Randy Chandler
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is an Italian-American dish that consists of breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese. While the name suggests that Parmesan cheese is used, the dish is actually derived from Melanzane alla Parmigiana, or Eggplant Parmesan, and does not necessarily contain Parmesan cheese. In fact, mozzarella is often used as the cheese in Chicken Parm, as it melts well and adds a gooey texture. Some recipes also call for a mix of cheeses, including Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference, as all cheese is good cheese!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone |
| Texture | Gooey, melted, bubbly, crispy |
| Quantity | Less is more, but some recipes call for a blend of cheeses |
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$1.18 $1.48
$1.97 $2.08
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the classic choice
Mozzarella is used for layering over the chicken for baking. You can use shredded or sliced pieces of mozzarella. The chicken is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. The dish is then garnished with fresh chopped basil and served with hot cooked spaghetti noodles, with extra sauce on the side if desired.
Mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also use provolone, which offers a sharper, creamier alternative. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for the initial bake and top it with grated parmesan. However, it is recommended to avoid cheddar as it doesn't melt the same way and shifts the flavor balance.
The choice of cheese is important, but it's also important to note that the dish relies on a combination of juicy chicken and a crisp, golden crust. The chicken should be tenderized and seasoned well with salt and pepper. The breading is also crucial, and you can use a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan, and garlic powder to create a flavorful and crispy coating.
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Provolone is a sharper, creamier alternative
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is an Italian-American dish that consists of breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese. While mozzarella is the classic choice of cheese, provolone is a sharper, creamier alternative.
Provolone is a great option for those who want a more pronounced cheese flavour in their Chicken Parm. It has a more intense flavour than mozzarella, adding a sharper, tangier taste to the dish. Its creaminess also gives the dish a richer, more indulgent mouthfeel.
When making Chicken Parm with provolone, it is important to note that provolone has a higher melting point than mozzarella. This means that it may require a little more time in the oven to achieve the desired melted, bubbly consistency. However, this can be advantageous as it gives you a greater margin of error when cooking, reducing the risk of overcooking the chicken or burning the breading.
For the best results, it is recommended to use a combination of cheeses. A blend of provolone and mozzarella can offer the perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess, creating a more complex and interesting flavour profile. Additionally, mixing in some Parmesan cheese, either shredded or grated, can add a salty kick and enhance the crispiness of the breading.
When preparing Chicken Parm, it is essential to achieve the right balance of sauce and cheese. While a generous amount of cheese is desirable, too much can overwhelm the dish, making it soggy. It is crucial to use just enough sauce and cheese to coat the chicken without drowning it, ensuring that the breading remains crisp and the chicken juicy.
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Parmesan in the breadcrumbs adds flavour
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is an Italian-American dish that consists of breaded chicken, tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs. The dish is typically pan-fried and then baked, resulting in a crispy crust and a juicy interior.
While mozzarella is the classic cheese choice for Chicken Parm, some recipes call for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Parmesan adds a salty richness to the dish and enhances the flavour of the breadcrumbs. By mixing grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs, you can achieve a crispier texture and a more exciting flavour profile. This technique ensures that the Parmesan is evenly distributed throughout the breading, creating a consistent crunch and flavour in every bite.
When frying the breaded chicken, the Parmesan in the breadcrumbs will also help achieve that desirable golden-brown colour. The combination of melted mozzarella and Parmesan creates a richer, more indulgent cheese mixture. This blend of cheeses not only adds flavour but also helps maintain the integrity of the breading, ensuring it stays crisp and crunchy, even when smothered in sauce.
In addition to its role in the breading, Parmesan can also be sprinkled over the chicken before serving. This final touch adds another layer of flavour and texture to the dish. The salty, nutty flavour of Parmesan pairs exceptionally well with the tanginess of the tomato sauce and the creaminess of the mozzarella.
By incorporating Parmesan into the breadcrumbs and using it as a topping, Chicken Parm takes on a more complex and intriguing flavour profile. The salty, savoury notes of Parmesan enhance the overall taste experience, making it a true comfort food.
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Cheddar is not recommended
While there is no single, definitive set of ingredients for chicken parm, cheddar is not recommended.
Chicken parm is derived from melanzane alla parmigiana, and is an Italian-American dish. The "parm" in chicken parm refers to the Parma region of Italy, and not specifically to Parmesan cheese. However, Parmesan cheese is a common ingredient in chicken parm, and is often added to the breadcrumb coating, or mixed with mozzarella and baked on top of the chicken. Mozzarella is the classic choice of cheese for chicken parm, but provolone offers a sharper, creamier alternative.
Some recipes suggest using a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, while others recommend using provolone in addition to, or instead of, mozzarella. Ultimately, the choice of cheese may come down to personal preference, and some cooks may choose to use whatever cheese they have on hand. However, it is important to note that cheddar is not a suitable substitute for mozzarella or provolone in chicken parm due to its melting properties and its impact on the flavor of the dish.
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You can use a blend of cheeses
While mozzarella is the classic choice for Chicken Parm, you can use a blend of cheeses to add extra flavour and texture.
Mozzarella is a good melting cheese, but you can add Parmesan to the mix to add a salty richness and extra flavour. You can also add Parmesan to the breadcrumbs, which adds another layer of flavour and gives the chicken an extra crunch. You can use shredded or sliced pieces of mozzarella.
Some recipes suggest using a blend of mozzarella, tangy Provolone, and real Parmesan. Provolone is a sharper, creamier alternative to mozzarella.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or make your own breadcrumbs using your favourite gluten-free bread. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend to dredge the chicken.
Whether you choose to pan-fry or bake your Chicken Parm, the key is to ensure the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use Parmesan, mozzarella, or provolone cheese, or a combination of these.
You can add Parmesan to the breadcrumbs to create extra flavour, and sprinkle it over the chicken at the end.
You can shred or slice mozzarella and layer it over the chicken for baking.
Provolone is a sharper, creamier alternative to mozzarella.
Yes, you can use whatever cheese you like, although cheddar may not melt in the same way and will shift the flavour balance.
