Bushra Griffith
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is an Italian dish that has gained popularity worldwide. While the classic recipe calls for mozzarella cheese, some variations use a mix of mozzarella and provolone. Provolone cheese is a suitable substitute for mozzarella in Chicken Parmesan as it has similar melting qualities and a mild taste that won't overpower the dish. However, it is more expensive than mozzarella, and using it may result in a crispier cheese texture.
Is Provolone Cheese Better for Chicken Parmesan?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Provolone has a mild taste that won't overpower the dish. |
| Melting Qualities | Provolone melts easily, similar to mozzarella. |
| Cost | Provolone is more expensive than mozzarella. |
| Availability | Provolone may be more difficult to find than mozzarella. |
| Versatility | Provolone can be used in place of mozzarella or mixed with breadcrumbs for a delightful variation. |
| Texture | Provolone has a stretchy and gooey texture when melted. |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the traditional choice for Chicken Parmesan
While provolone is a great substitute for mozzarella in Chicken Parmesan, mozzarella is the traditional choice. Mozzarella is usually the preferred cheese and sits on top of the crispy chicken and tomato-based marinara sauce, ready to melt into delicious goodness. It is also stretchy and gooey, and melts better than provolone.
Mozzarella is also a more affordable option than provolone. Provolone is a lot more expensive than mozzarella, so if you're looking to cut costs, mozzarella is the way to go.
In addition, mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of ways in Chicken Parmesan. It can be shredded, sliced, or grated and mixed with other cheeses like Parmesan to add extra flavour to the dish.
When making Chicken Parmesan, it's important to remember not to overwhelm the chicken with sauce and cheese. The key to a great non-soggy chicken Parmesan is to use just a little bit of sauce on top of the chicken, so the breading stays relatively crisp.
Mozzarella's melting qualities make it ideal for this purpose, as it will melt easily into the sauce without making the dish soggy. So, if you're looking for a traditional, delicious, and affordable option for your Chicken Parmesan, mozzarella is the way to go.
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Provolone is a good substitute for mozzarella
Mozzarella is the traditional choice for chicken Parmesan, but provolone can offer a delightful variation on the classic recipe. Provolone is a lot more expensive than mozzarella, so you could use a mix of the two to cut costs. However, if you don't have any mozzarella, you can still enjoy chicken Parmesan with provolone.
Other cheeses that can be used as mozzarella substitutes in chicken Parmesan include young Gouda, burrata, scamorza, and Oaxaca. These cheeses bring unique textures and flavours to the dish. However, with young Gouda, it is important to note that as the cheese ages, it develops a pungent smell and taste that could overpower the dish.
Chicken Parmesan is typically made with a breaded chicken cutlet, fried and then baked, and topped with tomato sauce and cheese. The key to a great non-soggy chicken Parmesan is to avoid too much sauce and cheese, which can make the breading soggy. A little sauce on top of the chicken, rather than underneath, helps keep the breading crisp.
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Parmesan is used in the breading for Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish that combines tender, crusted chicken with melted cheese and a final coating of fresh marinara and basil. While the traditional recipe calls for mozzarella cheese, some variations include the use of provolone or a mix of both. Provolone has similar melting qualities to mozzarella, making it a suitable substitute. However, it is generally more expensive.
When making Chicken Parmesan, it is essential to create a crispy crust without making it soggy. This can be achieved by adding Parmesan cheese to the breading. The Parmesan cheese adds an extra crunch and enhances the flavour of the dish. It is recommended to use Panko breadcrumbs mixed with finely grated Parmesan cheese. Before frying, letting the breaded chicken rest for about 15 minutes allows the coating to adhere better.
The key to a perfect Chicken Parmesan is to avoid excessive sauce and cheese on top of the chicken. By adding just a little sauce and cheese, the breading stays crisp. Frying the chicken in olive oil until it is golden brown before transferring it to a baking pan is a good practice. Additionally, a hot oven is crucial to ensure the cheese browns slightly without overcooking the chicken.
Some cooks like to experiment with different cheeses in their Chicken Parmesan. For instance, provolone can be mixed with breadcrumbs or used in place of Parmesan in the breading. This experimentation offers delightful variations on the traditional recipe. Other cheeses like burrata, scamorza, Oaxaca, and young Gouda can also be used as substitutes for mozzarella, each bringing their unique textures and flavours to the dish.
In summary, Parmesan cheese is an essential ingredient in the breading for Chicken Parmesan, providing a crispy texture and enhancing the flavour. The use of provolone cheese, either in the breading or as a substitute for mozzarella, is a viable option for those seeking new flavours and variations of this classic dish.
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Other cheeses can be used in Chicken Parmesan
While provolone is a great choice for Chicken Parmesan, other cheeses can also be used. The classic choice is mozzarella, which melts into gooey perfection. Fresh mozzarella, not the pre-shredded variety, is the best option for its creamy, gooey melt. However, some recipes suggest a blend of mozzarella and provolone, which offers a sharper, creamier alternative.
Parmesan is also used in Chicken Parmesan, though ironically it is the least consequential ingredient. It is added to the breadcrumbs, giving the dish an extra crunch and exciting flavour. Freshly grated parmesan is always preferable to pre-shredded varieties as it melts better, has a stronger flavour, and creates a crispier texture.
Some recipes also suggest using an Italian blend of shredded cheese, while others recommend avoiding cheddar as it doesn't melt the same and changes the flavour profile of the dish. Ultimately, the choice of cheese may come down to personal preference, as one source notes that the dish is more like Chicken Whatever-I-Have-Left-In-The-Fridge.
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Chicken Parmesan is based on an eggplant dish
Chicken Parmesan is a well-loved classic comfort food. However, it is based on an eggplant dish, which is also popular. This eggplant dish is called Eggplant Parmesan, and it is a classic Italian-American dish. It involves layering fried eggplant slices with tomato sauce, basil, and Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Chicken Parmesan is a twist on this traditional dish. It combines two iconic Italian-American dishes into one. It is perfect for when you can't decide between eggplant and chicken. This version involves layering fried chicken cutlets with marinara sauce, fried eggplant slices, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and sometimes basil. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and golden.
There are many ways to customize this dish to make it your own. You can add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the stacks for extra nutrients. If you like spicy food, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a kick. You can also add Italian seasoning and dried basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
To ensure the chicken Parmesan doesn't become soggy, it is important not to use too much sauce. It is recommended to put sauce only on top of the chicken cutlets, keeping the breading relatively crisp. The oven should also be very hot to ensure the cheese browns slightly and the breading crisps up.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone are all commonly used in Chicken Parmesan. Parmesan is mixed in with the breadcrumbs, while mozzarella and provolone are used on top of the chicken.
Provolone is a good substitute for mozzarella in Chicken Parmesan as they have similar melting qualities. However, provolone is a lot more expensive than mozzarella.
Other cheeses that can be used in Chicken Parmesan include young gouda, burrata, scamorza, and Oaxaca.
Chicken Parmesan should not be drowned in sauce as it will make the dish soggy. Only a little bit of sauce should be added on top of the chicken.
