Welcome to the world of City Chicken, a classic dish that takes comfort food to new heights. Despite its name, City Chicken doesn’t actually contain any chicken; instead, it features bite-sized pieces of pork or veal that are skewered, breaded, and baked or fried to golden perfection. This dish has roots in the Midwest, where inventive home cooks found a clever way to enjoy “chicken” during times when it was less accessible. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, delightful variations, and keto and low-carb versions to suit diverse preferences.
Ingredients
For the City Chicken:
- 1 pound pork or veal, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Skewers:
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
Crafting City Chicken Magic:
- Prep the Meat: Season the pork or veal cubes with salt and pepper. Skewer the meat onto the wooden skewers, creating “chicken on a stick.”
- Coating Assembly Line: Set up a coating station with three bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs.
- Bread and Skewer: Roll each skewered meat piece in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat and Fry: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the skewered meat until golden brown on all sides, ensuring it cooks through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Bake Option: For a healthier alternative, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve with Joy: Once cooked, serve the City Chicken skewers hot, perhaps with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
Cook Notes
- Meat Selection: While traditionally made with pork, feel free to experiment with veal or even a combination of both for a unique flavor profile.
- Bread Crumb Creativity: Mix things up by using seasoned breadcrumbs or adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
- Dipping Sauce Dynamics: Pair City Chicken with a classic honey mustard sauce, barbecue sauce, or a tangy aioli for an added kick.
Variations
1. Herb-Infused Delight:
Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for a burst of flavor.
2. Parmesan Paradise:
Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb coating for a cheesy twist on City Chicken.
3. Spicy Sensation:
Kick things up a notch by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy version.
Keto Version
For those following a keto lifestyle, make these adjustments:
- Almond Flour Swap: Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
- Pork Rind Coating: Crushed pork rinds can be an excellent low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs.
- Keto-Friendly Dipping Sauce: Pair your City Chicken with a keto-friendly dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a dash of hot sauce.
Low-Carb Version
To cater to low-carb preferences, make these changes:
- Coconut Flour Addition: Combine coconut flour with the almond flour for a lower-carb coating.
- Avocado Oil Fry: Opt for avocado oil for frying, as it has a higher smoke point and adds a healthy fat component.
- Sugar-Free BBQ Drizzle: Drizzle your skewers with sugar-free barbecue sauce for a tangy, low-carb kick.
City Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of ingenuity and the ability to transform humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you choose the traditional, keto, or low-carb version, each skewer represents a flavorful journey through the heartland of comfort food. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the creativity, and elevate your dining experience with the delicious and versatile City Chicken. Here’s to savoring the flavors of innovation and enjoying the simple pleasures of a time-honored classic!
