Chicken Parmesan: Choosing The Perfect Cheesy Topping

Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that combines breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese. While the specific type of cheese used in chicken Parmesan can vary, the most common cheeses used are mozzarella and Parmesan. Some recipes may also include Provolone or cheddar cheese. The key to a good chicken Parmesan is to achieve a crispy coating on the chicken and to avoid making it soggy by adding too much sauce.

Mozzarella and Parmesan are the best cheeses for Chicken Parmesan

Mozzarella and Parmesan: The Dynamic Duo for Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, a beloved dish in many households, can be elevated by the choice of cheese. While there are several varieties of cheese that can be used, mozzarella and parmesan together create a dynamic duo that takes this dish to the next level. Here's why:

The Magic of Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a popular choice for Chicken Parmesan due to its creamy texture and ability to melt seamlessly. Its mild flavour and stretchy consistency make it ideal for creating that irresistible, gooey layer on top of the chicken. Using low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella is recommended as it melts better, resulting in the cheesiest and meltiest Chicken Parmesan possible. Shredding the mozzarella from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese also ensures a smoother melting experience.

Parmesan: The Secret Ingredient

Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, adds a distinct salty edge to the dish. It is used in two ways in Chicken Parmesan recipes: mixed with the breadcrumbs for extra flavour and richness, and sprinkled on top of the sauce for a salty kick. Adding parmesan to the breadcrumbs amplifies the flavour and creates a crispier coating. When sprinkled on top, it adds a savoury note that complements the tanginess of the tomato sauce.

The Perfect Blend

Combining mozzarella and parmesan creates a cheese blend that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. The mild, creamy mozzarella balances the salty, sharp parmesan, resulting in a flavourful and texturally appealing combination. This blend ensures that each bite of Chicken Parmesan delivers a mouthwatering explosion of flavours and textures.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan

To ensure your Chicken Parmesan is the best it can be, here are some tips:

• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier coating.
• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4" to 1/2" for optimal cooking and a consistent bite.
• Don't skimp on seasoning. Salt and pepper the chicken generously.
• Add parmesan to the breadcrumbs for enhanced flavour and crunch.
• Don't overload the dish with sauce and cheese to avoid sogginess.
• Use fresh herbs like basil to garnish, adding a touch of freshness to the dish.

Panko breadcrumbs are essential for a crispy coating

To get the crispiest coating, you can combine Panko with regular breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This mixture will add flavour and texture to your Chicken Parmesan. The key to a crispy coating is to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the Panko mixture. You can do this by creating a dredging station with flour, egg, and the Panko mixture. Dip the chicken into the flour, then the egg, and finally into the Panko mixture, making sure to coat every inch.

Another tip for a crispy coating is to let the breaded chicken rest before frying. This allows the coating to adhere to the chicken, so it stays on during cooking. When frying, use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, which has a higher smoke point than olive oil. Heat the oil to 350°F before adding the chicken and fry until golden brown.

Finally, to keep your Chicken Parmesan crispy after adding the sauce and cheese, don't drown the chicken in sauce. Add just enough sauce to the top of the chicken, so the breading stays relatively crisp. With these tips, you can achieve a crispy and delicious coating on your Chicken Parmesan every time!

Chicken cutlets should be 1/4 thick

Chicken cutlets are a key component of chicken parmesan, and getting them to the right thickness is crucial to the success of the dish.

Chicken cutlets are typically made by slicing a chicken breast in half horizontally, resulting in two thinner pieces of meat. This technique ensures even cooking and improves the overall outcome of the dish. The ideal thickness for chicken cutlets is around 1/4 inch. This thickness allows for quick and even cooking, with the chicken remaining juicy and tender. It also facilitates the formation of a golden-brown crust when frying or grilling.

To achieve the desired thickness, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place one chicken breast on a cutting board and hold it steady. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice through the centre horizontally, starting at the thicker end and working your way to the thinner side. It is important to use a sharp knife to prevent tearing the meat. If needed, you can also pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or the bottom of a skillet. Place the cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper to avoid tearing and gently pound it to the desired thickness.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly thin and even chicken cutlets that cook quickly and evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a delicious crust. This thickness is ideal for chicken parmesan, ensuring that the chicken is cooked thoroughly without overcooking the outside while keeping the inside raw.

Don't drown the chicken in sauce

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish, but it's easy to ruin it by drowning it in sauce. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken Parm remains crispy and delicious:

The Problem with Too Much Sauce

The key components of chicken Parmesan are a crispy slab of tenderized chicken, savoury marinara sauce, and melted cheese. However, the crispy texture of the chicken is often lost when it's smothered in too much sauce. This results in a soggy dish that lacks the desired contrast of textures.

The Solution: Less is More

The secret to avoiding a soggy mess is simple: don't drown the chicken in sauce! Here are some specific tips to achieve this:

• Use Sparingly: Only use enough sauce to lightly spread over the surface of the chicken. One to two tablespoons per piece is usually enough.
• No Sauce on the Bottom: Avoid putting sauce under the chicken cutlets. Keep the sauce only on top to preserve the crispiness of the breading.
• Cheese as a Barrier: Try melting the cheese first, then add the sauce. The cheese will act as a barrier, protecting the chicken from getting soggy.
• Serve Sauce on the Side: If you prefer a saucier dish, consider serving the sauce on the side for dipping. This way, you can control the amount of sauce added and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
• Stuffed Chicken: For a creative twist, try stuffing your chicken pieces with the cheese and sauce instead of layering them on top. This way, you get the sauce and cheese without sacrificing crispiness.

Other Tips for a Crispy Chicken Parmesan

In addition to managing the sauce, here are some extra tips to ensure your chicken Parm stays crispy:

• Choose the Right Breadcrumbs: Use super-crunchy breadcrumbs like Panko, or get creative with crushed croutons or cornflakes for an extra-crispy coating.
• Don't Oversauce the Pasta: If serving chicken Parm with pasta, keep the sauce on the side. Mixing saucy pasta with the chicken can make the dish soggy.
• Timing is Key: Have your broiler and marinara sauce ready before frying the chicken. This ensures you can assemble the dish quickly, preserving the crispiness of the chicken.
• Coat the Chicken Thoroughly: When dipping the chicken in the egg mixture and dry mix, ensure every surface is coated. This will help the breading stay on the chicken and keep it crispy.
• Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the right temperature. This ensures the cheese browns and the breading crisps up before the chicken overcooks.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, crispy chicken Parmesan without worrying about a soggy mess. Remember, when it comes to sauce, less is more!

The best sides include pasta, roasted asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. While it is commonly served with pasta, roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes are also excellent choices that will elevate your meal. Here's why these sides deserve a place on your table:

Pasta

Pasta is a classic choice to accompany Chicken Parmesan, and for good reason. Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is often served with a rich tomato sauce. This sauce pairs perfectly with thin spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or fettuccini. The key is to choose a type of pasta that will allow the sauce to coat it evenly, creating a harmonious combination of flavours.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that complements the flavours of Chicken Parmesan beautifully. Asparagus has a delicate flavour and a crisp texture when roasted, providing a nice contrast to the juicy chicken. To prepare roasted asparagus, simply toss the spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until tender. This side dish is not only delicious but also adds a vibrant touch of green to your plate.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish that goes well with Chicken Parmesan. The creamy texture and mild flavour of mashed potatoes provide a nice balance to the crispy, cheesy chicken. For an extra punch of flavour, add some roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes. This will give them a subtle sweetness and a hint of sharpness that will enhance the overall taste experience.

When it comes to sides for Chicken Parmesan, these three options are sure to impress. Each of these sides offers a unique flavour and texture profile that will enhance your dining experience. Whether you choose pasta, roasted asparagus, or garlic mashed potatoes, or perhaps all three, your meal is sure to be delightful.

Frequently asked questions