Where to Buy City Chicken Near Me: Your Complete Guide

Are you craving that delicious comfort food classic known as city chicken? If you’re wondering “where to buy city chicken near me,” you’re definitely not alone! Despite its somewhat misleading name, this beloved dish has been satisfying hungry folks for generations, and finding it might be easier than you think.

I’ve spent years tracking down the best city chicken in various neighborhoods and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned with you. Let’s dive into the world of this unique culinary creation!

What Exactly is City Chicken?

Before we hunt down where to buy it, let’s clear up any confusion about what city chicken actually is. Surprisingly, traditional city chicken isn’t chicken at all!

City chicken is typically made from cubed pork (sometimes veal) that’s skewered, breaded, and then either pan-fried, baked, or both. It originated during the Great Depression in Midwestern and Northeastern cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Detroit, when chicken was more expensive than pork. Clever cooks created these skewers to resemble chicken drumsticks, giving birth to the ironically named “city chicken.”

The dish typically features:

• Tender cubed pork (sometimes veal)
• Skewers to hold the meat
• Light breading
• Seasonings
• Often served with gravy

Where to Buy City Chicken Near Me

1. Specialty Butcher Shops

Your local butcher shop is often the best place to find freshly prepared city chicken. Many butchers prepare their own versions daily particularly in areas where city chicken is popular.

Call ahead to check if they have it in stock or if they can prepare it for you Butchers can often customize your order with different seasonings or meat combinations if you have specific preferences

2. Grocery Stores

Many grocery stores carry city chicken, especially in the Midwest and Northeast regions where it’s most popular. Look for it in these departments:

• Meat Counter: Many stores prepare fresh city chicken in-house
• Frozen Section: Pre-made frozen options are sometimes available
• Deli Section: Some delis offer ready-to-eat city chicken

For example, at Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Markets, you can find city chicken for $4.99 each. Their version features “tender cubed pork, skewered and lightly breaded, pan-fried and finished in the oven,” and it comes with house-made gravy. You can even choose whether you want it hot and ready to serve or fully-cooked and chilled for reheating.

3. Online Ordering

If you’re more of an online shopper, you have options:

• Instacart: City chicken is available through Instacart from some local markets
• Click-2-Curb: Services like Vince & Joe’s Click-2-Curb allow you to order online for pickup
• Specialty Food Websites: Some regional food websites ship city chicken nationwide

4. Local Restaurants

Many family-style restaurants and diners in regions where city chicken is popular feature it on their menus. These places often make city chicken from scratch using traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Call ahead to check if it’s a regular menu item or a special, as some places only offer it on certain days of the week.

Making City Chicken at Home

Can’t find city chicken nearby? Don’t worry! Making it at home is totally doable and might be even more rewarding.

Basic City Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers
• Oil for frying
• Optional: flour for dredging

Instructions:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
2. Thread 4-5 cubes of pork onto each skewer
3. Season meat with salt and pepper
4. Dredge in flour (optional), dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat
6. Brown the skewers on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side)
7. Transfer to a baking dish and finish in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes
8. Serve with gravy if desired

Preparing and Serving City Chicken

Whether you buy city chicken or make it yourself, there are several ways to prepare and serve it:

Cooking Methods

• Pan-frying and oven finishing: The traditional method
• Baking only: A healthier alternative
• Grilling: Yes, city chicken can be grilled instead of fried!

Serving Suggestions

City chicken pairs wonderfully with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Gravy
• Green beans
• Coleslaw
• Applesauce
• Roasted vegetables

FAQ About City Chicken

Can I use actual chicken instead of pork?

Absolutely! While not traditional, chicken chunks work well and are often used in modern versions.

How do I reheat city chicken without drying it out?

The best way is to cover it loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. This preserves moisture while maintaining the crispy exterior.

Can I freeze city chicken?

Yes! You can freeze it either before or after cooking. If freezing raw, lay the skewers on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to freezer bags. If freezing cooked, cool completely first, then wrap tightly.

Is there a vegetarian version of city chicken?

While not widely available commercially, vegetarian versions can be made using portobello mushrooms, tempeh, or tofu as the base.

What sauces pair well with city chicken?

Traditional gravy is most common, but honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, or avocado ranch also complement city chicken beautifully.

Regional Availability

City chicken’s popularity varies by region, with the strongest presence in:

• Western Pennsylvania (especially Pittsburgh)
• Northeast Ohio (Cleveland area)
• Michigan (Detroit and surroundings)
• Parts of New York and West Virginia

If you’re in these areas, you’ll have much better luck finding it in stores and restaurants. In other regions, you might need to rely more on specialty shops or making it yourself.

Why City Chicken Remains a Beloved Classic

Despite its somewhat confusing name, city chicken continues to be popular because it’s:

• Comforting and satisfying
• Versatile and adaptable
• Connected to regional heritage
• Economical to make
• Delicious!

I remember my grandmother making city chicken for Sunday dinners, and the smell still takes me back to her kitchen. There’s something special about these traditions that keep us coming back for more.

Conclusion

Whether you buy city chicken from a local butcher, grocery store, or make it yourself, this unique dish offers a taste of American culinary ingenuity and history.

Next time you’re wondering “where to buy city chicken near me,” check your local butcher shop first, then grocery stores like Vince & Joe’s, and don’t forget online options if those don’t pan out.

The hunt is definitely worth it for this delicious comfort food! And if all else fails, grab some pork, skewers, and breadcrumbs and create your own city chicken tradition at home.

Have you found a great place that sells city chicken in your area? What’s your favorite way to enjoy this classic dish? I’d love to hear about your city chicken adventures!