Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other? The City Chicken is a timeless classic that has graced the tables of countless families, and today, we’re going to explore the ins and outs of this delectable dish. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is bound to please. Join me as we unravel the secrets behind the City Chicken and make it a part of your culinary repertoire.

Who Is This Recipe For?

The City Chicken recipe is for anyone who appreciates the savory goodness of tender, juicy pork encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself to some homemade comfort food. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by both novice cooks looking to build their culinary skills and seasoned home chefs seeking to add a timeless classic to their repertoire.

Why It’s Great

The City Chicken is great for a multitude of reasons. Here are a few key highlights:

1. Simple Ingredients

One of the things that make City Chicken so appealing is its straightforward list of ingredients. You’ll need boneless pork cubes, common seasonings, eggs, milk, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, and vegetable oil for frying. No exotic or hard-to-find items are required.

2. Crispy Perfection

The magic of the City Chicken lies in its dual cooking method. First, the skewers are fried to a gorgeous golden-brown shade, ensuring a crispy crust. Then, they’re baked to perfection in the oven. The result? A mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors.

3. Versatility

City Chicken can be paired with various side dishes. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes and gravy or opt for a healthier salad on the side, it’s a recipe that accommodates diverse tastes and preferences.

4. Nostalgia on a Plate

For many, City Chicken is not just a meal but a trip down memory lane. It’s a dish that has been passed down through generations, making it a beautiful way to connect with family traditions.

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this fantastic recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather these essentials:

2 pounds boneless pork, cubed (1 1/2-inch pieces)
Salt, pepper, and seasoned salt to your liking
4 eggs
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 cups water
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
14 (4-inch) skewers
A 9×13-inch baking dish
Wire racks

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Skewers

Start by threading 2 to 3 pork cubes onto each skewer. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and seasoned salt. This step is essential for infusing the meat with flavor.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Coating Station

To ensure your City Chicken turns out perfectly crispy, set up a coating station. You’ll need two shallow bowls for this:

In the first bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg mixture.
In the second bowl, pour in the seasoned bread crumbs.

Step 3: Preparing for Frying and Baking

Arrange a wire rack inside your baking dish and pour in water, making sure the water level doesn’t touch the rack.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Similarly, heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or a large saucepan until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Coating and Frying

Dive right into the coating process for your pork skewers:

Submerge the skewers into the egg mixture.
Follow with a dip into the breadcrumbs.
For an extra crispy crust, double-dip each skewer.

Once well-coated, it’s time to fry:

Fry each skewer for approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until they sport a gorgeous golden-brown shade.

Step 5: Baking for Perfection

Transfer the fried skewers onto the wire rack in the baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced apart.
For the final touch, cloak the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the pork loses its pinkish hue.
To achieve the perfectly crispy crust, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 6: Serving and Savoring

Serve your City Chicken immediately and watch as everyone marvels at the deceptive delight that is the City Chicken. The crispy exterior combined with the juicy, flavorful pork inside is a true culinary masterpiece.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make the City Chicken recipe, you’ll require the following kitchen equipment:

Baking dish (9×13 inches)
Wire racks
Deep-fryer or large saucepan for frying
Skewers (14, 4-inch)
Shallow bowls for coating
Aluminum foil

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any City Chicken leftovers (though it’s so delicious that this might not be the case!), here’s how to store them:

Allow the leftover City Chicken to cool to room temperature.
Place it in an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can either use the oven or a microwave. However, note that the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the crust better.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

City Chicken is a classic recipe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add your own twist. Here are a few creative variations to consider:

Spicy City Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading for some heat.
Herb-Infused: Mix dried herbs like rosemary and thyme into the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor.
City Pork and Turkey: Use a combination of pork and turkey cubes for a unique flavor profile.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use bone-in pork for this recipe?

A1: While the classic City Chicken recipe calls for boneless pork cubes, you can certainly use bone-in pork if you prefer. However, be mindful of the variations in cooking time to ensure that the meat is fully cooked.

Q2: What are some side dishes that pair well with City Chicken?

A2: City Chicken pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with your favorite dipping sauces or condiments.

Q3: Can I freeze City Chicken for later?

A3: Yes, you can freeze City Chicken. After cooking and allowing it to cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q4: What’s the story behind the name “City Chicken”?

A4: Despite its name

, City Chicken doesn’t contain chicken at all. Its origin can be traced back to the early 20th century when urban families used pork to create a budget-friendly alternative to actual chicken. The pork cubes, when skewered and breaded, resembled the appearance of chicken drumsticks.

City Chicken Recipe