Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a delicious Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. This dish has become a staple in American cuisine and is enjoyed by many around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the origin, history, and everything you need to know about Chicken Parmesan. We will also share some easy and healthy recipes, nutritional information, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Origin and History
The origin of Chicken Parmesan is believed to be from the region of Campania in Italy, where eggplant Parmesan, also known as “parmigiana di melanzane,” is a traditional dish. The eggplant version consists of sliced, breaded, and fried eggplant layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. The chicken version of Parmesan is thought to have been created in the United States in the early 20th century when Italian immigrants introduced the dish to their new home.
Everything to Know about Chicken Parmesan
This is a classic dish that has become a favorite in many households. The dish typically consists of breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. Here are some things you should know about this delicious dish:
- Breaded chicken: The chicken is usually breaded with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and herbs. The breaded chicken is then fried until it is golden brown.
- Tomato sauce: The tomato sauce used in Chicken Parmesan is usually a simple marinara sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Some recipes may also include additional ingredients like onions, peppers, or mushrooms.
- Cheese: The cheese used in Chicken Parmesan is usually mozzarella, although some recipes may also include parmesan or other types of cheese.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Here’s an easy recipe for Chicken Parmesan that you can make at home:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry each chicken breast for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chicken Parmesan Air Fryer Recipe.
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by many. The traditional recipe is usually made by breading chicken cutlets, frying them, and then topping them with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. However, with the rise of air fryer popularity, people have started making this delicious dish in their air fryers. It’s a healthier and easier way to make Chicken Parmesan without compromising on the taste.
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for making Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
More Info
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 8 thin cutlets.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken cutlet in the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the chicken cutlets in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each cutlet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken cutlets and season with salt and pepper.
- Air fry the chicken cutlets for 8-10 minutes on one side, then flip and air fry for an additional 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken cutlets from the air fryer and place them on a baking sheet.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.
This chicken parmesan air fryer recipe is a healthier option than the traditional fried chicken parmesan. By using an air fryer, you can cut down on the amount of oil used in the cooking process. Plus, the crispy exterior of the chicken is still achieved, making it a satisfying and delicious meal.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish and season it with salt and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to coat it evenly.
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ciabatta rolls
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Place the flour in a shallow dish and season it with salt and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to coat it evenly.
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the chicken is baking, cut the ciabatta rolls in half and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place a chicken breast on each toasted roll and top with additional marinara sauce and fresh basil leaves (if desired).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti
This is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by many. The crispy chicken cutlets are topped with tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and served over a bed of al dente spaghetti. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 jar of your favorite tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz spaghetti
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place breaded chicken on a wire rack on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Heat tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once chicken is done, remove from oven and top each chicken breast with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve chicken over a bed of spaghetti and enjoy!
More Info
For those looking for a healthier version of this classic dish, there are a few tweaks you can make to the recipe. Instead of frying the chicken cutlets, you can bake them in the oven to reduce the amount of oil used. You can also use whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour for a healthier breading option. Additionally, you can use low-fat mozzarella cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a lower calorie and lower fat meal.
Chicken Parmesan with pasta is another variation of this classic dish that is just as delicious. Instead of serving the chicken over a bed of spaghetti, you can mix the spaghetti with the tomato sauce and serve the chicken on top. Or, you can serve the chicken alongside a side of pasta with some extra tomato sauce on top.
Nutrition-wise, chicken Parmesan can be a high-calorie and high-fat dish due to the breading and cheese. However, chicken itself is a great source of lean protein, and by making some of the healthy tweaks mentioned above, you can reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish. Additionally, the tomato sauce provides a serving of vegetables, and the spaghetti is a great source of carbohydrates.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Values
Chicken Parmesan can be a healthy and nutritious meal when made with the right ingredients and cooking methods. Chicken is a great source of protein, which helps to build and repair muscles, and also provides essential nutrients such as vitamin B6 and niacin.
Using whole wheat breadcrumbs and low-fat mozzarella cheese can help to increase the fiber and decrease the fat content of the dish. The marinara sauce also provides a serving of vegetables, particularly if you use a sauce that includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, and other herbs and spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is chicken Parmesan gluten-free?
Traditional chicken Parmesan is not gluten-free, as it typically involves breading the chicken with wheat flour and breadcrumbs. However, there are gluten-free versions of chicken Parmesan that use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives.
- Can I make chicken Parmesan without cheese?
While cheese is a key component of chicken Parmesan, you can make a cheese-free version by simply omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
- How long does chicken Parmesan last in the fridge?
Leftover chicken Parmesan can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to reheat it thoroughly before eating to ensure it’s safe to consume.
- Can I freeze chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze chicken Parmesan. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
This is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer the classic breaded and fried version, a healthier baked version, or a sandwich variation, there’s a chicken Parmesan recipe out there for you. Just be mindful of portion sizes and cooking methods to ensure that it’s a healthy addition to your diet.