Chicken Parmesan: The Best Cheeses To Use

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine. The dish consists of breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese. The type of cheese used in Chicken Parm is a topic of debate, with some recipes calling for mozzarella, others for parmesan, and some a blend of the two. Ultimately, the choice of cheese is up to the individual chef's preference, as both options will produce a delicious, crispy, and cheesy dish.

Mozzarella and Parmesan

The Chicken

To make Chicken Parmesan, you'll need to start by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then place them between sheets of plastic wrap and pound them thin, until they're approximately 1/2 inch in thickness. Then, season them with salt and pepper.

Next, you'll need to set up a dredging station. Have three shallow bowls ready. In the first bowl, place flour. In the second bowl, beat eggs with a little water. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. You can also add Italian seasoning or dried herbs to this mixture for extra flavour.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken. First, dip the chicken into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to coat every inch of the chicken at each step. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken, then set them aside on a baking sheet.

The Frying

Before frying the chicken, heat a neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet until it reaches 350°F. You can also shallow fry the chicken, basting it with a spoon to ensure it is well-fried and extra crispy. Fry the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to let any excess oil drip off.

The Baking

Place a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking pan. Add the fried chicken on top of the sauce. Top each chicken breast with more marinara sauce, followed by a mixture of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place the pan under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to let it burn.

Serving

Chicken Parmesan is typically served with pasta, such as spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or fettuccini, to take advantage of the delicious marinara sauce. However, it can also be served with sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, garlic knots, or French fries.

Cheddar vs Mozzarella

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine. It is a breaded chicken cutlet topped with tomato sauce and cheese. While the traditional cheese used in this dish is mozzarella, some variations include a blend of mozzarella and provolone, or even cheddar.

Mozzarella is a traditional Italian cheese made from buffalo or cow milk. It is a soft, white cheese with a high moisture content, which gives it a stretchy, stringy texture when melted. This quality makes it ideal for dishes like pizza and lasagna, where the cheese is meant to be melted and stretchy. Mozzarella has a mild, milky flavour that pairs well with other ingredients without overwhelming them.

Cheddar, on the other hand, is a harder, sharper-tasting cheese that originates from England. It is typically made from cow's milk and has a more complex flavour profile than mozzarella, with nutty, sweet, and tangy notes. Cheddar is often used in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese plates, where its strong flavour can shine.

When it comes to Chicken Parm, the choice between using mozzarella or cheddar cheese is largely a matter of personal preference. Mozzarella is the traditional choice and its mild flavour and stretchy, melted texture complement the other components of the dish. Cheddar, while not traditional, can also work well in Chicken Parm. Its sharper flavour will stand out more against the tomato sauce and breaded chicken, creating a different taste experience. Ultimately, both cheeses can be successfully used in this dish, depending on the desired flavour profile and level of adherence to tradition.

Parmigiana vs Parmesan

Chicken Parmigiana, or chicken parm, is one of the most popular and most ordered chicken dishes in the world. The dish is derived from melanzane alla parmigiana, or eggplant parmesan, which is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to cut down on calories.

When it comes to the type of cheese used in chicken parm, there is some variation. Some recipes call for mozzarella, while others use a mix of mozzarella and provolone. Parmesan can also be used, either on its own or in combination with other cheeses. In fact, one recipe includes Parmesan in the breading and a blend of mozzarella and provolone for the topping.

In the United States, the word "Parmesan" is not regulated, so a cheese labelled as Parmesan may or may not be genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano. Parmigiano-Reggiano is a specific type of cheese made in Italy, in the provinces of Bologna, Reggio Emilia, Mantua, Modena, and Parma. It is made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow's milk and aged for at least two years, resulting in a hard, dry cheese with a rich, sharp flavour.

Within Italy, and under European law, the name "Parmesan" is protected and can only be used for cheese produced in these specific provinces. So, while there may be some variation in the type of cheese used in chicken parm, using genuine Parmigiano-Reggiano will ensure an authentic Italian flavour.

Breaded vs Unbreaded

Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of breaded chicken breasts, tomato sauce, and cheese. While the traditional recipe calls for mozzarella cheese, some variations use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan, or just Parmesan.

When it comes to breading vs. unbreaded chicken parm, there are a few things to consider. Breading adds a crispy texture and extra flavor to the dish, but it can also make the dish more calorie-dense and time-consuming to prepare. Unbreaded chicken parm, on the other hand, is a lighter and healthier option that is quicker and easier to make.

For breaded chicken parm, the chicken breasts are typically coated in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs before being fried. This creates a crispy, golden crust that adds a satisfying texture to the dish. The breadcrumbs can also be mixed with Parmesan cheese and herbs to enhance the flavor. However, it's important to note that too much sauce or cheese can make the breading soggy, so it's crucial to find a balance.

On the other hand, unbreaded chicken parm is a simpler and less messy option. Instead of a breaded coating, the chicken breasts are typically marinated in a mixture of herbs and Parmesan cheese before being baked in the oven. This method results in a juicy and flavorful dish without the extra crunch of the breading. Unbreaded chicken parm is also a good option for those who are looking for a gluten-free or low-carb version of the classic dish.

Ultimately, the decision between breaded and unbreaded chicken parm comes down to personal preference. Both options have their unique advantages and can be equally delicious when prepared well. So, whether you're looking for a crispy, indulgent treat or a lighter, healthier meal, there's a version of chicken parm that will suit your taste.

Chicken Parm Sandwich

The Chicken Parm Sandwich is a delightful twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan dish, offering the same delicious flavours in a more fun and convenient sandwich form. This sandwich is a great option for a quick and easy meal that's sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds!

Ingredients:

• Chicken: Thin chicken breasts or cutlets are ideal, as they get nice and crisp. You can make your own cutlets by cutting breasts in half horizontally.
• Eggs: These help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for dredging the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Italian breadcrumbs are best for added flavour. If using plain breadcrumbs, add some Italian seasoning to the mix.
• Marinara Sauce: A jar of your favourite marinara sauce will work great.
• Cheese: Mozzarella slices melt beautifully on top of the chicken, and you can also sprinkle on some Parmesan for extra flavour.
• Buns: Use Italian-style buns, hoagie or hero bread, or any other long sub-style bread.
• Butter: Toasting the buns with butter adds a rich flavour.
• Cooking Oil: Canola oil or olive oil are great choices for pan-frying.
• Herbs & Spices: Garlic and onion powders, basil (fresh and dried), garlic salt, and salt and pepper will enhance the flavour.

Cooking Instructions:

• Prep the dredging station: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the eggs in a second bowl and place the flour in a third bowl.
• Dredge the chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half to make cutlets, then dip them in the following order: flour, egg, breadcrumbs, egg, breadcrumbs.
• Cook the chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, lower the heat to medium and fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Broil the cheese: Place the cooked chicken on a rack over a baking sheet and top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Broil for about 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
• Toast the buns: Cut the buns in half, spread with butter, and sprinkle with garlic salt. Toast them under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.
• Assemble the sandwiches: Heat the marinara sauce and spoon it onto each chicken cutlet, then sprinkle with chopped basil. Place the chicken on the buns and serve while hot and fresh!

Tips and Variations:

• For a thicker crust, dredge the chicken in the egg a second time before the final breadcrumb coating.
• To store leftovers, wrap the chicken (without the buns) in foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Assemble fresh sandwiches when ready to eat.
• For a party-sized sandwich, use a full loaf of ciabatta bread and adjust the amount of sauce and cheese accordingly.
• Add a secret ingredient like pesto to give your sandwich an extra pop of flavour!
• If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, just be sure to allow enough time for them to cook through.

Frequently asked questions