Name: The Best Polish City Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 cup flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, chopped; 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1/4 cup sour cream

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Polish City Chicken is a hearty and comforting dish that has been a staple in Polish-American cuisine for generations. Despite the name, “City Chicken” is actually made with boneless, skinless chicken breast, not veal or pork as one might expect. The chicken is tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, with a rich, flavorful sauce that incorporates mushrooms, garlic, and white wine. This dish is typically served over mashed potatoes, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

This recipe is an easy-to-follow version of the beloved classic that brings together simple ingredients to create a meal full of flavor. The crispy chicken pieces, combined with the creamy sauce, offer a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you are making this for a family dinner or hosting friends, Polish City Chicken is sure to impress and become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Polish City Chicken is one of those comforting, classic dishes that is not only full of flavor but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of crispy chicken pieces, a rich sauce, and tender vegetables makes it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The best part? It’s versatile and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta, this dish will surely please everyone at the table. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as it stores and reheats wonderfully.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Flour
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Vegetable oil
Chicken broth
Dry white wine
Garlic
Onion
Mushrooms
Sour cream

Variations

Add vegetables: You can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the sauce to add more flavor and nutrition.
Use chicken thighs: For a richer flavor and slightly different texture, swap the chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a little extra heat.
Use heavy cream: For an even creamier sauce, swap the sour cream for heavy cream or a mixture of heavy cream and butter.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the dry white wine and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Stir in the sour cream, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Polish City Chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcook the chicken: Be sure to brown the chicken just until it’s cooked through to avoid dry meat.
Use a good-quality wine: Since the wine is a key component of the sauce, using a dry white wine you enjoy drinking will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Customize the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of paprika, salt, and pepper to suit your taste.
Simmer the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes after adding the sour cream. This helps thicken the sauce and meld the flavors together.
For a richer sauce: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the sour cream.

How to Serve

Polish City Chicken is best served with mashed potatoes or rice, as the creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with these sides. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a balanced meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or a side salad. This dish also pairs nicely with a glass of the same white wine you used in the sauce, offering a full, complementary dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Polish City Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken tender, store it with the sauce in the container.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the stovetop to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They provide a richer flavor and remain tender when cooked.

2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute if you prefer a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store the cooked chicken in the sauce and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Simply reheat on the stovetop.

4. Can I substitute the white wine?

If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or a splash of lemon juice.

5. Is it possible to make this recipe without mushrooms?

Yes, you can omit the mushrooms if you don’t enjoy them, or replace them with another vegetable like bell peppers or zucchini.

6. Can I use sour cream alternatives?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or crème fraîche as a substitute. Both will provide a creamy texture with a slight tang.

7. How long should I cook the chicken?

Cook the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes on each side.

8. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Frozen chicken breasts can be used, but it’s best to thaw them before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from being too tough.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even peas to the sauce to enhance the flavor and texture.

10. What can I serve with Polish City Chicken?

Polish City Chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. A side of green vegetables or a fresh salad also makes for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Polish City Chicken is a deliciously rich and comforting dish that is perfect for any dinner table. With its tender chicken, savory sauce, and creamy texture, it’s a meal everyone will love. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will surely become a favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal in no time.