Parmesan Chicken, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It is a comforting and flavorful dish enjoyed by many worldwide. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a casual family meal, this dish is sure to please any crowd.
In this article, we will explore everything about Parmesan Chicken, from the key ingredients that make it delicious to the step-by-step process of making it. We’ll also delve into the variations and side dishes, answering common questions people have about this beloved dish.
The Essential Ingredients of Parmesan Chicken
Parmesan Chicken has a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
1. Chicken Breasts
The dish’s foundation is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. We pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly and maintains its tenderness. This dish prefers chicken breasts because of their mild flavor and lean protein content, which makes them ideal for breading and topping with sauce and cheese.
2. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in Parmesan chicken, giving it its distinct flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal, as it provides a nutty, sharp taste that complements the chicken. You’ll use it in both the breading mixture and as a topping before baking.
3. Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs give Parmesan Chicken its signature crispy coating. You can use traditional breadcrumbs or panko, which provides an extra-crunchy texture. For added flavor, many recipes recommend mixing the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
4. Eggs
We dip the chicken in beaten eggs before coating it in breadcrumbs. The eggs act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, ensuring an even and crunchy coating.
5. Mozzarella Cheese
While Parmesan adds sharpness, mozzarella cheese adds richness and gooeyness to the dish. The final baking step melts it over the chicken, giving the dish its signature cheesy layer.
6. Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a simple tomato-based sauce often used in Italian cooking. Pouring the marinara over the breaded and cooked chicken in Parmesan Chicken adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese. While store-bought marinara works well, homemade marinara made from tomatoes, garlic, and basil can elevate the dish.
Optional Ingredients:
- Garlic Powder: For extra flavor in the breading mixture
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for additional Italian flavor
- Olive oil is used to fry the breaded chicken.
How to Make Parmesan Chicken
Making Parmesan chicken at home may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this delicious dish.
Step 1: Prepare the chicken.
Prepare the chicken breasts first before making Parmesan chicken. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch thick. Pounding the chicken ensures that it cooks evenly and remains tender.
After pounding the chicken, season it on both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. This step adds flavor to the chicken and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Step 2: Breading the Chicken
Next, set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
- To help the egg mixture stick, coat the chicken lightly with flour.
- Egg wash: In the second dish, beat two to three eggs. Dip the floured chicken in the beaten eggs to coat both sides.
- Breadcrumb and Parmesan Mixture: Combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic powder in the third dish. Press the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumbs mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
This triple-layer process ensures a crispy, flavorful crust on your Parmesan chicken.
Step 3: Frying or Baking the Chicken
Frying Method:
For a crispy exterior, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. To ensure even frying, be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Baking Method:
For a healthier alternative, you can bake the breaded chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top to promote browning. Bake the chicken for approximately 15-20 minutes, rotating it midway, until it achieves a golden color and completes cooking.
Step 4: Adding Marinara Sauce and Cheese
If you fried the chicken, transfer it to an oven-safe dish once cooked. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well covered. Then, top each chicken breast with slices of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Step 5: Final Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. To achieve a golden-brown finish on the cheese, activate the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes while closely monitoring it to avoid burning.
After the cheese melts and turns golden, take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Variations of Parmesan Chicken
Although people love the classic Parmesan Chicken recipe for its simplicity and flavor, you can try several variations to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
1. Baked Parmesan Chicken
If you want to avoid frying, you can bake the breaded chicken entirely. Simply coat the chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and seasoning, then bake it in the oven without frying it first. This method results in a slightly lighter version of the dish while still maintaining the crispy texture.
2. Gluten-Free Parmesan Chicken
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that any marinara sauce you use is gluten-free.
3. Parmesan Chicken with Pasta
Many people enjoy serving Parmesan chicken over pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. To do this, cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions, then serve it topped with the Parmesan chicken and marinara sauce. The pasta soaks up the flavorful marinara, making the meal even more filling.
4. Spicy Parmesan Chicken
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or to the breadcrumb mixture. This gives the dish a subtle kick that pairs well with the tangy sauce and cheesy topping.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Parmesan chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some popular side dishes that complement the flavors of Parmesan chicken:
1. Pasta
Pasta is one of the most popular side dishes for Parmesan chicken. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, pasta is the perfect vehicle for soaking up the extra marinara sauce. You can serve the pasta plain or toss it with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
2. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is another classic side dish that pairs well with Parmesan chicken. The crunchy, buttery bread complements the savory chicken and cheese, and it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
3. Salad
For a lighter side, consider serving a simple green salad. A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty Parmesan chicken.
4. Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli, make for a delicious and healthy side dish. The vegetables’ natural sweetness and slight caramelization balance the tangy marinara and cheesy chicken.
Wine Pairings:
- Red wine: A medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of Parmesan chicken.
- White wine: For a lighter pairing, a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, works well.
FAQs About Parmesan Chicken
1. What is the difference between Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana?
Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana are essentially the same dish. Americans commonly refer to it as Chicken Parmesan, while Italians refer to it as Chicken Parmigiana. The dish’s Parmesan cheese is the source of the term “Parmigiana,” yet the recipe remains the same.
2. Can I bake instead of fry chicken parmesan?
Yes, baking chicken parmesan is a great option if you’re looking for a healthier version of the dish. Baking the chicken still results in a crispy exterior, especially if you drizzle a bit of olive oil on top of the breading. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for extra oil when frying.
3. What is the best type of cheese for Parmesan chicken?
Mozzarella is the most commonly used cheese in Parmesan Chicken because it melts well and provides a gooey texture. Parmesan cheese is also essential for its nutty, sharp flavor. For a twist, some people use provolone or fontina for a more complex cheesy topping.
4. Is it possible to prepare Parmesan chicken in advance?
Yes, you can make Parmesan chicken ahead of time. To do this, prepare the chicken by breading, frying, or baking it, but don’t add the marinara sauce and cheese yet. Store the cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, add the sauce and cheese, then bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.
5. How do I store and reheat Parmesan chicken?
If you have leftovers, store Parmesan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place the chicken in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven to reheat it, ensuring it heats through and the cheese melts. It can be microwaved, but the crust may be less crispy.
Conclusion
Parmesan Chicken is a timeless dish that combines the comforting flavors of breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine.
Whether you fry or bake the chicken, serve it with pasta or on its own, Parmesan Chicken is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. So the next time you’re craving a delicious and satisfying meal, give this classic recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed.