Michael Symon’s Crispy City Chicken Recipe: A Quick Classic

Michael Symon’s city chicken transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that defies traditional poultry expectations.

This delightful dish combines tender meat cubes meticulously breaded and seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices.

The preparation reflects a creative approach to comfort food that surprises and delights home cooks.

Each bite promises a crispy exterior giving way to succulent, perfectly cooked meat inside.

Regional influences and classic cooking techniques merge seamlessly in this innovative recipe.

Meat lovers will appreciate the simple yet sophisticated cooking method that elevates everyday ingredients.

The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that connects generations through shared culinary experiences: prepare to be amazed.

How to Make Michael Symon’s City Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

Crack eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Breadcrumb Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Paprika
• Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Assemble Meat Skewers

If not already prepared, thread alternating pieces of pork and veal onto skewers.

Step 5: Season the Meat

Sprinkle meat chunks with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 6: Coat the Skewers

Dip each skewered meat piece into the egg wash, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure complete coverage. Repeat for all skewers.

Step 7: Brown the Skewers

Heat a skillet to medium-high and add cooking oil.

Once the skillet is hot, carefully brown the skewered meat on all sides, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer browned skewers to a baking dish.

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil.

Step 9: Bake the City Chicken

Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes or until pork is completely cooked through (no pink remaining).

Step 10: Create Quick Gravy

Return the skillet to medium heat.

Add broth or water to the pan.

Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Gradually whisk in flour to prevent lumps.

Simmer until the gravy thickens.

Step 11: Serve

Pour the gravy over the cooked city chicken skewers.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Michael Symon’s City Chicken

• Maximize Meat Moisture: Pat meat pieces dry before coating to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without excess moisture.
• Temperature Timing: Let skewered meat rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking and tender results.
• Breadcrumb Boosting: Mix in grated Parmesan or dried herbs with breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Skewer Smart: Use wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning during cooking and maintain structural integrity.
• Oil Temperature Control: Heat oil to 350°F for perfect golden-brown coating without greasy or undercooked meat pieces.

How to Store Michael Symon’s City Chicken

• Vacuum Sealing: Protect your City Chicken by vacuum sealing individual portions in specialized plastic bags. This method removes air completely, preventing freezer burn and maintaining meat's original flavor and texture for extended periods.
• Wrapped Meal Prep: Individually wrap each City Chicken portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside heavy-duty freezer bags. Label each package with the date and contents to track freshness and ensure organized storage.
• Temperature Control: Always cool City Chicken to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth. Store in shallow containers that allow quick cooling and even temperature distribution, maximizing preservation quality.

Delicious Variations of Michael Symon’s City Chicken

• Mediterranean Style: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add dried oregano and thyme to breadcrumb mixture. Incorporate chopped fresh parsley for a bright herbal flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Mix chili powder and cumin into breadcrumbs. Add cayenne pepper for extra heat. Serve with a quick chipotle cream sauce made from sour cream and chipotle peppers.
• Herb-Crusted Classic: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Blend fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme into the coating. Top with fresh chopped chives before serving for added aromatic complexity.
• Smoky German Interpretation: Substitute some breadcrumbs with crushed pretzels. Add smoked paprika and caraway seeds to the coating. Serve with a quick mustard sauce for authentic German-inspired flavor profile.

A Savory, Hearty Delight: Michael Symon’s City Chicken

Michael Symon’s City Chicken emerges as a delightful culinary adventure that bridges traditional European cooking techniques with American innovation.

Cleveland-born chef Symon elevates this classic Pittsburgh-style dish through precise layering of flavor profiles and expert meat selection.

Pork and veal skewers create a nostalgic experience reminiscent of immigrant kitchen traditions.

Crispy breadcrumb coatings and strategic browning techniques guarantee maximum texture and taste satisfaction.

Savory gravy completes this hearty protein-packed meal with rich, comforting undertones.

Passionate cooks craving authentic regional cuisine can recreate this memorable dish – share your culinary journey, spark conversation, and inspire fellow kitchen enthusiasts to explore this delicious recipe’s heritage.

What Makes Michael Symon’s City Chicken a Comforting Classic

• Elevate Everyday Protein: This city chicken recipe transforms ordinary pork and veal into an extraordinary skillet-to-oven masterpiece that breaks the monotony of standard meat preparations.
• Texture Explosion: Crispy breadcrumb coating meets tender, juicy meat interior, creating a delightful contrast that delivers crunch with every bite while keeping the protein incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requiring just 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a gourmet-style meal that's perfect for busy families wanting restaurant-quality dinner without complex cooking techniques or extensive preparation time.

What You Need for Michael Symon’s City Chicken

• Pork, Veal: Tender meat chunks that create the base of the dish, best when cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.

• Eggs: Helps breadcrumb mixture adhere to meat, creating a crispy exterior.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Paprika: Provides a flavorful and crunchy coating with a hint of cheese and mild spice.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the meat's natural flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for browning meat and preventing sticking in the skillet.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Base for creating a light gravy that adds moisture to the dish.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy and provides a smooth consistency.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the meat during baking to retain moisture.
• Skewers: Helps to stack and cook meat pieces uniformly.

Michael Symon City Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s City Chicken elevates classic Polish-American comfort fare with crispy breaded pork and veal skewers, nestled between layers of irresistible seasoning. Home cooks seeking a nostalgic yet refined dish will savor these tender meat morsels that bring family traditions to life.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) city chicken (pork or veal pieces cut into cubes)

Coating and Seasoning:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper

Cooking Liquid and Thickener:

• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup chicken stock, broth or water
• 1–2 tablespoons flour

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2. Crack fresh eggs into a shallow, wide bowl and whisk thoroughly until well combined.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, blend breadcrumbs, sweet paprika, and finely grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
4. Arrange pork and veal chunks uniformly on metal or wooden skewers, ensuring consistent spacing between meat pieces.
5. Season meat chunks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, gently massaging the seasonings into the protein.
6. Carefully dunk each skewered meat portion into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then roll completely in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure thorough coating.
7. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, adding 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil.
8. Gently place coated skewers into the hot pan, rotating every 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on all sides.
9. Transfer browned skewers into a ceramic or glass baking dish, covering tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
10. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, verifying internal temperature of pork reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
11. Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, pour 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth, and scrape up caramelized bits. Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour until gravy thickens, then drizzle over finished skewers before serving.

Notes

• Skewers rock best when assembled just before grilling to maintain maximum meat freshness and texture integrity.
• Meat cuts work perfectly when trimmed of excess fat, ensuring lean and uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
• Temperature matters significantly – let meat rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before skewering to promote even cooking.
• Marinating boosts flavor complexity, allowing meat proteins to absorb herbs and spices more effectively.
• Wooden skewers need pre-soaking in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during high-heat grilling sessions.
• Alternating meat types creates visual appeal and introduces complementary flavor profiles across each delectable bite.
• Seasoning should happen generously but strategically, ensuring every meat chunk receives balanced salt and pepper coverage.
• Breadcrumb coating requires gentle pressing to help crispy layers adhere securely to protein surfaces.
• Egg wash acts as crucial binding agent, helping breadcrumbs stick perfectly and creating golden-brown exterior.
• Meat selection determines overall dish quality – choose fresh, high-grade cuts with minimal connective tissue.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg