The Best Cheeses For Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish that combines crispy, breaded chicken with warm marinara sauce and melted cheese. While the specific ingredients and preparation methods may vary, the type of cheese used in Chicken Parmesan is typically a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Mozzarella, with its stretchy, melty texture, adds a creamy element to the dish. On the other hand, Parmesan, known for its nutty, savoury flavour, enhances the breading and adds a crispy texture.

Characteristics of the type of cheese used in Chicken Parmesan

Mozzarella and Parmesan are the best cheeses for Chicken Parmesan

Mozzarella and Parmesan: The Dynamic Duo for Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, a classic Italian-American dish, features crispy chicken topped with tangy marinara sauce and a layer of gooey cheese. While there are various types of cheese that can be used, the combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese is the dynamic duo that takes this dish to the next level. Here's why:

The Magic of Mozzarella

Mozzarella, a soft and stretchy cheese, is known for its melting properties. When used in Chicken Parmesan, it creates a gooey and irresistible texture that makes the dish indulgent and comforting. Freshly shredded mozzarella is the preferred choice as it melts more evenly and creates a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded options. Its mild and milky flavour also complements the tangy marinara sauce without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Parmesan: The Secret Weapon

Parmesan, a hard and salty cheese, adds a punch of flavour to the dish. Its sharp and nutty taste enhances the overall savouriness of the Chicken Parmesan. By adding parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture, you not only amplify the flavour but also create a crispier coating on the chicken. The combination of parmesan and breadcrumbs ensures that each bite of the chicken has a delightful crunch and an explosion of flavour.

The Perfect Blend

When combined, mozzarella and parmesan create a harmonious blend that elevates the Chicken Parmesan. The stretchiness of mozzarella is balanced by the crumbly texture of parmesan, resulting in a cheese combination that is both gooey and flavourful. The mildness of mozzarella is enhanced by the sharpness of parmesan, creating a complex and satisfying taste experience. This blend of cheeses ensures that each bite of the Chicken Parmesan is packed with flavour and has a delightful texture.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan

To ensure your Chicken Parmesan is not soggy, it is crucial to control the amount of sauce used. A light layer of sauce on top of the chicken, about 1/4 cup per cutlet, is sufficient. Leave the edges of the chicken uncovered to allow them to get extra crispy when broiled. If you prefer a saucier dish, simply serve additional marinara sauce on the side.

Additionally, the chicken cutlets should be thin, about 1/4" thick, to ensure even cooking and a tender texture. You can achieve this by butterflying the chicken breasts or pounding them gently with a meat mallet. By following these tips and using the dynamic duo of mozzarella and parmesan, your Chicken Parmesan will be the talk of the town!

How to butterfly chicken breasts

Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that is often best made at home, as it can be tailored to your preference and restaurants tend to drown the chicken in sauce and cheese, making it soggy. The key to non-soggy chicken Parmesan is to avoid putting sauce under the chicken cutlets and to be sparing with the sauce and cheese that goes on top.

Now, to butterfly chicken breasts:

Butterflying a chicken breast means cutting it horizontally so that it opens up like a book. This technique is used to create thinner, more even pieces of meat that will cook quicker and more evenly. It also makes it easier to pound the meat to an even thickness.

• Use a sharp knife, preferably a boning knife with a flexible blade, and a cutting board reserved for raw meat.
• If the chicken breast has skin attached, remove it.
• Place the chicken breast on the cutting board with the skin side down.
• Place one hand on the chicken breast, curving your fingers up slightly for safety.
• Insert the knife into the middle of the thickest part of the breast and cut horizontally, almost to the other side.
• Open the chicken breast like a book.
• Place the butterflied chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a plastic bag.
• Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken from the center outward until it reaches the desired thickness. For chicken Parmesan, the chicken should be pounded to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.

Now your chicken breasts are ready to be used in your chicken Parmesan recipe!

How to bread chicken

To bread chicken for chicken parmesan, you'll need to set up an assembly line of bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. You can also add garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.

First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour and shake off any excess. Next, dip the chicken in the egg mixture, turning to coat evenly, and letting any excess egg drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat well.

Repeat this process for all of the chicken breasts and let them rest for about 15 minutes to allow the coating to adhere. Then, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden but not fully cooked.

After browning the chicken, you can assemble the chicken parmesan by placing the chicken in a baking dish, adding a spoonful of marinara sauce, and sprinkling mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Some additional tips for breading chicken include:

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure even cooking.
• Don't skimp on seasoning the chicken.
• Let the breaded chicken rest before cooking to help the coating adhere.
• Use high-quality prepared tomato sauce or make your own for better results.

How to fry chicken

Frying chicken is a key step in making chicken parmesan, a popular Italian-American dish. Here is a detailed guide on how to fry chicken for this delicious meal:

Preparing the Chicken

Start by butterflying the chicken breasts, which involves cutting them horizontally almost but not entirely in half, so they open up like a book. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap, then use a meat mallet or a heavy-bottomed pot to pound the meat to a thickness of about half an inch. This process ensures even cooking and a tender texture. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Set the chicken aside to let the seasoning absorb while you prepare the other components.

Breading the Chicken

Creating a crispy, flavourful coating on the chicken is essential for chicken parmesan. Set up a breading station with three dishes: one containing plain flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. For the breadcrumbs, you can use store-bought seasoned breadcrumbs or make your own by mixing unseasoned breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil.

Now, it's time to bread the chicken. First, dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, coat it thoroughly with the beaten eggs, ensuring both sides are covered. Finally, dredge the chicken in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing them down to pack in the breading. Let the breaded chicken rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during frying.

Frying the Chicken

Add enough neutral oil, such as olive oil, to a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to completely submerge the chicken. Heat the oil to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping as needed. If you're frying multiple pieces of chicken, maintain the oil temperature above 325°F for the best results. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a tray. Sprinkle it with a bit of salt while it's still hot.

Assembling Chicken Parmesan

Now that you've successfully fried the chicken, it's time to assemble the dish. Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet. On top of each piece of chicken, layer a ladle of tomato sauce, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. Broil the assembled chicken parmesan in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden.

And there you have it! You've fried the chicken and created a delicious chicken parmesan meal. Enjoy your homemade creation!

How to avoid a soggy Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish. However, it often ends up soggy due to the combination of sauce and cheese. Here are some tips to avoid a soggy Chicken Parmesan:

Use the Right Amount of Sauce

The key to avoiding sogginess is to use the right amount of sauce. Too much sauce can drown the chicken and make it soggy. Instead, use just a couple of tablespoons of good-quality marinara sauce on top of the chicken. This will keep the breading relatively crisp. If you prefer more sauce, simply serve extra on the side.

Prepare the Chicken Properly

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper, and then coat it with flour. Let the chicken rest for about 15 minutes to allow the coating to adhere properly.

Choose the Right Cheeses

Use a combination of fresh mozzarella, tangy Provolone, and real Parmesan cheese. Fresh mozzarella melts well and adds a creamy texture, while Provolone adds a tangy flavour. Grate and mix Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for added flavour and crunch. You can also be creative with your cheeses and try other combinations, such as ricotta and sharp white cheddar.

Drizzle Olive Oil

Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top of the cheeses to add moisture and prevent the dish from drying out.

Use Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are sharper and result in a nicer crumb. They also help to absorb moisture and keep the chicken crisp.

Use a Cooling Rack

Place the chicken on a cooling rack set over a sheet pan. This allows hot air to circulate and prevents the bottom of the chicken from becoming soggy due to contact with the pan.

Don't Overcrowd the Pan

When frying the chicken, make sure to leave enough space between the breasts and don't overcrowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.

Let the Chicken Rest

After frying, drain the chicken on a rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. This helps to keep the chicken crisp before transferring it to the oven.

Get the Oven Temperature Right

Preheat the oven to a high temperature, around 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). This ensures that the cheese browns slightly and the breading crisps up without overcooking the chicken.

Frequently asked questions