City Chicken Sensation is a remarkable dish with its roots deeply embedded in the culinary heritage of Pittsburgh and Cleveland. This Polish-American gem, created during the Great Depression, is a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of home cooks during challenging times. Despite its name, City Chicken contains no poultry; instead, it showcases the art of transforming pork into a tantalizing masterpiece. This recipe will take you on a mouthwatering journey, celebrating urban cuisine at its finest. Let’s dive into the City Chicken Sensation and unlock its unique and original flavors.
City Chicken Sensation Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless pork, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, for seasoning
- Seasoned salt, for that special touch
- 4 eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 14 (4-inch) skewers
- A 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wire rack
Directions:
- Preparation: Begin by threading 2 to 3 pork cubes onto each skewer. Generously season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of seasoned salt on all sides. Allow the skewers to rest while you prepare the breading and frying setup.
- Breading Station: Create a breading station by whisking together the eggs and milk in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, spread out the seasoned bread crumbs. Set a wire rack in the baking dish and add water to the dish, ensuring it doesn’t touch the wire rack. This setup will guarantee a crispy, golden crust.
- Preheating: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. At the same time, preheat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Breading and Frying: Dip each skewer into the egg mixture and then into the bread crumbs, repeating the process so that each skewer is double-coated. Gently place the skewers into the deep-fryer and cook them until they attain a delightful golden brown color, approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Baking: After the initial frying, transfer the cooked skewers onto the wire rack in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 20 minutes or until the pork is no longer pink in the center.
- Finishing Touch: Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This step ensures the breading becomes irresistibly crisp and adds the final touch of perfection to your City Chicken Sensation.
Conclusion:
City Chicken Sensation, despite its deceptive name, offers a delightful culinary experience that is as irresistible as any fried chicken. This dish, born in the Depression Era, is a testimony to the inventiveness of home cooks during challenging times. It takes humble pork and elevates it to a level of urban culinary excellence. Each bite tells a story, one that speaks of history, creativity, and, most importantly, the irresistible taste of this urban classic. As you savor this unique and original recipe, you’ll embark on a journey through the city’s rich culinary landscape. Enjoy the City Chicken Sensation!
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