Frederic Melton
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is an Italian-American dish that consists of breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and cheese. The best cheeses for Chicken Parm are a matter of preference, but the most commonly used are mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone. Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and adds flavour, while parmesan adds a salty richness to the breadcrumbs and creates a crispy, golden crust. Provolone is a sharper, creamier alternative to mozzarella.
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone
Parmesan is used in two ways in chicken parm: mixed with breadcrumbs to coat the chicken and sprinkled over the chicken at the end. Freshly grated parmesan is always preferable to pre-shredded varieties. It melts better, has a stronger flavour, and creates a crispier golden coating.
Mozzarella is the classic choice for chicken parm. It melts into gooey perfection and combines well with parmesan. Fresh mozzarella, shredded from a block, is the best option for a creamy, gooey melt. Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella will melt the best.
Provolone is a less common but equally delicious option for chicken parm. It offers a sharper, creamier alternative to mozzarella.
Chicken parm is a flexible dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses. While mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone are the most popular choices, other cheeses such as cheddar can also be used, although this may alter the flavour balance of the dish. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired flavour and texture of the final dish.
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Freshly grated vs pre-shredded
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a dish that combines juicy chicken with a crisp, golden crust and a rich, tangy tomato sauce. The key to a perfect Chicken Parm lies in its ingredients and preparation. While there are multiple variations of the recipe, the classic choice of cheese is mozzarella, with provolone as a sharper, creamier alternative. Parmesan is also used, but not as a melty cheese layer, rather as a flavourful, crispy coating for the chicken.
When it comes to freshly grated vs pre-shredded cheese, there are a few key differences to consider. Firstly, freshly grated cheese, particularly for harder cheeses like Parmesan, melts better and has a stronger flavour. This is because pre-shredded cheese is treated with anti-clumping agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly and evenly. Additionally, the desiccants used in pre-shredded cheese can affect the taste, although they are said to be tasteless and make up a small percentage of the product.
Freshly grated cheese also offers better value for money. When grating a block of cheese, you can get up to twice as much volume as you would from a pre-shredded bag of the same weight. Not only that, but block cheese also has a longer shelf life, lasting for weeks compared to the few days recommended for shredded cheese.
For Chicken Parm, freshly grated cheese is the preferred option. The stronger flavour of freshly grated Parmesan enhances the crispy coating of the chicken, while freshly grated mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, creating the ideal texture and taste. While pre-shredded cheese may be more convenient, it can compromise on flavour and meltability, two crucial factors in this dish.
In conclusion, while both options have their advantages, freshly grated cheese is the superior choice for Chicken Parm. The improved flavour, meltability, value, and shelf life make it the ideal ingredient for this classic dish, ensuring that your Chicken Parm is as tasty and texturally pleasing as possible.
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Melting point
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a popular dish that combines crispy, fried chicken with melted cheese and a rich tomato sauce. The key to a perfect Chicken Parm lies in achieving a crispy texture that can withstand the weight of the sauce and cheese without becoming soggy. This requires a careful balance of ingredients and cooking techniques, especially during the melting process.
The choice of cheese is crucial to the melting point of Chicken Parm. The classic cheese for this dish is mozzarella, known for its creamy, gooey melt. Freshly shredded or grated mozzarella from a block is recommended as it melts better and enhances the flavour. Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella is specifically suggested for optimal melting. However, some recipes also include Parmesan or a blend of cheeses. Parmesan, when sprinkled over the fried chicken, adds salty richness and contributes to a crispy, golden crust. It is recommended to use freshly grated Parmesan for a stronger flavour and better melting.
To achieve the perfect melt, the fried chicken is topped with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, along with tomato sauce. This assembly is then placed under a broiler, carefully watched, and cooked until the cheese is irresistibly melted and slightly browned. The melting point of the cheese is crucial, as it should be fully melted without burning the chicken. This step typically takes around 2 minutes, requiring close attention.
The melting point of the cheese is a delicate process that determines the overall quality of the Chicken Parm. By using the right types and amounts of cheese, along with careful cooking techniques, the dish achieves its signature crispy texture with a rich, melted cheese topping.
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Quantity of cheese
The quantity of cheese used in chicken parm is a matter of personal preference, but it's important to use enough cheese to create a crispy, golden crust and a gooey, melted texture. While the type of cheese is more of a defining factor, the amount of cheese used can range from a light sprinkling to a generous layer, depending on individual taste.
Some recipes call for a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone, which offers a mix of melting capabilities and flavours. In this case, the quantity of each cheese may vary depending on the desired taste and texture. For example, a higher ratio of mozzarella can result in a gooier, stretchier dish, while adding more Parmesan can enhance the crispiness and golden colour of the crust.
When it comes to the popular combination of mozzarella and Parmesan, the ratio can be adjusted to personal preference. A common approach is to use a slightly higher proportion of mozzarella, as it melts well and adds a creamy, gooey element to the dish. Parmesan, on the other hand, contributes to the crispy coating and adds a salty, savoury note. Adjusting the quantities of these cheeses allows home cooks to customise their chicken parm to their desired taste and texture.
It's worth noting that the quantity of cheese can also be influenced by the cooking method. For instance, pan-frying the chicken before baking it in the oven can help achieve a crispier texture, allowing for a slightly more generous application of cheese without making the dish soggy. On the other hand, a heavier hand with cheese in a solely oven-baked preparation may result in a softer, less crispy final product.
Ultimately, the quantity of cheese used in chicken parm is a matter of personal taste and the desired texture. While a light sprinkling of cheese may be preferred by some, others may opt for a heartier layer to satisfy their cheesy cravings. The versatility of this dish lies in its ability to accommodate different quantities and types of cheese, ensuring a satisfying experience for cheese enthusiasts.
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Other ingredients
Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish, and you can use a variety of ingredients to make it tasty and exciting.
The choice of cheese is, of course, important, and while mozzarella is the classic choice, you can also use provolone, which offers a sharper, creamier alternative. You could also use a blend of mozzarella and provolone, or mozzarella and Parmesan, or even a blend of all three. It is best to use freshly grated cheese, as this melts better and has a stronger flavour.
You will also need to use eggs to bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Beat the eggs until they are very frothy, so they are light and airy. You can also add some Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs, which will give the dish an extra crunch and an exciting flavour.
To make the sauce, you will need passata (tomato purée), which should be of high quality and have no added sugar or preservatives. You can also add Italian herbs and seasoning to taste. To make a more complex sauce, you can sauté onions in olive oil until they are translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Finish by stirring in the tomato purée, and simmer until thickened.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken parm, or chicken parmesan, is an Italian-American dish consisting of breaded chicken that is typically pan-fried and then baked with tomato sauce and cheese.
Mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone are the most commonly used cheeses for chicken parm. Freshly grated or shredded mozzarella and parmesan melt better and add more flavour.
To keep your chicken parm crispy, avoid adding too much sauce or cheese. You can also bake the chicken on a baking sheet to ensure that the bottom and sides stay crispy.
Chicken parm is often served with pasta, garlic bread, or a side of tomato sauce.
