Description
City chicken from Pittsburgh offers a nostalgic twist on meat preparation. Home cooks can create this comfort classic with skewered pork and veal, recreating a Depression-era dish you’ll savor with simple ingredients and heartwarming memories.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) city chicken (pork or veal pieces cut into cubes)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 tbsps Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup chicken stock, broth, or water
- 1–2 tbsps flour
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and set up two distinct mixing bowls for coating the meat skewers.
- Coating Setup: Whisk eggs in one bowl, then combine breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese in the second bowl to create a flavorful crisp coating.
- Skewer Assembly: Alternate pork and veal cubes on skewers, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
- Breading Process: Dip each skewered meat piece into whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then roll thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture for complete coverage.
- Initial Cooking: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully brown the skewers by rotating every 2-3 minutes until golden on all sides, approximately 8-10 minutes total.
- Oven Finishing: Transfer browned skewers to a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
- Gravy Creation: Deglaze the skillet with broth, scraping up browned bits, then whisk in flour to create a smooth, rich gravy that simmers and thickens for 3-4 minutes.
- Serving: Remove skewers from oven, drizzle with prepared gravy, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Meat Selection Magic: Choose equal portions of pork and veal cubes for authentic texture and balanced flavor profile.
- Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto skewers to create a crispy, even golden crust that locks in moisture.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm pork reaches exactly 145°F, ensuring juicy and safe protein without overcooking.
- Gravy Rescue Tip: Whisk flour gradually and continuously to prevent lumps, creating a silky smooth sauce that enhances the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg