Parmesan, Mozzarella, Or Provolone: Which Cheese Melts Best For Chicken Parm?

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a beloved dish across the US, but you won't find it in Italy—it's an Italian-American creation. The dish features a breaded chicken breast, topped with tomato sauce and cheese. But which cheese is best?

Chicken Parm is usually made with a combination of mozzarella and parmesan. The mozzarella provides the gooey, melty factor, while parmesan adds extra flavour. You can also add provolone or fontina, or a blend of several cheeses. For the ultimate crunch, you can even mix parmesan into the breadcrumbs.

If you're making Chicken Parm, it's best to use thin chicken breasts. You can use a mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness. Bread the chicken, then fry it, and finally, top with sauce and cheese and bake in the oven.

Mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic cheese choices

When preparing your Chicken Parmesan, opt for freshly grated parmesan as dried or pre-grated options generally have preservatives mixed in, which can interfere with melting. Fresh mozzarella will also give you a better texture than the block style.

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it on a bed of cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, or with a simple side salad. If you're looking for a lower-carb option, try serving it with zucchini noodles.

To ensure that your Chicken Parmesan has the perfect fried, breaded coating, it is recommended to use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and regular dried breadcrumbs. This dual combination provides the ultimate crunchy texture. Don't forget to season your breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning or a similar blend to give your dish an extra flavour boost.

When assembling your Chicken Parmesan, start by coating your chicken breasts in a flour mixture, followed by an egg wash, and finally, coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Fry the breaded chicken in a skillet until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to a baking dish. Top each piece of chicken with marinara sauce, some fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese.

Bake your Chicken Parmesan in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. If you want to add some extra colour to your dish, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end, but be careful not to burn the cheese.

Now you have all the knowledge to create a delicious, classic Chicken Parmesan with the perfect combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses!

Fresh mozzarella is better than block mozzarella

When it comes to Chicken Parmesan, the cheese you choose can make or break the dish. While some recipes call for provolone or a blend of cheeses, mozzarella and parmesan are the classic combination. But which mozzarella should you choose? Fresh mozzarella is better than block mozzarella for Chicken Parmesan for several reasons.

First, let's talk about texture. Fresh mozzarella has a softer, more delicate texture than block mozzarella. This means it will melt more easily and create that desirable gooey, stringy effect when you bite into your Chicken Parm. Block mozzarella tends to be denser and can become rubbery when melted, which is not ideal for this dish.

Secondly, fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content. This may seem like a negative at first, but that extra moisture helps keep your chicken moist and juicy. It also ensures that the cheese will melt smoothly and evenly, creating a beautiful, creamy texture.

Fresh mozzarella also has a more subtle, delicate flavour that lets the other ingredients shine. Block mozzarella tends to have a stronger, saltier taste that can overwhelm the dish. Chicken Parmesan is all about the interplay of flavours and textures, and fresh mozzarella enhances the dish without overpowering it.

Finally, fresh mozzarella simply looks better on the dish. Its softer texture allows it to drape elegantly over the chicken, creating an inviting, mouthwatering appearance. Block mozzarella tends to sit more stiffly on the chicken and can look less appealing.

When making Chicken Parmesan, it's important to remember that not all mozzarellas are created equal. While block mozzarella certainly has its place in certain dishes, fresh mozzarella is the clear winner for this classic Italian-American dish. Its superior melting qualities, subtle flavour, and elegant appearance make it the perfect choice for creating a restaurant-worthy Chicken Parm that your family and friends will love.

Parmigiano-Reggiano is the best Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that combines crispy, breaded chicken breast with warm marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. While the specific ingredients and preparation methods may vary, most recipes call for mozzarella cheese as the primary topping. However, some recipes also include Parmesan cheese, either mixed into the breadcrumbs or sprinkled on top.

Now, when it comes to choosing the best Parmesan cheese for your Chicken Parm, there's no better option than Parmigiano-Reggiano. Here's why:

Rich History and Tradition:

Parmigiano-Reggiano has a long and illustrious history that dates back to the Middle Ages, with the same three ingredients used today: milk, salt, and rennet. The cheese originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, specifically the cities of Parma and Reggio Emilia, from which it derives its name. Over the centuries, the production of Parmigiano-Reggiano has been carefully regulated and protected, ensuring its reputation for quality and authenticity.

Superior Taste and Texture:

Aged for a minimum of 12 months, Parmigiano-Reggiano boasts a rich, sharp flavor and an extremely granular texture due to its lengthy aging process. The complex flavor profile and granular texture set it apart from other cheeses, earning it the title of the "King of Cheeses." The aging process also intensifies the flavor and changes the texture, making it ideal for grating over dishes like Chicken Parm.

Strict Production Standards:

Parmigiano-Reggiano is produced according to strict standards set by the European Union's Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) regulations. These standards dictate specific ingredients, production methods, and geographical origins. The cows' diet is carefully controlled, and 75% of their feed must come from the designated region. The use of raw milk, rather than pasteurized milk, also contributes to the unique flavor profile of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Authenticity and Quality Assurance:

The name "Parmigiano-Reggiano" is protected by law in the European Union and the United States. This means that only cheese produced in the specified regions of Italy and adhering to the strict production standards can bear this name. When you purchase Parmigiano-Reggiano, you can be confident that you're getting a product of exceptional quality and authenticity.

Versatility and Culinary Enhancement:

Parmigiano-Reggiano is incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide range of dishes. Its sharp, nutty flavor and granular texture make it perfect for grating over pasta, salads, or even popcorn. When used in Chicken Parm, it adds a depth of flavor and a delightful crunch to the dish. Its melting properties also make it ideal for creating creamy cheese sauces or garnishes.

In conclusion, Parmigiano-Reggiano is the undisputed champion of Parmesan cheeses. Its rich history, superior taste, strict production standards, authenticity, and versatility make it the perfect choice for your Chicken Parm. So, the next time you're preparing this classic Italian dish, be sure to reach for the Parmigiano-Reggiano—your taste buds will thank you!

Breadcrumbs are essential for the coating

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine. It is made by coating chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and frying them until golden brown. The breadcrumbs are an essential part of the dish as they create a crispy, golden crust that gives the chicken its signature texture and flavour.

The breading process

The breading process for Chicken Parmesan typically involves three steps: dredging the chicken in flour, dipping it in egg, and finally coating it with breadcrumbs. This process creates a crispy, golden crust on the chicken that is essential for the dish's signature texture and flavour.

The role of breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are a key ingredient in the breading process, as they give the chicken a light and airy texture. They also absorb less oil than regular breadcrumbs, producing a crispier and crunchier crumb. Additionally, breadcrumbs help to bind the other ingredients in the coating, such as Parmesan cheese, and ensure that the coating adheres to the chicken during frying.

Choosing the right breadcrumbs

It is important to choose the right type of breadcrumbs for Chicken Parmesan. Panko breadcrumbs, which are Japanese-style breadcrumbs, are often recommended as they are drier than regular breadcrumbs and produce a crispier crumb. Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are also a good option, as they add extra flavour to the dish.

Adding cheese to the breadcrumbs

Some recipes for Chicken Parmesan call for adding Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs. This adds extra flavour and helps to keep the breading crispy. It also adds a layer of flavour to the dish, making the chicken coating even more delicious.

Tips for a crispy coating

To ensure a crispy coating on your Chicken Parmesan, it is important to follow a few key tips. Firstly, make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading and frying. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and helps the coating adhere better. Secondly, don't skimp on seasoning – be sure to salt and pepper the chicken generously before breading. Finally, let the breaded chicken rest for about 15 minutes before frying to allow the coating to set.

In conclusion, breadcrumbs are an essential part of the coating for Chicken Parmesan. They create a crispy, golden crust that gives the dish its signature texture and flavour. By choosing the right type of breadcrumbs, adding cheese to the mixture, and following some simple tips, you can ensure that your Chicken Parmesan has a delicious, crispy coating.

You can use chicken breasts or thighs

Chicken parmesan is a versatile dish that can be made with either chicken breasts or thighs. Here are some tips and instructions for preparing this classic Italian-American dish with either type of chicken:

Using Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are a popular choice for chicken parm due to their lean meat and convenient size. Here's a step-by-step guide to making chicken parm with chicken breasts:

• Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gives it a nice texture.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice. You can also add some Italian seasoning to enhance the flavour.
• Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix flour with salt and pepper. In the second dish, whisk together eggs and milk. In the third dish, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning if desired.
• Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press gently to adhere the breading.
• Fry the breaded chicken breasts in oil until they are golden brown and crispy. You can use a skillet or a heavy pan for this step.
• Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet and top them with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add some parmesan cheese for extra flavour.
• Bake the chicken in the oven at 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve over pasta or with a side of your choice.

Using Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts for chicken parm. They have a higher fat content, which makes them juicier and more tender. Here's how to make chicken parm with chicken thighs:

• Start by trimming any excess fat or skin from the chicken thighs. You want to keep a thin layer of fat to add flavour and moisture, but too much can make the dish greasy.
• Pound the chicken thighs to an even thickness, just like you would with chicken breasts. This step is especially important for chicken thighs as they can be uneven in thickness.
• Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can also add some Italian seasoning to boost the flavour.
• Set up a breading station, just like you would for chicken breasts. Dip the chicken thighs in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese.
• Fry the breaded chicken thighs in oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Chicken thighs may take a little longer to cook than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content.
• Place the fried chicken thighs on a baking sheet and top them with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also mix in some parmesan cheese with the mozzarella for extra flavour.
• Bake the chicken in the oven at 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Chicken thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through than chicken breasts.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and serve over pasta or with your favourite sides.

Whether you choose to use chicken breasts or thighs, this classic dish is sure to impress. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese, spices, and breading techniques to find your perfect chicken parm recipe!

Frequently asked questions