Chicken Parmesan: What Cheeses Make The Cut?

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a popular Italian-American dish that features a breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and cheese. While the dish can be made with various types of cheese, the most common cheeses used are mozzarella and parmesan. Some recipes may also include other types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina. The chicken is typically breaded with a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then fried or baked before being topped with the sauce and cheese. The dish is often served with pasta, making it a comforting and indulgent meal.

Mozzarella or Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a popular dish in Italian-American restaurants. It is a breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and cheese. But which cheese should you use? Mozzarella or Parmesan?

The Case for Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a soft, stringy, and stretchy cheese that is known for its melting properties. When melted, mozzarella becomes gooey and stringy, making it ideal for dishes like pizza and lasagna. In Chicken Parmesan, the melted mozzarella adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that pairs well with the tomato sauce. It also has a higher moisture content than Parmesan, which can help keep the dish from drying out.

The Case for Parmesan

Parmesan, on the other hand, is a hard, granular cheese with a strong, nutty flavor. It is often used as a topping or garnish due to its intense flavor and its ability to add a crunchy texture to dishes. In Chicken Parmesan, Parmesan can be mixed into the breading for the chicken or sprinkled on top. Adding Parmesan to the breading can give the chicken a crispier texture and a more complex flavor. It can also help the breading adhere better to the chicken.

The Verdict

So, which cheese should you use for Chicken Parmesan? The answer is: both! While mozzarella is essential for that stretchy, melty texture, Parmesan adds a depth of flavor and a crispy texture. By using a combination of the two cheeses, you get the best of both worlds. You can try using a mix of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, or you can sprinkle some Parmesan on top of the mozzarella before baking.

For an even more indulgent dish, you can also add other cheeses like provolone or fontina. But remember, the key to a good Chicken Parmesan is finding the right balance of flavors and textures, so don't go too heavy on the cheese!

How to make chicken parm

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is an Italian-American dish that consists of thin, breaded chicken cutlets that are typically fried and then baked with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this mouth-watering dish:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Tomato sauce/marinara
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a tender texture. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can affect the breading process.

Step 2: Set Up an Assembly Line

Line up three shallow bowls or dishes with flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper for added flavour.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

First, coat the chicken pieces in flour on both sides, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs. Use your hands to gently pack the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. Repeat this process until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step gives the chicken a delicious crispy texture.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Arrange the browned chicken in a large baking dish. Layer each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese, followed by a generous amount of tomato sauce. Bake the chicken uncovered at 425°F for about 14 minutes.

Step 6: Sprinkle with Parmesan and Broil

Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle shredded or grated Parmesan cheese on top. Place it under the broiler for an additional minute or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. This step adds a salty, savoury flavour to the dish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle fresh basil over the chicken for added freshness and flavour. Serve your chicken parm with a side of pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Use a combination of Panko and regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
• Don't skip the resting step after breading the chicken. This allows the coating to adhere properly.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken, as this can affect the crispiness.
• Be careful not to over-sauce the chicken to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Use a stainless steel baking pan instead of glass to ensure a crispier crust.

Chicken parm vs chicken parmigiana

Chicken parm and chicken parmigiana are the same dish, also known as chicken parmesan. The dish is made up of breaded chicken breast, tomato sauce, and mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone cheese. It is sometimes served with ham or bacon.

Chicken parm is derived from the Italian dish "parmigiana di melanzane", which is made with eggplant instead of chicken. The dish was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century, who were inspired by "parmigiana di melanzane" to create a similar dish with chicken or veal.

Chicken parm is typically served as a main course, sometimes with a side of pasta or on top of pasta. It can also be served as a sandwich or pie. The dish is especially popular in the United States and Australia, where it is commonly found on restaurant menus and is a staple of pub food.

There are two main methods for preparing chicken parm: baking and pan-frying. The traditional method is to pan-fry the chicken cutlets, which requires more oil and results in a crispier crust. The baked method uses less oil and is considered healthier, but may not yield as crispy of a crust.

To make chicken parm, first, tenderize and dry the chicken cutlets. Set up an assembly line with flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge the chicken in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and then coat it with breadcrumbs. For the pan-fried method, heat oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on both sides. For the baked method, place the breaded chicken on an oiled baking pan and brush with additional oil. Whether pan-frying or baking, the chicken is then layered with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese and baked in the oven until the cheese is melted.

What to serve with chicken parm

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved and ordered worldwide. It is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, from comforting hearty sides to veggie goodness. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken parm:

Pasta

Chicken parm can be served with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta. For a gluten-free option, you can try zucchini noodles or butternut squash noodles.

Salad

A crisp, refreshing salad can balance the richness of the chicken parm. Some salad options include a simple green salad, a classic Caesar salad, a cucumber salad, or a caprese salad.

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, such as root vegetables, green beans, or asparagus, can be a great side dish for chicken parm. Sautéed spinach with garlic is another healthy and simple option.

Bread

Garlic bread, French bread, or breadsticks can be a delicious side to soak up the sauce from the chicken parm. For a more elaborate option, you can create an antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, cheeses, and roasted red peppers.

Potatoes

Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or roasted potatoes are comforting side dishes that pair well with chicken parm. For a more decadent option, you can try a mashed potato casserole.

Rice

Brown rice or wild rice pilaf can be a simple non-competitive flavor profile that pairs nicely with chicken parm, especially if you're looking for a gluten-free alternative to pasta.

Other Options

Other sides that can complement chicken parm include risotto, coleslaw, roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa salad, or couscous.

How to prevent soggy chicken parm

Chicken Parmesan, or chicken parm, is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of chicken cutlets coated in breadcrumbs and cheese, typically mozzarella, and baked in a rich tomato sauce. While delicious, the dish is prone to becoming soggy due to the moisture from the sauce, cheese, and meat. However, there are several tricks you can use to prevent this from happening and ensure your chicken parm is crispy and delicious.

First and foremost, the placement of the cheese and sauce is crucial. Instead of following the typical method of spreading the sauce over the chicken and then adding cheese, try doing the opposite. By putting the cheese directly on the chicken first, you create a barrier that protects the crust from getting soggy. This works because when melted, the cheese proteins stretch rather than break down completely, allowing the cheese to retain its shape even when in contact with liquid. After melting the cheese, you can then add the sauce on top, and sprinkle on some extra cheese to achieve that classic chicken parm look.

Another way to reduce moisture is to alter the composition of the crust. Instead of using only breadcrumbs, try mixing them with dried herbs or extra parmesan cheese. These ingredients are less starchy and will absorb less moisture. You can also switch out regular breadcrumbs for panko, which has larger flakes that are less absorbent and create a crunchier texture. Additionally, adding some grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs will not only enhance the flavor but also give the chicken an extra crispy texture.

The sauce also plays a role in the sogginess of chicken parm. By making a thicker sauce and using less of it during cooking, you can reduce the amount of moisture that seeps into the crust. This can be achieved by cooking the sauce longer to reduce water content and thicken its texture. You can also add pureed vegetables or other thickening agents to achieve the desired consistency without compromising on flavor.

Finally, don't forget that oven temperature matters. A hot oven will help ensure the cheese browns slightly and the breading crisps up before the chicken gets overcooked. Aim for an oven temperature of around 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

By following these tips and tricks, you can say goodbye to soggy chicken parm and enjoy a crispy, flavorful dish every time.

Frequently asked questions