Frederic Melton
Chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American dish consisting of breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs. The dish is baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. While the dish is called Chicken Parmesan, it is not limited to the use of Parmesan cheese. In fact, it is commonly made with a combination of cheeses, including mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone |
| How it's used | Added to breadcrumbs, sprinkled on chicken, melted on top |
| Purpose | Adds salty richness, extra flavour and a crunchy texture |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the most common cheeses used
Chicken parmesan is based on the dish Melanzane da Parmigiana, or eggplant parmesan, which originated in southern Italy. The name “parmigiana” refers to the fact that the dish has layers, rather than the cheese or the region it came from. Despite this, many recipes for chicken parmesan include Parmesan cheese. It is often added to the breadcrumbs to create a crispy, flavoursome coating and is sometimes sprinkled over the chicken before serving.
Mozzarella is also a popular choice for chicken parmesan. It is used for layering over the chicken for baking and can be shredded or sliced. Some recipes mix mozzarella with Parmesan to create a richer cheese mixture. Other recipes suggest using provolone in addition to mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Parmesan can be added to the breadcrumbs
Chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American dish consisting of breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and cheese. While the dish is often made with mozzarella, parmesan, or provolone cheese, parmesan can also be added to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour and texture.
Parmesan cheese can be mixed with breadcrumbs to create a delicious, crispy coating for chicken parmesan. This technique adds a rich, salty flavour and an extra crunch to the dish. By combining grated parmesan with breadcrumbs, you can enhance the taste and texture of the chicken. This method is especially useful if you prefer a more subtle cheese flavour, as it allows you to control the amount of cheese in the dish.
When preparing chicken parmesan, you can easily incorporate parmesan into the breadcrumbs. Simply mix grated or shredded parmesan cheese with plain breadcrumbs and your choice of seasonings. This mixture will create a crispy and flavourful coating for the chicken. You can also add other seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, to further enhance the flavour.
The key to a successful chicken parmesan with parmesan-infused breadcrumbs is to ensure that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs. This ensures that every bite of the chicken has a delightful crunch and a burst of flavour. It is also important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, including the parmesan cheese, to get the best results.
Additionally, you can adjust the amount of parmesan added to the breadcrumbs according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a more subtle cheese flavour, use a smaller amount of parmesan. On the other hand, if you want a stronger cheese flavour, feel free to add more parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture. Experimenting with different amounts will help you find the perfect balance of flavours for your chicken parmesan.
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Provolone is another cheese that can be used
Provolone is a type of Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a semi-soft texture. When melted, provolone becomes creamy and smooth, making it a suitable choice for chicken parmesan. The dish typically involves breading chicken cutlets, frying them until golden brown, and then baking them with tomato sauce and cheese. The cheese is an important component as it adds flavor and texture to the dish.
One recipe suggests layering each chicken breast with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and provolone cheese. The provolone is then baked until it is browned and bubbly, creating a rich and creamy texture. Another recipe combines fresh mozzarella, tangy provolone, and real parmesan for a unique flavor profile. This combination of cheeses adds a delicious tanginess to the dish, complementing the other ingredients.
When using provolone for chicken parmesan, it is important to consider the quantity and placement of the cheese. Some recipes suggest sprinkling provolone over the chicken, while others recommend layering it between the chicken and sauce. The amount of provolone used can also vary depending on personal preference and the desired level of cheesiness.
In conclusion, provolone is a versatile and flavorful cheese that can be used in chicken parmesan recipes. It pairs well with other cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan, adding a tangy and creamy dimension to the dish. Whether used as a substitute or in addition to the traditional cheeses, provolone is a tasty option for those looking to experiment with different flavors in their chicken parmesan.
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Fresh mozzarella is best for layering over chicken
While chicken Parmesan is typically made with a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan, fresh mozzarella is best for layering over chicken. This is because mozzarella melts better than Parmesan, resulting in a gooey, irresistibly melty texture.
When making chicken Parmesan, it's important to start with tenderized chicken cutlets. This involves placing the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper and pounding them to a uniform thickness. Once the chicken is tenderized, it's time to set up a breading station. This typically includes seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. The chicken is then coated in flour, dipped in egg, and finally coated in the breadcrumb mixture.
After breading, the chicken is fried until golden brown and crispy. It's important to let the excess oil drip off before transferring the chicken to a baking dish. At this point, you'll want to layer each chicken breast with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and any additional herbs or spices. The mozzarella will melt in the oven, creating a delicious, cheesy topping.
Some recipes call for a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, which can be sprinkled over the sauce-covered chicken before baking. However, the key to achieving that perfect melt is to use fresh mozzarella. Shredded or sliced, it will create a creamy, stretchy texture that blends beautifully with the tomato sauce.
So, while both mozzarella and Parmesan play a role in chicken Parmesan, it's the fresh mozzarella that truly shines when layered over the chicken. This combination of tender chicken, crispy breadcrumbs, tangy tomato sauce, and stretchy, melted mozzarella is what makes chicken Parmesan such a beloved dish.
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Grated Parmesan can be added to the breadcrumbs
To prepare the chicken, you can use either pre-grated or freshly grated Parmesan. Combine the cheese with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs such as dried Italian herbs or fresh basil to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavour. The chicken breasts are then coated in this mixture, ensuring an even and generous coating.
Before coating the chicken, it is important to prepare the meat by tenderising it. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin or meat hammer to gently pound the meat to the desired thickness. This process ensures that the chicken is evenly cooked and allows the flavours of the coating to penetrate the meat.
After coating the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, it is then fried until golden brown. This frying step is crucial to creating a crispy texture. The chicken is then transferred to a baking dish, where it is topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The combination of grated Parmesan in the breadcrumbs and the melted cheese on top creates a delicious, flavourful dish that is sure to impress. The salty, savoury notes of the Parmesan, combined with the richness of the tomato sauce and the stretchy, melted mozzarella, make for a true comfort food that is hard to resist.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken Parmesan is usually made with a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Some recipes also include provolone.
Chicken Parmesan is based on the dish Melanzane da Parmigiana, or eggplant parmesan. The name does not refer to the use of parmesan cheese, but to the fact that the dish originates from the Parma region of Italy.
To avoid sogginess, don't put sauce under the chicken cutlets. Only add a little bit of sauce on top, so the breading stays crisp.
