Bushra Griffith
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a classic, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that has been a restaurant favorite for years. It is made by baking breaded chicken in tomato sauce and topping it with melted cheese—usually a combination of mozzarella and parmesan. The cheese is typically melted by placing the dish under a broiler, but it can also be done by covering the skillet and cooking on low heat. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to melt cheese for Chicken Parm, ensuring a delicious and comforting meal every time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cheddar, Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella |
| Chicken | Breaded, Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breasts |
| Method | Bake, Broil, Pan Fry, Grill, Microwave |
| Temperature | 165°F, 350°F, 375°F |
| Time | 2-3 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Oven-baked vs. skillet
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a classic Italian-American dish that can be cooked in an oven or a skillet. Both methods require the chicken to be breaded and fried before being topped with cheese and sauce.
Oven-baked Chicken Parm
To make Chicken Parm in the oven, first, bread the chicken cutlets with flour, egg, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Next, fry the chicken in a skillet until golden brown on both sides. Transfer the fried chicken to a baking sheet, top with marinara sauce and a mixture of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and broil until the cheese is melted and browned, about 2-4 minutes.
Skillet Chicken Parm
Skillet Chicken Parm is a one-pot dish that is quicker and easier to clean up than the oven-baked version. To make it, bread and fry the chicken in a skillet, then top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt. The skillet method ensures that the breading on the chicken stays nice and crispy.
Reheating Chicken Parm
Leftover Chicken Parm can be stored in the fridge for 4 to 5 days and reheated in the oven or skillet with some sauce until the cheese is melted.
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Chicken preparation
Chicken parm is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare the chicken for the perfect chicken parm:
Firstly, you will need to prepare the chicken breasts. Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture. Then, season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavour and enhances the natural juices of the meat. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as Italian herbs or paprika, to enhance the flavour further.
Next, you will need to dredge the chicken in flour. This step helps create a crispy coating and seals in the juices. Place some flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat each chicken breast, shaking off any excess. You can also try using breadcrumbs or a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs for an even crispier texture.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the pan. Cook the chicken until it is browned on both sides, which should take around 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to a plate and keep it warm while you prepare the other ingredients.
In the same skillet, add onions or shallots and garlic. Sauté them until they are softened and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. You can also add other vegetables or spices to build flavour. Then, add your choice of tomato sauce or marinara sauce to the skillet. You can use a jarred sauce or make your own by simmering chopped tomatoes, basil stalks, and parmesan rind for a more authentic flavour.
Finally, it's time to assemble and bake the chicken parm. Place the browned chicken breasts in a single layer in the skillet or a baking dish, spooning sauce over each piece of chicken. You can also add other ingredients, such as sliced or grated mozzarella cheese, before baking. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, uncover and sprinkle with a generous amount of grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden-brown crust, you can place the dish under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
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Cheese type and amount
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a popular dish that combines breaded chicken with tomato sauce and cheese. The cheese used in Chicken Parm is typically a combination of mozzarella and parmesan. These cheeses melt well and provide a gooey, crispy, and creamy texture to the dish.
When making Chicken Parm, it is important to use the right amount of cheese to ensure the dish turns out well. The amount of cheese needed will depend on the size of the chicken breasts and the number of servings being prepared. For a single serving of Chicken Parm, one source recommends using one chicken breast and about 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, along with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Another source suggests using 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 6 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese for six servings, which would be about 1/4 cup of mozzarella and 1 tablespoon of parmesan per serving.
It is important to note that the amount of cheese used can be adjusted to personal preference. Some people may prefer a lighter coating of cheese, while others may want their Chicken Parm extra cheesy. Using too much cheese, however, can make the dish greasy, so it is important to find the right balance.
In addition to the amount of cheese, the method of melting the cheese can also affect the final dish. Chicken Parm is typically baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. This can take about 15 minutes in a casserole dish or 2-3 minutes under a broiler. It is important to keep an eye on the dish while it is cooking to ensure the cheese does not burn.
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Sauce preparation
Chicken Parmesan is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to preparing the sauce for this mouth-watering dish:
Firstly, prepare the sauce by finely dicing shallots and mincing garlic cloves. The number of cloves can vary depending on your taste preferences, but two cloves should be sufficient for a subtle hint of garlic. Add a generous amount of olive oil to a medium-sized saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped tomatoes, parmesan rind, and basil stalks to the saucepan. You can adjust the quantity of these ingredients based on your desired sauce consistency and taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for around 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred consistency. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, season with salt and pepper to taste, and set the sauce aside.
For a simple, classic sauce, you can use store-bought pasta or marinara sauce. If you choose to go with this option, simply heat up the sauce and follow the next steps for a delicious Chicken Parm!
After preparing the sauce, it's time to assemble the dish. Place the browned chicken breasts in a single layer in a skillet or a casserole dish. Spoon the sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are nicely coated. If you're using a skillet, cover it and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If using an oven, baking the chicken for around 15 minutes should be sufficient.
Finally, it's time to add the cheese. Place mozzarella slices over each sauce-coated chicken breast, and sprinkle grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Put the dish under the broiler and cook until the cheese melts and turns a lovely golden-brown colour. This should take around 2-3 minutes. If you don't want the cheese to brown, you can simply cover the skillet or turn off the oven and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
And that's it! You now have a delicious, cheesy Chicken Parmesan to enjoy. Serve it over pasta, and don't forget to garnish with fresh basil for that extra touch of flavour and colour.
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Serving suggestions
Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to ensure your chicken parm is delicious and enjoyable:
Pasta or Noodles:
Chicken parm is often served with pasta or noodles. You can choose between different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and cook it al dente to add a nice bite to your dish. Place the cooked chicken parm over the bed of pasta and drizzle the extra marinara sauce on top. You can also garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a touch of freshness to the dish.
Sandwiches or Rolls:
For a more casual serving suggestion, you can turn your chicken parm into a sandwich or serve it in rolls. Toast the bread or rolls lightly to add a crunch. Then, assemble the sandwich by spreading some marinara sauce on the bread, adding the cooked chicken parm, and topping it with melted mozzarella cheese. You can also add some fresh basil leaves or a spread of pesto aioli to give it a flavour boost.
Sides and Accompaniments:
Chicken parm is typically served with a side of marinara sauce, but you can also offer other sauces like pesto aioli or a creamy garlic dip. Some suggested sides include a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. You can also offer different types of cheeses on the side, such as grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella, for guests to add according to their preference.
Dietary Variations:
Chicken parm can be adapted for different dietary needs and preferences. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. You can also serve the chicken parm over zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of pasta for a healthier, low-carb alternative. Additionally, consider offering a vegetarian option by substituting the chicken with thick slices of aubergine (eggplant) or portobello mushrooms.
Remember, the key to a great chicken parm is finding the right balance of sauce and cheese to ensure the dish isn't soggy. You can always serve extra sauce and cheese on the side, allowing your guests to add more according to their taste.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the most commonly used cheeses for chicken parm.
Bake the chicken parm for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Set the oven to high or preheat the broiler.
You can use a microwave. Heat the contents until they reach 165°F; heating time depends on your power settings. Use a fork or knife to puncture the film and microwave on high for 2 minutes. If needed, heat in 30-second intervals after that.
Use 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese for 6 servings.
