There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about the savory aroma of breaded meat frying up in the kitchen. If you’re from Pittsburgh or parts of the Midwest, that smell probably takes you right back to childhood and mom’s classic “city chicken” dish.
Despite the name, this regional specialty contains no actual chicken at all! Instead, city chicken is made with tender cubes of pork and veal that get battered, breaded, and fried until deliciously crispy on the outside while staying super juicy inside. A true example of resourceful home cooking at its finest.
You see, back in the day when chicken was pricier in city markets, smart cooks came up with a genius way to stretch their budgets. By cubing inexpensive pork and veal scraps, skewering them onto wooden sticks, breading them up, and frying them golden brown, they could mimic the look and taste of fried chicken drumsticks. An ingenious culinary hack was born!
While chicken is much more affordable now, this nostalgic city chicken recipe has stuck around as a beloved Pittsburgh (and Midwestern) comfort food classic for generations. One bite of those crispy, savory skewers instantly transports you back to the good old days of family dinners and grandma’s kitchen.
I can still picture my mom’s well-worn cast iron skillet sizzling away on the stove as she whipped up her signature city chicken. The delicious smells would waft through the whole house, making our stomachs growl in anticipation. This was the good stuff – simple but so satisfying.
These days, I re-create mom’s city chicken for my own family and it always brings back such heartwarming memories. There’s just something extra special about carrying on beloved recipes like these. Whether it’s a Sunday supper or busy weeknight meal, you can bet these skewers hit the spot every time.
The best part is how affordable and easy this city chicken comes together with just a few basic ingredients. You can even make a gluten-free or low-carb version to suit different diets. Whip up a batch with buttery mashed potatoes and some roasted veggies on the side, and you’ve got widespread smiles and full bellies guaranteed!
So let’s get cooking on a true Pittsburgh classic, shall we? You’ll be hooked after one bite, I’m sure of it!
[Recipe Instructions and Recipe Card Next Page]
City Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless pork and veal cut into 1-inch cubes (or use pre-cut “city chicken”)
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
- Wooden skewers soaked in water
For Gravy (Optional):
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Thread the pork and veal cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating pieces of each meat. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station with the beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and the breadcrumb mixture (breadcrumbs, paprika, parmesan) in another bowl.
- Working in batches, dip each skewer into the egg mixture, coating all sides. Then dredge it through the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering hot, fry the breaded skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the seared city chicken skewers to a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- For gravy (optional): Make a roux by whisking the flour into the hot skillet with the browned bits and oil. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Serve the crispy city chicken skewers hot from the oven. Optionally drizzle with gravy and enjoy with sides like mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.
Notes
- Can substitute pork only or use beef tips if needed
- Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, etc to breadcrumbs for extra flavor
- Make low-carb by using almond flour or crushed pork rinds for breading
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for 3-4 days
I hope this wonderfully nostalgic city chicken recipe gives you all the warm fuzzies and taste of home that it gives our family. There’s no finer example of good old-fashioned comfort food at its best – affordable, delicious, and sure to become a new beloved tradition. Enjoy these crispy skewers from my Pittsburgh homeland to yours!
This Pittsburgh classic is the ultimate savory, satisfying and nostalgic comfort food! Simple but completely delicious, these golden-brown skewers are sure to bring back so many fond childhood memories with each and every bite.
