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When it first appeared in 1963 at the Grove Supper Club, Springfield-style cashew chicken was an instant success. As an attempt to merge the two worlds, chef David Leong, a Chinese immigrant, modified its native cuisine so that it would appeal to the locals' taste.
Instead of stir-frying, he dipped the pieces of chicken meat in batter, deep-fried them, and then coated them with a thickened dressing made from soy sauce, chicken broth, and oyster sauce. The dish is typically served over rice and garnished with crushed cashews and chopped green onions.
MOST ICONIC Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken
View moreNamed after the Mount Vesuvius volcano near Naples, chicken Vesuvio is a specialty of Chicago's Italian-American restaurants. The dish is made with chicken on the bone, potatoes, olive oil, white wine, garlic, and oregano and finished with green peas.
Lemon juice is also often a common ingredient in chicken Vesuvio recipes. In Chicago, this cooking technique is sometimes applied to other foods as well, like steak Vesuvio, pork chops Vesuvio, or even just Vesuvio potatoes.
MOST ICONIC Chicken Vesuvio
View moreA family-style chicken dinner refers to a meal where a large quantity of food, with chicken dishes being the central part, is served on platters, and everyone at the table serves themselves.
The chicken can be fried, roasted, or grilled and is served alongside a variety of side dishes. These sides could include vegetables, salads, potatoes, bread, and often other dishes like pasta or rice. The specific dishes can vary widely based on regional cuisine and personal preference.
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