City Chicken Recipe – Polish American Skewers

Ask any Pole living in Poland about the City Chicken; they will have no idea what you are talking about! The recipe for delicious patyczki is popular among Polish Americans. No wonder why! City chicken is so delicious!

Imagine juicy chunks of meat, skewered and breaded, then pan-fried and baked until golden brown and delicious. That’s City Chicken in a nutshell. It’s a simple, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. You can serve it with sauces or your favorite side dish. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, and you can customize it to your liking.

The History Of The City Chicken

City Chicken isn’t actually chicken at all!

It’s a Polish-American creation, born in the bustling meat markets of cities like Detroit and Chicago in the early 20th century. Back then, chicken was often more expensive and harder to come by than pork or veal. So, resourceful Polish immigrants came up with a clever solution: they used less expensive cuts of pork or veal, shaped them to resemble chicken drumsticks, and breaded and cooked them just like chicken.

This ingenious dish became known as ‘City Chicken’, and it’s been a beloved comfort food ever since. It was a way to have the “fancy” chicken experience, without the high cost.

How To Make City Chicken?

Step 1 – Prepare The Meat

First, you’ll need to cut your pork into bite-sized cubes. Mix 1 tbsp of salt, 1 tsp of pepper, ½ tsp of paprika, ½ tsp of granulated garlic, ½ tsp of dried marjoram or garlic, then coat the meat with them.

Refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.

Step 2 – Prepare The Skewers

The next day, thread the meat cubes onto skewers. Next, prepare your breading station: one dish with beaten eggs, and the other with breadcrumbs.

Dip each skewer first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs, making sure they’re thoroughly coated.

Step 3 – Fry & Bake City Chicken

Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the skewers in the skillet and fry until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally. Place on a plate lined with paper towel to remove excessive fat.

Then transfer the skewers into the heat-resistant vessel. Bake for 1 hour at 300F / 150C.

Serve warm!

FAQ About The City Chicken Recipe

Can I Use Meat Other Than Pork?

While pork is the most popular choice, you can definitely experiment with other meats.

Veal is a classic alternative, offering a tender and delicate flavor. You can also use chicken, of course, if you prefer to stick to the original inspiration.

Can I Make City Chicken Vegetarian / Meatless?

For a vegetarian option, try using firm halloumi cheese. Cut the halloumi into cubes, skewer them, and bread them just like the pork. Halloumi has a naturally salty and firm texture that holds up well to grilling or pan-frying. It will give you a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying City “Chicken.”

You could also use a firm tofu. Just be sure to press it well before breading.

What To Serve City Chicken With?

City Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and a rich gravy for a classic comfort meal. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite grain. Don’t forget the dipping sauces! A simple mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce complements the flavors perfectly.

Can I Freeze City Chicken?

Yes! You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

City Chicken Recipe