Filé de Frango a Parmegiana
Chicken fillet breaded and baked with tomato sauce and cheese, served with rice and fries.
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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The dish, while bearing an Italian name, is a Brazilian adaptation of Italian-American cuisine. The 'Parmigiana' style of preparation, involving breading and frying a protein, then topping it with tomato sauce and cheese before baking, was likely brought to Brazil by Italian immigrants and adapted over time using local ingredients and preferences.
Filé de Frango a Parmegiana is a popular and widely accessible comfort food in Brazil. It's often found in casual restaurants ('botecos'), family-style eateries, and even upscale establishments. It represents a fusion of cultures and highlights the Brazilian ability to adapt and create unique culinary experiences.
Family Meal
It's a dish commonly enjoyed with family, particularly on weekends. Large portions are typical, reinforcing the idea of sharing and togetherness.
Restaurant Staple
Almost every Brazilian restaurant will have some version of a 'Parmegiana' dish on the menu, often with variations of chicken, beef, or eggplant.
Adaptability
The dish showcases Brazilian culinary adaptability, taking inspiration from international cuisines and tailoring them to local tastes and ingredients.
Filé de Frango a Parmegiana offers a savory and satisfying combination of crispy fried chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese. The textures contrast beautifully, with the crunch of the breading giving way to the tender chicken and soft, gooey cheese.
The dominant flavors are savory and rich. The breaded chicken provides a crispy, slightly salty base. The tomato sauce contributes acidity and sweetness, often with herbal notes from oregano or basil. The melted mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, milky richness and a satisfying stringy texture. The side dishes, rice and fries, offer starch and contribute to the overall filling nature of the meal. Some variations might include garlic or onion in the tomato sauce for added depth.
Chicken Preparation
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking. Ensure the breading adheres well by dredging in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs (often seasoned with herbs and spices).
Sauce Quality
Use a high-quality tomato sauce. Homemade is preferable, but a good store-bought sauce can be enhanced with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of sugar.
Cheese Selection
Mozzarella is the traditional choice, but other melting cheeses like provolone or a blend can add different flavor profiles. Use enough cheese to create a generous, gooey topping.
Baking Time
Don't overbake! The goal is to melt the cheese and heat the chicken through without drying it out. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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