Kamil Perry
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parm, is a global favourite. The dish is a mouth-watering combination of crispy, juicy chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. The key to the perfect Chicken Parmesan lies in its ingredients and the right balance of flavours and textures. While the dish is called Chicken Parmesan, it is based on the Italian dish Melanzane da Parmigiana, or Eggplant Parmesan, and does not necessarily have to include Parmesan cheese. In fact, the most important cheeses in Chicken Parmesan are mozzarella, which adds gooey, melty goodness, and Parmesan, which adds flavour and a crispy coating to the chicken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main cheese | Mozzarella |
| Other cheeses | Parmesan, Provolone, Cheddar |
| Breadcrumbs | Panko, Italian-style, whole wheat |
| Other ingredients | Tomato sauce, basil, garlic, eggs, olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
- Mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic cheeses for Chicken Parmesan
- Provolone is a sharper, creamier alternative to mozzarella
- Avoid cheddar—it doesn't melt the same and changes the flavour
- Freshly grate your own parmesan for a stronger flavour and crispier coating
- Mix parmesan with breadcrumbs for extra flavour and crunch
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic cheeses for Chicken Parmesan
While Chicken Parmesan is not an Italian dish, it is inspired by Italian cuisine. The dish is based on Melanzane da Parmigiana, also known as Eggplant Parmesan, which originated in Southern Italy.
Chicken Parmesan is typically made with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella is layered on top of the chicken and tomato sauce, melting into gooey perfection. Freshly grated Parmesan is mixed with breadcrumbs to coat the chicken, creating a crispy, golden crust. This combination of cheeses ensures a perfectly textured crust with a strong flavour that complements the dish.
Mozzarella is the classic choice for Chicken Parmesan, but provolone offers a sharper, creamier alternative. Fresh mozzarella, rather than pre-shredded, is the best option for its creamy, gooey melt. Parmesan is also key to the dish, adding flavour and texture to the coating. It is important to use freshly grated Parmesan, as it melts better and has a stronger flavour.
When preparing Chicken Parmesan, the chicken is coated in a mixture of eggs, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder. The chicken is then dipped in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Finally, the chicken is topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
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Provolone is a sharper, creamier alternative to mozzarella
Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that combines crispy, golden chicken with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. While mozzarella is the classic choice for this dish, provolone offers a sharper, creamier alternative.
Provolone is an Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a more intense flavour than mozzarella, with a sharper taste and a creamier texture. When melted, it becomes gooey and stringy, making it perfect for chicken Parmesan. Its bold flavour means a little goes a long way, so you can use less cheese without sacrificing taste. This can be a healthier option, as cheese is high in saturated fat.
Mozzarella is a mild, fresh cheese that melts into a creamy, gooey consistency. It is the traditional choice for chicken Parmesan, creating a comforting, indulgent dish. However, some cooks may prefer to use provolone for its more distinct flavour and texture.
When making chicken Parmesan, you can easily substitute provolone for mozzarella. Simply layer slices of provolone over the chicken and tomato sauce, and bake until melted and bubbly. You can also mix provolone with mozzarella and Parmesan for an even richer flavour.
Whether you choose mozzarella, provolone, or a combination of cheeses, chicken Parmesan is a delicious and comforting meal. With its crispy coating, juicy chicken, and bold flavours, it's a dish that hits the spot every time.
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Avoid cheddar—it doesn't melt the same and changes the flavour
While cheddar cheese is a popular choice for many dishes, it may not be the best option for chicken parmesan. Here's why you might want to avoid using cheddar cheese when making this classic dish:
Melting Properties
Cheddar cheese has a higher melting point compared to other cheeses, such as mozzarella. In chicken parmesan, the cheese is typically melted on top of the chicken, and the melting properties of cheddar can result in a less desirable texture. Cheddar may not melt evenly or smoothly, affecting the overall presentation and taste of the dish.
Flavour Profile
Cheddar cheese has a distinct, sharp flavour that can overpower the other ingredients in chicken parmesan. The dish already has a delicate balance of flavours, with the tomato sauce, breading, and chicken creating a harmonious combination. Cheddar cheese can shift this balance, making the dish taste overly rich or salty.
Traditional Considerations
Chicken parmesan, also known as chicken parmigiana, is inspired by Italian cuisine. While it is an Italian-American creation, the dish draws on traditional Italian ingredients and flavours. Mozzarella and parmesan cheeses are more commonly associated with Italian cuisine and are the classic choices for this dish. Using cheddar cheese takes it further away from its Italian roots and can be considered a less authentic option.
Alternative Cheeses
Instead of cheddar, opt for mozzarella, which is known for its creamy, gooey melt. Fresh mozzarella, in particular, blends beautifully with the other ingredients. Provolone is another excellent alternative, offering a sharper, creamier flavour profile. These cheeses complement the other components of chicken parmesan without overwhelming them.
In conclusion, while personal preference plays a role in ingredient choices, avoiding cheddar cheese in chicken parmesan is recommended to maintain the dish's integrity, flavour balance, and traditional character.
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Freshly grate your own parmesan for a stronger flavour and crispier coating
Chicken Parmesan is a global favourite, and for good reason. This Italian-American dish combines crispy, golden breading with juicy chicken and a rich tomato sauce. The key to perfecting this recipe is in the ingredients, and the technique used to prepare them.
While the classic choice for Chicken Parmesan is mozzarella, the choice of cheese is flexible. Parmesan, provolone, and Italian blends are all popular options. The important thing is to ensure the cheese is freshly grated, as this will create a crispier coating and intensify the flavour.
Freshly grated parmesan has a stronger flavour than pre-shredded varieties. This is because the larger surface area of the grated cheese allows for more even melting, creating a crispier, golden crust. When combined with breadcrumbs, parmesan adds an extra crunch and exciting flavour. This is why it is important to use a mix of panko for crunch and Italian-style breadcrumbs for flavour.
To ensure the perfect crunch, it is recommended to double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg and breadcrumbs. This will ensure a crispy, even coating. It is also important to let the breaded chicken rest for about 15 minutes before frying, to allow the coating to adhere.
When it comes to baking, a hot oven is key. This will ensure the cheese browns slightly and the breading crisps up before the chicken gets overcooked. The oven should be preheated to 450°F, and the chicken baked for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Mix parmesan with breadcrumbs for extra flavour and crunch
Chicken Parmesan is a global favourite, but it can be tricky to get right. The key to success is a crispy, golden coating, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. To achieve this, it's essential to use the right ingredients and techniques.
One way to ensure your Chicken Parmesan has the perfect crunch is to mix Parmesan with breadcrumbs. This combination adds a delicious layer of flavour and an exciting texture to the dish. Firstly, prepare your breadcrumbs. You can make your own by toasting slices of bread in the oven until golden brown, then breaking them into pieces and blending them in a food processor until they resemble coarse sand. Store-bought breadcrumbs are also an option, but making your own gives you more control over the texture.
Next, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan is best, as it has a stronger flavour and melts better. You can also add olive oil to help bind the mixture together. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme.
Finally, coat your chicken breasts with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. You can double-coat the chicken by dipping it in an egg wash and the breadcrumb mixture again for added crunch. Fry the chicken until golden brown, then transfer it to a baking dish and top with tomato sauce and cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and browned, and the chicken is cooked through.
By mixing Parmesan with breadcrumbs, you can take your Chicken Parmesan to the next level, ensuring a crispy, flavourful dish that your family and friends will rave about!
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken Parmesan typically uses a combination of mozzarella and parmesan. The mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, while the parmesan adds flavour and creates a crispy, golden crust.
There is no definitive answer, but it is easy to use too much. Chicken Parmesan should be crispy and not soggy, so be mindful of how much cheese you use.
Yes, provolone is a sharper, creamier alternative to mozzarella. Cheddar is not recommended as it does not melt the same and alters the flavour profile of the dish.
First, add parmesan to the bread crumbs to add flavour and texture. After frying the breaded chicken, add a layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese before baking.
Chicken Parmesan is based on the dish Melanzane da Parmigiana, or Eggplant Parmesan. The name does not refer to the use of parmesan cheese, but rather to the fact that the dish originated in the Parma region of Italy.
