The Best Cheeses To Use For Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a popular Italian-American dish that combines breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese. While there are many ways to make this dish, the key to a perfect Chicken Parm is a crispy coating and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Some recipes also call for adding Parmesan to the breading, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish.

Mozzarella or Parmesan?

The dish is an American take on an Italian classic. The original, Melanzane alla Parmigiana, is made with aubergine (eggplant) and Parmesan cheese. Chicken Parmesan replaces the aubergine with chicken, and adds mozzarella to the mix.

The dish is made by coating chicken breasts in a breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, then frying them. The fried chicken is then topped with a tomato-based sauce, and a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan. The whole thing is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Some recipes also add Parmesan to the breadcrumbs, for extra flavour. And, if you're feeling extra cheesy, you can add some Provolone or Romano to the mix as well.

How to get the crispiest coating

Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish that's often ordered at restaurants, but it's also easy to make at home. The key to achieving a crispy coating lies in the breading and frying process. Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken Parm has the crispiest coating:

Choose the Right Breadcrumbs:

• Opt for Panko breadcrumbs, which are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are drier than regular breadcrumbs. They absorb less oil, resulting in a crispier and crunchier crumb.
• You can also use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or golden breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Prepare the Chicken:

• Slice large chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. This ensures even cooking and a consistent thickness.
• Marinate the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This adds flavour and moisture to the chicken.

Create a Flavourful Breading:

• Combine Panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like onion powder or Italian seasoning.
• For an extra crispy coating, use a flour dredge by mixing flour with cornstarch, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

Frying Technique:

• Heat vegetable oil or another high smoke point oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 400°F (204°C).
• Dip the marinated chicken in a flour mixture, then coat it in beaten eggs, and finally dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure it's well coated.
• Carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil, leaving enough space between pieces. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
• After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness.

Baking and Toppings:

• Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C).
• Place the fried chicken on a greased baking tray or dish.
• Top each chicken breast with a small amount of tomato sauce, being careful not to saturate the coating.
• Add shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil on top of the sauce. You can also mix mozzarella with Parmesan or Provolone cheese for extra flavour.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and melted.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your crispy Chicken Parm with pasta, such as thin spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or fettuccine.
• Accompany it with sautéed green beans, zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or a salad for a lighter option.

Remember, the key to a crispy coating is to avoid too much sauce and cheese, which can make the dish soggy. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan with a crunchy exterior and juicy interior!

Should you bake or fry the chicken?

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. While the classic recipe calls for frying the chicken, baking is a healthier alternative that can yield equally delicious results. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to bake or fry your chicken parm:

Taste and Texture

Frying the chicken gives it a crispy, golden exterior that many people associate with traditional chicken parm. The hot oil used in frying also helps to create a deep, rich flavour. On the other hand, baking the chicken produces a lighter, healthier dish without sacrificing taste. Baking is a great option if you want to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the extra grease.

Preparation and Clean-up

Frying chicken can be a messy process, requiring a large amount of oil and resulting in splatters and grease build-up. It also requires careful monitoring to ensure the chicken doesn't burn. Baking, on the other hand, is generally easier and less time-consuming. Simply coat the chicken in your chosen breading, place it on a baking sheet, and let the oven do the work!

Nutritional Considerations

When it comes to nutrition, baking is the clear winner. Baked chicken parm is lower in fat and calories than its fried counterpart, making it a healthier option overall. If you're watching your weight or trying to cut down on greasy foods, baking is the way to go.

The Bottom Line

Both baking and frying can produce delicious chicken parm, but they have distinct differences. Frying yields a classic, crispy dish with a rich flavour, while baking is healthier, easier to prepare, and results in a lighter, less greasy meal. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and how much time and effort you want to put into the dish.

How to prevent a soggy chicken parm

Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish, but it can often turn soggy. Here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

Use the Right Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are a great option as they are drier than regular breadcrumbs and absorb less oil, resulting in a crispier crumb. They also give a nicer, sharper crumb. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs for added flavour and crunch.

Don't Drown the Chicken in Sauce

The key to preventing sogginess is to use less sauce. Completely covering the chicken cutlets in sauce is a sure way to end up with a soggy mess. Instead, use just a small amount of sauce on top of the chicken and serve the rest on the side. You can also make the sauce thicker by cooking it longer to reduce the water content.

Switch the Order of Sauce and Cheese

Instead of putting the sauce directly on the chicken and then adding the cheese, try doing it the other way around. Put the cheese on first and let it melt to form a waterproof barrier. Then, add the sauce on top. This will protect the chicken from getting soggy.

Use a Cooling Rack

Place the chicken on a cooling rack or paper towel after frying to allow any excess oil to drain. Then, finish the recipe using the broiler to melt the cheese instead of putting it back in the oven. This will help prevent the breading from getting soggy.

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 will ensure even cooking and prevent the breading from getting soggy.

Let the Chicken Rest

Before frying, let the breaded chicken sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow the coating to adhere properly. This will help keep the breading from sliding off.

Use Less Moisture-Retentive Cheeses

Use cheeses that are less moisture-retentive, such as low-moisture mozzarella (the kind that comes in a bag, not fresh mozzarella balls), provolone, or a mixture of both. This will help prevent the cheese from making the chicken soggy.

What to serve with chicken parm

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to complement its flavours and textures. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken parm:

Pasta

Pasta is a classic side dish for chicken parm, and for good reason. A simple bed of al dente spaghetti or fettuccine tossed with garlic butter is the perfect complement to the crispy, cheesy chicken. If you're looking for something a little more substantial, you could try a pasta dish like mushroom and pea pasta, elote pasta salad, or vegan mac and cheese.

Salad

A crisp, refreshing salad can help balance the richness of the chicken parm. Options like a simple green salad, a classic Caesar salad, or a caprese salad made with fresh mozzarella, sweet basil, and a homemade garlic balsamic dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken parm.

Vegetables

Roasted or steamed vegetables are also a great option to serve with chicken parm. Green beans, broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts are all tasty choices that can be easily prepared in the oven while your chicken bakes. For a heartier option, try roasted root vegetables or a quinoa salad with roasted vegetables.

Bread

Garlic bread is a popular choice to serve alongside chicken parm, and for good reason—it's the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra sauce! If you're looking for something a little more substantial, you could try a crusty French bread or baguette, or get creative with some homemade garlic bread or breadsticks.

Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that goes well with chicken parm. For something a little sweeter, try mashed sweet potatoes or a sweet potato Brussels sprout quinoa bowl. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, a mashed potato casserole is sure to impress.

Other Sides

Some other options to serve with chicken parm include risotto, coleslaw, cucumber salad, creamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or polenta.

Frequently asked questions