City chicken, also known as mock chicken or city-style chicken, is a popular American dish that originated in the Midwest. It is made from breaded and deep-fried pork or veal cutlets, which are then served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. In this article, we will explore the history of city chicken, its ingredients, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook it.
A Brief History of City Chicken
City chicken has its roots in the early 20th century, when pork and veal were more affordable than chicken. To make the dish more appealing, cooks would bread and deep-fry the cutlets, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The dish quickly gained popularity in the Midwest, particularly in cities such as Chicago and Detroit, where it was often served in restaurants and diners.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make city chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound pork or veal cutlets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Gravy or sauce (optional)
You will also need the following equipment:
- A large bowl for breading the cutlets
- A plate for coating the cutlets with flour
- A skillet or deep fryer for frying the cutlets
- A thermometer for monitoring the oil temperature
- A cutting board for slicing the cutlets
Choosing the Right Cutlets
When choosing the cutlets, look for ones that are about 1/4 inch thick. You can use either pork or veal cutlets, but pork is more commonly used. Make sure to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the cutlets before breading them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking City Chicken
Cooking city chicken is a relatively simple process that requires some basic cooking skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making city chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station
To start, prepare the breading station by placing the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper on a plate. Mix the spices together until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Breadcrumbs
In a separate bowl, place the breadcrumbs. You can use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Prepare the Eggs
In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are well mixed.
Step 4: Bread the Cutlets
To bread the cutlets, start by coating them with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the cutlets in the eggs, making sure they are fully coated. Finally, coat the cutlets with the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the meat to ensure they stick.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
Step 6: Fry the Cutlets
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded cutlets in the skillet or deep fryer. Fry the cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Drain the Cutlets
Once the cutlets are fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 8: Serve the City Chicken
Serve the city chicken hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. You can also serve it with a variety of sauces, such as marinara or BBQ sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect city chicken:
- Use a light hand when breading the cutlets, as too much breading can make the dish heavy and greasy.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, as this will help you achieve the perfect crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet or deep fryer, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy cutlets.
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices to give the city chicken a unique flavor.
- Serve the city chicken with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Variations
Here are some variations of city chicken that you can try:
- Baked City Chicken: Instead of frying the cutlets, bake them in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Grilled City Chicken: Grill the cutlets over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- City Chicken Sandwiches: Serve the city chicken on a bun with your choice of toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
Conclusion
City chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, it’s a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make city chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
What is City Chicken and where did it originate?
City Chicken is a popular American dish that consists of breaded and fried pork or veal cutlets, often served with a side of mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a salad. The dish is believed to have originated in the Midwest region of the United States, where pork and veal were readily available and affordable.
The name “City Chicken” is thought to have been coined because the dish was often served in urban areas, where it was a staple of working-class cuisine. Despite its name, City Chicken does not actually contain chicken, but rather pork or veal, which was a more affordable and accessible protein source for many people.
What are the main ingredients needed to make City Chicken?
The main ingredients needed to make City Chicken include pork or veal cutlets, all-purpose flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil for frying. You will also need salt and pepper to season the cutlets, as well as any desired herbs or spices. Some recipes may also call for additional ingredients, such as garlic powder or paprika.
In addition to the cutlets and breading ingredients, you will also need a side dish to serve with the City Chicken. This can be as simple as mashed potatoes or a green salad, or as elaborate as a homemade vegetable medley. The choice of side dish will depend on your personal preferences and dietary needs.
How do I prepare the pork or veal cutlets for City Chicken?
To prepare the pork or veal cutlets for City Chicken, you will need to pound them thin to ensure even cooking. This can be done using a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet. Once the cutlets are pounded thin, you can season them with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
Next, you will need to dredge the cutlets in flour, shaking off any excess. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the cutlets during the breading process. After dredging the cutlets in flour, you can dip them in beaten eggs and then coat them in breadcrumbs.
What is the best way to bread the City Chicken cutlets?
The best way to bread the City Chicken cutlets is to use a combination of all-purpose flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. The flour provides a light coating that helps the eggs adhere to the cutlets, while the eggs provide moisture and help the breadcrumbs stick. The breadcrumbs provide a crispy exterior that adds texture and flavor to the dish.
To bread the cutlets, simply dip them in the flour, shaking off any excess, and then dip them in the beaten eggs. Finally, coat the cutlets in breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the meat to ensure they stick. You can also use a breading station with separate containers for the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to make the process easier and less messy.
How do I fry the City Chicken cutlets?
To fry the City Chicken cutlets, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded cutlets and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
It’s essential to not overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy or undercooked cutlets. Instead, fry the cutlets in batches if necessary, and keep them warm in a low oven while you fry the remaining cutlets.
Can I bake City Chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake City Chicken instead of frying it. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with a little bit of oil. Bake the cutlets for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Baking City Chicken is a healthier alternative to frying, as it uses less oil and can be a lower-calorie option. However, it may not produce the same crispy exterior as frying, so you may need to adjust the breading or cooking time to get the desired texture.
How do I serve City Chicken?
City Chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce, such as ketchup or mustard, or with a side of gravy or marinara sauce.
In addition to the side dishes, you can also garnish the City Chicken with fresh herbs or lemon wedges to add a burst of flavor and color to the dish. The key is to keep the side dishes simple and comforting, as City Chicken is a hearty and satisfying meal that is best paired with familiar flavors and textures.