City Chicken is a classic comfort dish that’s rich in flavor and simple to make. Despite its name, it’s not made with chicken at all! Instead, this recipe uses pork or veal chunks on skewers, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and served with a savory gravy. This is a great dish to prepare for a cozy dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

City Chicken is a perfect blend of crispy, tender, and juicy. The breading gives the meat a delicious crunch, while the savory gravy adds richness and flavor. It’s a hearty meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic, comforting dish that feels homemade and satisfying, perfect for family dinners or casual meals.

Ingredients

Salt and pepper, to taste
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
½ cup vegetable oil

For Gravy:

½ cup chicken stock, broth, or water
1-2 tablespoons flour

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine the dry breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Season the chunks of meat on the skewers with salt and pepper.
Dip each skewer of meat first in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Set aside and continue until all the meat is coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium.
Place the skewered meat in the skillet and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Once the meat is browned, transfer it to a baking dish and loosely cover with aluminum foil.
Bake the meat for 20 minutes.
While the meat is baking, prepare the gravy. Turn the skillet to medium heat, add the chicken stock, broth, or water to the pan, and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Gradually whisk in the flour, a little at a time, until the gravy thickens. Keep whisking to avoid any lumps.
Once the gravy is ready, pour it over the cooked City Chicken and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Meat options: While pork and veal are traditional for City Chicken, you can use chicken or turkey if preferred, though they will cook faster than the pork or veal.
Gravy variations: For a richer gravy, you can use heavy cream or a combination of half-and-half instead of broth or water. You could also add a bit of garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
Add vegetables: Serve the City Chicken with sautéed vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover City Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the City Chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the gravy separately on the stovetop.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for City Chicken?

Yes, while pork and veal are the most traditional choices, you can use chicken or turkey chunks for a lighter version of this dish.

What if I don’t have skewers?

If you don’t have skewers, you can simply coat the meat chunks with the breading and cook them in the skillet without the skewers.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

While it’s best to make the gravy fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before serving and add a little water or broth if it thickens too much.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

This recipe can be made keto-friendly by using almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of the bread crumbs. You can also make the gravy with a thickener like xanthan gum.

Can I freeze leftover City Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked City Chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I know when the City Chicken is fully cooked?

The meat should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F for pork or veal. If using chicken or turkey, the internal temperature should be 165°F.

Can I add spices to the breading?

Yes! Feel free to add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

Can I make City Chicken without the gravy?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the gravy and serve the City Chicken with a dipping sauce or simply with a side of vegetables.

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used in place of regular breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, mix a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the breadcrumb mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the gravy.

Conclusion

City Chicken is a wonderfully comforting dish that brings together crispy, savory meat with a rich, flavorful gravy. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special meal with loved ones. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!