Chicken Parmigiana
Crumbed chicken breast topped with napoli sauce, ham and mozzarella, served with chips and salad.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Chicken Parmigiana, while inspired by Italian cuisine, is primarily an Italian-American creation. It evolved from dishes like eggplant parmigiana (Melanzane alla Parmigiana), brought over by Italian immigrants, particularly from Southern Italy, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The availability and affordability of chicken in America led to its adaptation into the now-iconic chicken version.
Chicken Parmigiana is a staple in Italian-American cuisine and is widely recognized and enjoyed in the United States. It represents a fusion of Italian culinary traditions with American ingredients and preferences.
Red Sauce Joint Staple
Chicken Parmigiana is a ubiquitous dish in many Italian-American 'red sauce' restaurants, often served as a main course or as a sandwich ('chicken parm sub').
Comfort Food
It is considered a classic comfort food, often associated with family meals and a sense of nostalgia.
Adaptations and Variations
The dish has inspired many variations, including vegetarian versions (using eggplant or zucchini) and different cheese combinations.
Chicken Parmigiana offers a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors. The crispy breaded chicken provides a satisfying textural contrast to the rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.
The dominant flavors come from the juicy chicken cutlets, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and pan-fried or baked to golden perfection. The tangy and slightly sweet tomato sauce, typically made with garlic, onions, and herbs, provides a vibrant base. The melted mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, milky richness that binds all the elements together. The often-served spaghetti adds a starchy element that complements the sauce and chicken.
Crispy Chicken
Double-dredging the chicken in breadcrumbs and ensuring the oil is hot enough when frying are essential for achieving a crispy coating. Baking the chicken is a healthier alternative that can still produce a good result.
Homemade Sauce
While jarred sauce can be used, making a homemade tomato sauce with fresh ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish. Simmering the sauce for a long time allows the flavors to meld together.
Cheese Quality
Using high-quality mozzarella cheese, preferably fresh mozzarella, will provide a superior creamy texture and flavor. Low-moisture mozzarella is also acceptable.
Don't Overcook
Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it will become dry. The baking or broiling stage should primarily be for melting the cheese and warming the sauce.
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