The Best Cheeses To Use For Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish that combines breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese. While the specific ingredients and preparation methods may vary, the cheese used in Chicken Parmesan is typically a combination of mozzarella and parmesan. Some recipes may also include provolone or cheddar cheese. Freezing and cooking instructions, as well as side dish suggestions, are also available for those interested in preparing this dish at home.

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 Italian-American cuisine, is taken to new heights with the perfect combination of cheeses: mozzarella and Parmesan. These cheeses not only add flavour but also create a delightful texture that makes this dish irresistible.

The Magic of Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a key ingredient in the Chicken Parmesan recipe, adding a creamy, gooey, and stretchy element to the dish. Its mild flavour and high melting point make it ideal for achieving that perfect, mouthwatering cheese pull.

Using low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella is essential to getting the best results. Shredding the mozzarella from a block ensures optimal melting and an even distribution throughout the dish. This type of mozzarella is also less likely to release excess moisture, which could compromise the crispiness of the chicken.

Parmesan: The Secret Weapon

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, brings a sharp, salty kick to the dish. It is a hard, aged cheese that adds a depth of flavour and a nutty aroma. Grated Parmesan is often mixed with the breadcrumbs, creating a flavourful crust that gives the chicken an extra crunch.

Combining Parmesan with the mozzarella takes the dish to the next level, creating a rich and savoury cheese blend that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

The Art of Layering

Chicken Parmesan is all about the layers, and the cheese is no exception. The best approach is to first top the fried chicken cutlets with a thin layer of marinara sauce, followed by a generous sprinkling of the mozzarella-Parmesan blend. This ensures that the cheese melts beautifully and binds everything together.

A Customisable Classic

While mozzarella and Parmesan are the dynamic duo for Chicken Parmesan, some variations exist. Provolone, a tangy cheese, is sometimes used in addition to mozzarella and Parmesan, adding another layer of flavour. In some cases, Cheddar or Italian-style breadcrumbs are used, but these are less traditional alternatives.

Chicken Parmesan is a dish that can be customised to suit your taste, but the classic combination of mozzarella and Parmesan is hard to beat.

You can also add Provolone for a tangy flavour

Chicken Parmesan is a popular dish that combines breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese. While mozzarella and parmesan are the most commonly used cheeses, some recipes also include provolone for a tangy flavour.

Provolone is an Italian cheese with a sharp and tangy flavour. It is a semi-hard cheese that melts well, making it a good choice for chicken parmesan. When added to the dish, provolone can provide a tangy and savoury note that complements the other flavours in the dish.

To incorporate provolone into your chicken parmesan, you can follow these steps:

• Prepare the chicken by butterflying or slicing the chicken breasts into thinner pieces. This helps create a larger surface area for the breading and ensures even cooking.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and then dredge it in flour, followed by an egg wash, and finally coat it with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
• Fry the breaded chicken in oil until golden brown. This step gives the chicken a crispy texture.
• Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet or dish. Top each piece of chicken with a spoonful of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese.
• Bake the chicken in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.

By including provolone in your chicken parmesan, you add a tangy and savoury element to the dish. Its ability to melt well and contribute to the overall flavour profile makes it a worthwhile addition to this classic Italian-American dish.

Cheddar is not recommended

While cheddar cheese is sometimes used in chicken parmesan, it is not recommended.

Chicken parmesan, also known as chicken parmigiana, is one of the most popular and most ordered chicken recipes in the world. However, it can often turn out too dry or lack flavour when cooked at home. One of the reasons for this is the use of cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.

Cheddar cheese is not ideal for chicken parmesan because it does not melt as well as mozzarella. Mozzarella is the preferred choice as it has a creamy texture and melts evenly, creating a rich and indulgent dish.

Additionally, the sharpness of cheddar can overwhelm the other flavours in the dish. Chicken parmesan is meant to have a delicate balance of flavours, with the tomato sauce providing tanginess and the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses adding a salty edge and creamy texture. Cheddar can be too strong and mask the other ingredients, detracting from the overall taste experience.

Using cheddar can also affect the texture of the dish. Chicken parmesan should have a crispy coating, and the use of cheddar can make it soggy. This is because cheddar has a higher moisture content and can make the breading greasy, resulting in a less-than-ideal texture.

Finally, traditional Italian cuisine favours the use of mozzarella over cheddar. While there are variations to the classic recipe, staying true to the roots of the dish is recommended to honour its heritage and cultural significance.

In summary, while some recipes may suggest using cheddar, it is best to avoid it to ensure the best flavour, texture, and authenticity in your chicken parmesan.

Don't put sauce under the chicken to avoid sogginess

How to Avoid Sogginess When Making Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that combines crispy, fried chicken cutlets with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. However, one common issue when preparing this dish is sogginess, which can ruin the crispiness of the chicken and make it less appealing. Here are some tips to prevent sogginess and ensure your Chicken Parmesan stays crispy:

Don't Put Sauce Under the Chicken

The key to avoiding sogginess is to keep the breading on the chicken cutlets dry. This means avoiding any moisture, including sauce, from coming into direct contact with the breaded chicken. Instead of placing the sauce under the chicken, it should be added on top, ensuring only a small amount is used so as not to overwhelm the dish. This way, the breading stays relatively crisp and the chicken retains its desired texture.

Use Panko Breadcrumbs

The choice of breadcrumbs can also impact the crispiness of your Chicken Parmesan. Panko breadcrumbs, which are dryer than regular breadcrumbs, absorb less oil. This results in a crispier coating on the chicken. Using a combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs can help ensure an extra crispy coating.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce Properly

The preparation of the marinara sauce also plays a role in avoiding sogginess. It's important to let the sauce cook for a sufficient amount of time, allowing it to thicken. A watery sauce is more likely to make your chicken soggy. Additionally, adding fresh basil leaves and stems to the sauce enhances its flavour.

Timing is Crucial

Timing is essential to preventing sogginess. Have your broiler set up and your marinara sauce ready before removing the fried chicken cutlets from the skillet. This ensures that you can immediately assemble and broil your Chicken Parmesan, minimizing the time the breaded chicken is exposed to moisture.

Use Freshly Shredded Mozzarella

When it comes to cheese, opt for freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-shredded. Freshly shredded mozzarella will melt better and give you the cheesiest, meltiest Chicken Parmesan.

Bake on a Baking Sheet

Instead of baking your Chicken Parmesan in a dish with the marinara sauce, use a baking sheet. This ensures that the bottom and sides of the chicken stay crispy, as a dish can trap moisture and lead to sogginess.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, crispy Chicken Parmesan without the dreaded sogginess!

Breadcrumbs should be Italian seasoned or golden

For the perfect chicken parmesan, the breadcrumbs you use are key. While you can use any breadcrumbs you have on hand, Italian-seasoned or golden breadcrumbs are best.

Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are a great option as they add extra flavour to your chicken parmesan. The seasoning in these breadcrumbs typically includes herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley, as well as salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. These ingredients are already included in many chicken parmesan recipes, so using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs can help streamline the preparation process.

Golden breadcrumbs are another excellent option. They are often made from toasted white bread, which gives them a darker colour and a nutty flavour. This can add depth to your chicken parmesan without overpowering the other ingredients.

When choosing between Italian-seasoned and golden breadcrumbs, consider the other flavours in your dish. If you are using a lot of herbs and spices in your recipe, golden breadcrumbs might be a better option to avoid overwhelming your dish. On the other hand, if you are using more neutral ingredients, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs can add a much-needed boost of flavour.

Ultimately, the type of breadcrumbs you use will depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. However, keeping these tips in mind will help you create a delicious and flavourful chicken parmesan dish.

Frequently asked questions