Parmegiana de Frango
Parmegiana de Frango.
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.
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Parmegiana de Frango, despite its Italian-sounding name, is a Brazilian adaptation of Italian-American cuisine. The dish likely arrived in Brazil through Italian immigrants, who modified the original eggplant parmigiana (Parmigiana di Melanzane) to suit local tastes and available ingredients. The use of chicken instead of eggplant is the most significant change, reflecting Brazilian preferences for poultry and creating a dish uniquely Brazilian.
Parmegiana de Frango is a popular comfort food in Brazil, often enjoyed in family meals and casual restaurants. It represents a fusion of cultures, showcasing the Italian influence on Brazilian cuisine while incorporating local preferences.
Family Meal Staple
Parmegiana de Frango is frequently prepared at home for family dinners. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a reliable choice.
Restaurant Favorite
It's a common item on the menu of Brazilian restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to more upscale establishments. The dish is considered a classic and is widely available.
Italian-Brazilian Fusion
The dish exemplifies the integration of Italian culinary traditions into Brazilian cuisine. It highlights how immigrants adapt their food to local ingredients and tastes, creating a unique culinary identity.
Parmegiana de Frango offers a delightful combination of savory, tangy, and rich flavors. The breaded chicken provides a crispy and comforting base, while the tomato sauce adds acidity and sweetness. The melted mozzarella cheese creates a creamy and decadent layer that binds all the flavors together.
The dish's flavor profile hinges on well-seasoned breaded chicken cutlets, typically seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The tomato sauce is crucial, ranging from simple store-bought marinara to homemade versions simmered with onions, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano. High-quality mozzarella cheese, preferably fresh mozzarella for enhanced flavor and melt, is essential. Parmesan cheese is often grated on top for an extra layer of salty, umami richness. The frying in oil or sometimes even baking of the chicken before adding the sauce and cheese contributes to a substantial, filling dish with a rich overall flavour.
Chicken Preparation
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Properly season the chicken before breading to ensure flavor throughout. Consider marinating the chicken beforehand in milk or buttermilk for added tenderness.
Breading Technique
Use a three-step breading process: flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. For extra crispness, consider using Panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.
Tomato Sauce Quality
Opt for a high-quality tomato sauce, whether store-bought or homemade. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding herbs, garlic, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity. Consider slow cooking the sauce for richer flavour.
Cheese Selection
Fresh mozzarella provides the best flavor and melt. If using pre-shredded mozzarella, opt for a high-quality brand. Grate Parmesan cheese freshly for a more intense flavor.
Baking Temperature and Time
Bake the parmigiana at a moderate temperature (around 375°F or 190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is heated through. Avoid overbaking, which can dry out the chicken.
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