Frederic Melton
Chicken Parmesan, or chicken parm, is a dish that consists of breaded chicken breasts covered in tomato sauce and cheese. The dish is believed to have originated in the Italian diaspora in the United States during the early 20th century, and it became a popular staple in Italian-American cuisine by the 1950s. While the name chicken parm may suggest the use of Parmesan cheese, the dish can be made with various types of cheese, including mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone. The choice of cheese is often a matter of personal preference, and some recipes even call for a blend of multiple cheeses. In this paragraph, we will explore the topic of whether chicken parm specifically requires the use of Parmesan cheese and provide insights into the history and variations of this popular dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dish | Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmigiana, Pollo alla Parmigiana, Chicken Parm, Parm, Parma, Parmi, Parmy |
| Origin | Italian-American |
| Origin Story | Italian immigrants to the US replaced the eggplant in the Italian dish Parmigiana with chicken |
| Ingredients | Breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan or provolone |
| Ham or Bacon | Sometimes added |
| Breading | Flour, egg, breadcrumbs |
| Breadcrumbs | Panko, mixed with Parmesan |
| Oven Temperature | 450 F |
| Accompaniments | Pasta, salad, bread |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken parm's origins
Chicken parm, or chicken parmigiana, is a dish that consists of breaded chicken breast covered in tomato sauce and mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone cheese. It is often served as a main course, sometimes with a side of pasta, and is a popular staple in Italian-American cuisine. The dish originated in the Italian diaspora in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in Italian neighbourhoods along the East Coast, including New York City.
Upon arriving in North America, Italian immigrants began to take advantage of the meat market, incorporating chicken into dishes where it had previously been too expensive in Italy. It is believed that chicken parm was inspired by Eggplant Parmigiana, a vegetarian dish from Southern Italy, and that Italian immigrants fused this dish with the meaty goodness of German schnitzel, which they were exposed to in New York City.
By the 1950s, chicken parm had become a popular staple in restaurants serving Italian-American cuisine, and it had also made its way to Australia, where it is often called "parma", "parmi", or "parmy". Today, it is considered a staple of pub food in Australia and can be found in restaurants across the United States and Canada.
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The role of Parmesan in chicken parm
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana or Chicken Parm, is an Italian-American dish that consists of breaded chicken breasts covered in tomato sauce and cheese. The dish is thought to have originated in the early 20th century when Italian immigrants to the United States replaced the eggplant in the classic Italian dish Melanzane alla Parmigiana with breaded chicken cutlets.
Parmesan plays an important role in Chicken Parmesan, both in the name of the dish and as an ingredient. However, it is worth noting that the name "Parmesan" or "Parm" likely refers to the Parma region of Italy, where the dish Melanzane alla Parmigiana originated, rather than specifically to the use of Parmesan cheese.
The addition of Parmesan cheese to Chicken Parmesan is not universal, with some recipes calling for mozzarella or provolone cheese instead. However, many recipes do include Parmesan, and it is generally considered to improve the flavour of the dish. Parmesan can be added to the dish in several ways: mixed with breadcrumbs to coat the chicken, sprinkled on top of the chicken and sauce, or tossed with shredded mozzarella to create a richer cheese mixture.
When adding Parmesan to the breadcrumbs, the cheese adds flavour and helps to create a crispy texture when the chicken is fried. This technique is especially useful when using Panko breadcrumbs, which do not have a strong flavour on their own. Adding Parmesan to the breadcrumbs can also reduce the need for additional salt in the dish.
In summary, while Parmesan may not be the most consequential ingredient in Chicken Parmesan, it does play a role in enhancing the flavour and texture of the dish. The addition of Parmesan cheese is a matter of personal preference, and the dish can be successfully made with other types of cheese or a blend of cheeses.
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Chicken parm's evolution from eggplant parmigiana
Chicken parm, or chicken parmigiana, is a dish that consists of breaded chicken breasts covered in tomato sauce and mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone cheese. It is often served as a main course, sometimes with a side of pasta, and has become a popular staple in Italian-American cuisine. The dish originated in the Italian diaspora in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in large Italian-American communities in the Northeast, such as New York and Chicago.
The evolution of chicken parm from eggplant parmigiana reflects the creativity and adaptability of Italian-American chefs in satisfying the tastes of a diverse and growing population. It is believed that Italian immigrants combined the traditional Italian dish of fried eggplant slices (known as "melanzane" in Italy) with the readily available and affordable chicken in the United States. This substitution created a dish that appealed to a wider range of American tastes while still incorporating familiar ingredients like crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese.
The name "chicken parm" is derived from the Italian city of Parma, known for its Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. While the classic Italian version of the dish uses eggplant, the American adaptation with chicken became popular due to its accessibility and lower cost. Over time, chicken parm has been further adapted to suit regional tastes and ingredients in various countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Preparing eggplant parmigiana involves slicing and salting the eggplant to remove excess moisture before frying, which helps prevent it from becoming soggy. This process takes longer than preparing chicken parm, and the finished dish is lighter and considered healthier. The use of eggplant also makes the dish vegetarian or vegan-friendly, providing a green alternative to meat-based options.
While chicken parm has been a beloved dish for decades, the increasing popularity of eggplant parmigiana in recent years highlights the demand for vegetarian options that are lighter on the stomach and more cost-effective for restaurants. Both dishes have their unique characteristics and appeal, contributing to the diverse and evolving landscape of Italian-American cuisine.
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Chicken parm's popularity in North America
Chicken parmesan, also known as chicken parm, is a popular dish in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada. It consists of breaded chicken breast covered in tomato sauce and cheese, typically mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone. The dish is often served as a main course and sometimes with a side of pasta or on top of it. Many restaurants offer chicken parm sandwiches, and it has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine.
The origins of chicken parm can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants arrived in North America. They incorporated chicken into the traditional Italian dish parmigiana, which originally used fried eggplant slices instead of chicken. Chicken parm is believed to have originated in the northeast United States, particularly in Italian neighbourhoods along the east coast, and became popular in restaurants serving Italian-American cuisine by the 1950s. During this time, recipes for chicken parm were published in cookbooks and newspapers, contributing to its growing popularity.
The dish has also spread beyond North America and can be found in various forms around the world. For example, in England, there is a similar dish called "parmo" that originated in Middlesbrough and typically consists of fried breaded chicken or pork topped with a white béchamel sauce and cheese instead of tomato sauce. In Hungary, a similar dish is called "mátrai borzaska" or "borzas," which includes a mix of flour and shredded potatoes in the breading and is topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese.
In fusion cuisine, chicken parm has also been adapted to suit Asian taste preferences by adding a small amount of soy sauce to the tomato-based sauce or to the egg wash for the chicken. This dish is sometimes marketed in English-speaking areas as chicken katsu parmesan.
Chicken parm remains a popular dish in North America due to its combination of familiar and beloved ingredients, ease of preparation, and versatility. It can be served as a main course, in sandwiches, or as a base for other meals, making it a staple in both restaurants and home kitchens.
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Chicken parm's versatility
Chicken Parmesan, also known as chicken parm, is a versatile dish with a range of variations and serving options. The dish consists of breaded chicken breasts covered in tomato sauce and cheese, typically mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone. However, its versatility is evident in the various ways it is prepared and served globally.
In the United States and Canada, chicken parm is often served as a main course, sometimes accompanied by pasta or sandwiched between bread. Many restaurants offer chicken parm sandwiches, and it has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine. The key to a great chicken parm is to avoid excessive sauce and cheese, which can make the dish soggy. A crispier crust and a balanced amount of sauce and cheese create a more enjoyable dining experience.
Chicken parm has also found popularity in other parts of the world, including Australia, where it is known as "parma," "parmi," or "parmy." It is commonly served as a main meal in pubs and restaurants. The dish has even inspired a viral pizza recipe, where ground chicken is mixed with Parmesan, mozzarella, and seasonings, forming a pizza base topped with sauce and cheese.
In fusion cuisine, chicken parm has been adapted to suit Asian taste preferences. A small amount of soy sauce is added to the tomato sauce or the egg wash for the chicken. This variation is sometimes served with rice or stir-fried noodles and marketed as chicken katsu parmesan in English-speaking areas.
In England, a similar dish called "parmo" originated in Middlesbrough. It consists of fried breaded chicken or pork topped with a white béchamel sauce and cheese instead of the traditional tomato sauce. In Hungary, a comparable dish called "mátrai borzaska" or "borzas" features a chicken or pork cutlet breaded with flour and shredded potatoes, topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, chicken parm typically includes parmesan cheese. However, it is not a required ingredient, and the dish can be made without it.
Chicken parm typically includes mozzarella cheese, and sometimes provolone.
Chicken parm is made with breaded chicken breasts, tomato sauce, and herbs. It is often served with pasta or salad.
Chicken parm, or chicken parmigiana, originated in the Italian diaspora in the United States during the early 20th century. It is based on the Italian dish Melanzane alla Parmigiana, or eggplant parmesan.
