Growing up, city chicken was always a comforting dish in my home, and it still holds a special place in my heart. At first, I found the name a bit curious since there’s no actual chicken involved.

Instead, it’s a savory mix of pork and veal on skewers, breaded and cooked to perfection. The result is an irresistibly crispy, golden meal that feels like home every time I make it. If you’ve never tried city chicken, trust me, this recipe is the perfect starting point!

Credit: allthingsmamma

Ingredients You’ll Need

To achieve the perfect city chicken, you’ll need a few basic ingredients for a crispy and flavorful finish.

1 ½ pounds of pork and/or veal cubes (cut into bite-sized pieces): Choose fresh meat for the best flavor. Pork shoulder or tenderloin works well.
2 eggs (beaten): Acts as the binding agent for the breading.
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs: Bring a hearty crunch with pre-seasoned breadcrumbs, or make your own using spices like Italian seasoning.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and color to the breading.
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated): Freshly grated cheese takes the flavor up a notch.
½ cup vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for even browning.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances the dish’s overall flavor.

Note: These ingredient amounts yield approximately six skewers, perfect for 4-5 servings.

Variations

City chicken is flexible enough to suit various dietary preferences or flavor tweaks. Here are a few ideas to customize it:

Low-Carb Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a mix of cornmeal and spices.
Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle garlic powder, dried parsley, or cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mix for extra punch.
Meat Choices: Stick to pork only, or use beef if veal isn’t available.
Vegetarian Alternative: Swap cubes of tofu or squash for the meat and season heavily for flavor.

You can also enjoy similar hearty dishes like this chicken pozole recipe for a comforting meal.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it will take to prepare and cook the dish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (includes browning and baking)
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Cooking city chicken doesn’t require complex tools. Here’s all you’ll need:

Wooden skewers: To hold the meat cubes together.
Mixing bowls: Used to mix eggs and breadcrumbs separately.
Large skillet: Ideal for browning the skewers before baking.
Oven-safe pan or baking dish: To bake the skewers and finish cooking the meat.
Tongs: Makes flipping the skewers during frying simple.

How to Make City Chicken Recipe?

Making city chicken is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to enjoy this hearty, homemade dish.

Prepare the Skewers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, thread the cubes of pork and/or veal onto wooden skewers. If your grocer already sells meat skewers, feel free to use those. Otherwise, cut the meat into equal-sized cubes for even cooking. Season the skewered meat generously with salt and pepper for a savory base.

Coat the Meat

Next, set up a breading station using two bowls. Add the beaten eggs to one and combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese in the other. Dip each skewer into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Make sure it’s evenly breaded for a crispy crust.

Fry the Skewers

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the skewers in the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Fry the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in the flavor and gives the breadcrumbs a crisp finish.

Bake for Tenderness

Transfer the browned skewers to an oven-safe baking pan or dish. If you don’t have a skillet ready for oven use, this is the step where you’ll switch to another pan. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature of the meat should reach at least 145°F.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skewers from the oven and serve them hot. Many enjoy city chicken as-is, but you can also drizzle homemade brown gravy over the top for an extra layer of flavor.

Credit: 4sonrus

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After experimenting with this dish multiple times, here’s what I’ve learned to make it even better:

Use day-old bread to make fresh breadcrumbs for extra texture and freshness.
Frying the skewers in bacon grease gives the city chicken a smoky, rich flavor boost.
To prevent sticking to the pan, make sure the oil is fully heated before frying the skewers.
Pat the meat dry before breading for a crispier coating.
If you prefer extra crunch, double-coat the skewers by repeating the egg and breadcrumb process.

How to Serve City Chicken Recipe?

City chicken is most traditionally served as a main dish, alongside hearty sides. Mashed potatoes and green beans always complement it beautifully. For additional color and flavor, garnish the skewers with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can also pair this dish with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or even warm dinner rolls. Arrange the skewers neatly on a platter for a presentation that’s as appealing as the taste. For a different take on chicken dishes, you might enjoy this pulled chicken recipe for a flavorful twist.

Nutritional Information

City chicken strikes a balance between homemade comfort food and a nutritious choice. On average, here’s what one skewer provides:

Calories: 593
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 42g

Make Ahead and Storage

City chicken is great for meal prep or leftovers, and here’s how you can make it last:

Make Ahead: Bread the skewers a day in advance and refrigerate them on a lined tray until ready to cook.
Storage: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded skewers on a baking sheet until hardened, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes in the oven.
Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes to maintain crispness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There’s so much to adore about homemade city chicken. Here’s why it stands out:

Easy Preparation: The steps are simple, making it perfect even for beginner cooks.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, readily-available ingredients like pork and veal.
Customizable: Offers the flexibility to suit various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Family-Approved: A nostalgic dish that brings warmth and tradition to the dinner table.
Great for Meal Prep: Easy to make in larger batches and perfect for freezing.

City chicken is a dish that’s stood the test of time, loved in kitchens across the region. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or reinventing a cherished family recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite at your dinner table. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic! For more inspiration, check out these chicken recipes that are equally versatile and delicious.

Ash Tyrrell