Mock chicken legs, also known as City Chicken, are a nostalgic and tasty dish that mimics the look and feel of chicken legs but uses pork, veal, or plant-based ingredients instead. Originating during the Depression era when chicken was expensive or scarce, this creative recipe has stood the test of time and remains a beloved comfort food. Whether you want to make the traditional pork and veal version or a vegan-friendly alternative, this guide will walk you through how to cook mock chicken legs with ease and flavor.
What Are Mock Chicken Legs?
Mock chicken legs are skewered chunks of meat or plant-based dough shaped to resemble chicken drumsticks. The meat is usually pork shoulder or veal, breaded and fried, then baked to juicy perfection. For vegetarians or vegans, mock chicken legs can be made from vital wheat gluten and seasonings, baked to a golden brown. The result is a crispy, flavorful dish that looks like fried chicken legs but offers a unique twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Traditional Pork or Veal Mock Chicken Legs:
– Boneless pork shoulder or veal, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
– Seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, chili powder
– Eggs and milk for coating
– Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for breading
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Wooden skewers (4 inches)
For Vegan Mock Chicken Legs:
– Vital wheat gluten
– Nutritional yeast
– Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
– Vegetable broth
– Soy sauce
– Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions for Traditional Mock Chicken Legs
1. Prepare the Meat and Skewers
Thread 3-5 cubes of pork or veal onto each skewer, shaping them to resemble a drumstick-smaller pieces at the ends and larger pieces in the middle for a natural look. Sprinkle with seasoning salt and your spice blend to add flavor.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In another bowl, pour seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. For extra crispiness, you can double-dip by coating the skewers in breadcrumbs, then egg mixture, and again in breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the Skewers
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 350°F. Fry the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
4. Bake to Finish
Place the fried skewers on a wire rack inside a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-60 minutes depending on the recipe, to cook through and keep the meat juicy. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to dry out the coating and get extra crispiness.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your mock chicken legs hot with gravy, homemade aioli, or your favorite dipping sauces. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How to Cook Vegan Mock Chicken Legs
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk vegetable broth, soy sauce, and olive oil. Mix wet ingredients into dry until a dough forms. Knead until elastic and smooth.
2. Shape and Bake
Divide the dough into portions and shape each into a chicken leg form. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until firm and golden brown.
3. Optional: Pan-Fry for Crispiness
For a crispier exterior, lightly pan-fry the baked mock legs in a little oil before serving.
Tips for Perfect Mock Chicken Legs
– Shape Matters: Arrange meat cubes with smaller pieces on the top and bottom and larger pieces in the middle to mimic the natural shape of a chicken leg.
– Double Coating: For extra crunch, dip the skewers twice in egg and breadcrumbs or cornflakes.
– Add Veggies: Thread in cubed bell peppers or pineapple for a colorful and flavorful twist.
– Cooking Methods: You can deep-fry, pan-fry, air-fry, or bake depending on your preference and equipment.
– Use a Wire Rack: Baking on a wire rack allows heat to circulate and keeps the coating crispy.
Mock chicken legs are a fun, nostalgic dish that can be adapted to suit meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Whether you’re craving a crispy, juicy pork version or a plant-based alternative, following these steps will help you create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of these delightful mock chicken legs!