Discover the Ultimate City Chicken Recipe for Mouthwatering Gravy Goodness!

Introduction

City chicken is a unique dish that isn’t what its name suggests – it doesn’t contain any chicken! Dating back to the Great Depression, this recipe was created by urban dwellers who couldn’t afford expensive meats. Instead, they created a dish that mimicked the taste and appearance of fried chicken by using more affordable cuts of meat. This hearty comfort food is typically made from pork or veal cubes, skewered, breaded, and then fried to golden perfection. The delicious gravy is the crowning glory of this dish, making it a favorite in many households. Let’s dive into this classic city chicken recipe, complete with a delectable gravy that’s sure to delight your taste buds!

Ingredients

For the City Chicken:

• 1 pound of pork or veal cubes
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Skewers

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Skewer the pork or veal cubes onto the skewers, similar to kebabs.

3. In three separate bowls, place the flour mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper; the eggs beaten with milk; and the breadcrumbs.

4. Coat each skewered meat first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

5. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the skewered meat until golden brown on all sides. Place the browned city chicken in a baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked.

For the Gravy:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden brown.

3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Cook and stir until the gravy thickens and comes to a gentle boil.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve the city chicken with the savory gravy, and enjoy!

FAQ

What can I substitute for pork or veal?

If you prefer a different meat, you can use chunks of chicken or turkey as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the traditional flavor of city chicken comes from using pork or veal.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve the city chicken. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I bake the city chicken instead of frying it?

While frying the city chicken gives it a crispy texture, you can certainly bake it entirely instead. Simply skip the frying step and place the skewered meat directly in the oven, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.