Chicken parmesan

Chicken parm at a diner

Chicken Parmesan (also called Chicken Parmigiana) is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of breaded chicken breast covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese. It is often served with pasta or on a sandwich.

History

The origins of Chicken Parmesan can be traced back to Italian immigrants in the United States. The dish is believed to be a variation of Eggplant Parmesan, which is a traditional Italian dish. The adaptation to use chicken instead of eggplant likely occurred in the mid-20th century as Italian-American cuisine evolved.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Chicken Parmesan include:

• Chicken breast
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Tomato sauce
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Basil
• Oregano

Preparation

The preparation of Chicken Parmesan involves several steps: 1. **Bread the Chicken**: The chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness, then coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. 2. **Fry the Chicken**: The breaded chicken is fried in olive oil until golden brown and crispy. 3. **Bake with Sauce and Cheese**: The fried chicken is placed in a baking dish, covered with tomato sauce, and topped with mozzarella cheese. It is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

Chicken Parmesan is typically served with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. It can also be served on a sandwich, often referred to as a Chicken Parmesan sub or hoagie.

Variations

There are several variations of Chicken Parmesan, including:

• **Chicken Parmigiana alla Vodka**: A version that uses vodka sauce instead of traditional tomato sauce.
• **Chicken Parmesan Casserole**: A baked casserole version that includes pasta and additional ingredients like vegetables.
• **Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan**: Made with gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

Related Pages

• Italian-American cuisine
• Eggplant Parmesan
• Spaghetti
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Tomato sauce