Here’s a simple, no-fuss version of City Chicken Made Easy — the classic comfort dish that isn’t actually chicken! Traditionally made with pork (and sometimes veal), it’s skewered, breaded, and baked until tender and golden.
City Chicken (Easy Version)
Ingredients
- 1½–2 lbs pork (loin or shoulder), cut into 1½-inch cubes
(Optional: mix with veal if you want the old-school style) - 6–8 wooden skewers (4–6 inches long)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs
- 2–3 tbsp oil (for searing)
- 1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Skewers
- Thread 3–4 pieces of pork tightly onto each skewer, forming a “drumstick” shape.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Bread the Skewers
- Roll each skewer in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip in beaten egg.
- Coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Brown the Skewers
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high.
- Sear skewers on all sides until lightly browned (about 3–4 minutes).
This step adds flavor and helps keep them moist.
4. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place browned skewers in a baking dish.
- Add 1 cup broth to the bottom of the dish and dot with butter if desired.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake 45–60 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to crisp the coating.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy
- Pair with buttered noodles or pierogi
- Add classic sides like green beans or cole slaw
Optional Variations
- Crispy Version: Bake uncovered the last 15 minutes or place under broiler briefly.
- Gravy Version: Use the pan drippings + broth to make a quick gravy.
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F for 15–20 minutes (turn halfway).
If you’d like, I can also give you:
- A Polish-style version
- A slow cooker version
- A meal-prep batch
Just tell me!