Michael Symon’s City Chicken is a delightful throwback cuisine that has stayed relevant with its unique flavors and comforting elements.
I know it’s no going out of style in my home anytime soon!
To get started, you’ll need pork cubes, threading them onto skewers just like they did back in the day.
The spices really make a difference—paprika mixed with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese bring a deliciously savory twist.
I love how City Chicken can be served with either a rich brown gravy or a tangy red sauce, depending on your taste.
How to Make Michael Symon City Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork (cubed)
- 1 lb Veal (cubed)
- 2 Eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2:
Thread the pork and veal cubes onto skewers, alternating between the two meats.
Step 3:
Season the meat with salt and pepper.
Step 4:
Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside.
Step 5:
In another shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 6:
Dip each skewer into the beaten eggs, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this step one more time for an extra crispy coating.
Step 7:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the skewers until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Skewer Choice
Wooden skewers work best for this recipe, but make sure to soak them in water for 20 minutes before using to prevent burning.
Double Coating
Double coating the skewers ensures a crispier and more flavorful crust. This is especially effective if you enjoy a crunchy texture.
Oil Temperature
Using a thermometer to check the oil temperature can help prevent overcooking or undercooking the meat. The ideal temperature is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oven Finishing
After frying, you can finish the skewers in the oven for about 10 minutes to ensure the meat is cooked through without getting too dry.
Flavor Variations
Experiment with different spices or herbs in the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch. Garlic powder or Italian seasoning can add a nice twist!
What to Serve with Michael Symon City Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with Michael Symon’s City Chicken.
Their creamy texture complements the crispy exterior of the city chicken, and they can be made with milk, butter, and a pinch of garlic for extra flavor.
Top them with some fresh chives for a bit of a zing!
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a simple yet elegant side dish that adds a fresh, crisp element to your meal.
Cook fresh green beans until tender-crisp and toss them in a bit of butter with toasted almonds.
A squeeze of lemon juice over the beans right before serving adds a delightful brightness.
Apple Slaw
Apple slaw is a refreshing and somewhat unexpected side that brings a nice contrast to the richness of the city chicken.
Shred some green apples and mix with finely chopped cabbage, a bit of red onion, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.
The tartness and crunch of the slaw brightens up the whole plate.
Parmesan Polenta
Parmesan polenta is another fantastic and out-of-the-ordinary side to serve.
Cook your polenta slowly until it’s smooth and creamy, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
This creamy dish with a nutty, cheesy flavor wonderfully contrasts the breaded city chicken.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus adds a delicious, slightly charred flavor to your meal.
Simply toss asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until they have nice grill marks and are tender.
A touch of balsamic glaze drizzled over the top adds an extra layer of taste.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Meats
You can use pork or veal, or even a combination of both, just like the traditional recipe!
If you prefer chicken, that works well too.
Try using turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Alternative Coatings
Swap breadcrumbs for panko for a crunchier texture.
For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or crushed cornflakes.
Season your coating to your preference by adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Cooking Methods
Instead of baking, you can air-fry the skewers.
Deep frying is another method that produces a different texture.
You might want to try grilling for a smoky flavor if you enjoy a charred taste.
Marinades and Flavors
Marinate the meat in soy sauce and ginger for an Asian twist!
For a Mediterranean version, use olive oil, lemon juice, and rosemary.
Try a spicy Cajun marinade for a kick of heat.
How to Store Leftover Michael Symon City Chicken
Storing your leftover Michael Symon City Chicken is crucial for maintaining its delicious flavors!
First, once the dish has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container.
Ensure any extra air is pressed out before sealing to keep the chicken as fresh as possible.
Place the airtight container in the refrigerator, ideally within two hours of cooking.
Leftovers should be consumed within three to four days for optimal freshness.
If you need to keep your City Chicken longer, freezing is a good option.
Wrap each portion in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Be sure to label your packages with the date you stored them.
Frozen City Chicken can last up to two months without losing its flavor.
When ready to enjoy, it’s best to defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
Avoid leaving it out at room temperature to prevent any potential bacterial growth.
Keeping these storage tips in mind, you can savor your City Chicken just as delightfully as when it was first made!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Skewers
You need to thread the meat cubes onto the skewers.
Skipping this step will result in uneven cooking.
Make sure to alternate pork and veal for the best flavor combination.
Incorrect Breading Technique
Don’t forget to dip the meat in eggs before coating.
Dry breadcrumbs won’t stick without a proper egg coating.
Ensure each piece of meat is well-covered with the breadcrumb mixture.
Not Using Enough Paprika
Paprika is crucial for flavor.
Too little and your dish will be bland.
Mix in a generous amount for that authentic taste!
Michael Symon City Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork cubed
- 1 lb Veal cubed
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thread the pork and veal cubes onto skewers, alternating between the two meats.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper.
- Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside.
- In another shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each skewer into the beaten eggs, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this step one more time for an extra crispy coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the skewers until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.