special occasion.

This dish is also versatile in that it can be enjoyed with a variety of sides depending on your preference. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a side of rice can be used to complement the City Chicken, making it a flexible meal for different tastes.

Making It Your Own: Variations and Customizations

While the traditional version of City Chicken calls for a combination of pork and veal, the recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Some variations use just pork, veal, or even chicken, although the original recipe remains the most popular. If you prefer a healthier version, you could bake the skewers instead of frying them or use a light spray of oil for a crisp yet less greasy coating.

For those who enjoy a little extra flavor, consider experimenting with additional seasonings or spices. A dash of paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning can add an extra layer of flavor to the breading. You can also switch up the dipping sauce or serve the City Chicken with a tangy mustard or homemade aioli for a twist.

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds. This allows people with dietary restrictions to enjoy this comforting dish without compromising on taste or texture.

Meal Prep and Leftovers: Storing and Reheating City Chicken

City Chicken is a great meal for meal prep or leftovers. You can make the skewers in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day or two before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the breaded and raw skewers before frying them, allowing for easy preparation on a busy weeknight. Simply fry them as needed and bake them until golden.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place the City Chicken back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy once again.

Conclusion: A Taste of Tradition in Every Bite

City Chicken is a nostalgic dish that brings the flavors of Polish-American comfort food into your home. With its crispy breading, tender pork and veal filling, and savory seasoning, this dish offers a satisfying and delicious meal that will leave you wanting more. Whether served with classic sides or customized to suit your tastes, City Chicken is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you crave a hearty, flavorful meal. With its simple preparation and comforting flavors, City Chicken is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.