Introduction

If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, chances are you’ve heard of or tasted a classic dish called chicken parmigiana or chicken parm. This beloved dish is a popular go-to option for many households and restaurants. The dish, which is made with breaded chicken breasts, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, is satisfying, savory, and perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will explore how to make chicken parm step-by-step, discuss the importance of creating healthier versions of the dish, offer tips for quick and easy cooking, explore regional variations of the dish, and provide pairing suggestions for wine and sides.

Step-by-Step Guide

The first step in making chicken parm is to gather the ingredients. You will need chicken breasts, bread crumbs, eggs, all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil.

The second step is to prepare the chicken breasts. Start by pounding your chicken breasts until they are of even thickness. You can do this by placing the chicken breast between two layers of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag and using a rolling pin or meat mallet to flatten them. Once the chicken breasts are flattened, season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

The third step is to assemble the breading for the chicken. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. In another dish, beat two eggs and set aside.

The fourth step is to coat the chicken breasts. Start by lightly coating the chicken breasts in flour. Then dip them into the egg mixture, making sure they are thoroughly coated. Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.

The fifth step is to cook the chicken. In a large skillet, heat up olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts into the skillet and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn a golden brown. Be sure to flip the chicken a couple of times to ensure even cooking.

The sixth step is to assemble the dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, add a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce and top with more tomato sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

When serving, garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley.

Healthy Chicken Parm

While chicken parm isn’t usually considered a health food, there are ways to make it healthier. Here are some healthier alternatives:

– Use whole-wheat bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs.

– Use low-fat mozzarella cheese or reduce the amount of cheese used in the dish.

– Make your own tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes or buy low-sodium tomato sauce.

– Grill or bake the chicken instead of frying it in oil.

As for side dishes, consider adding a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to add some fiber and nutrients to the meal.

Shortcut Chicken Parm

If you don’t have the time or energy to make chicken parm from scratch, there are some shortcuts you can take:

– Use pre-made breaded chicken cutlets from the grocery store.

– Use jarred tomato sauce instead of making your own.

– Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Slow cooker chicken parm is made by placing all the ingredients into the cooker and letting them cook low and slow for several hours. With an Instant Pot, chicken parm can be cooked in under 30 minutes.

Regional Variations

Chicken parmigiana is believed to have originated in southern Italy, specifically in the region of Campania. In Italy, it’s often served as a second course following the main course.

In the United States, chicken parm has become a staple in Italian American cuisine and often served as a main course. There are many variations of chicken parm throughout the country, such as the chicken parm hero sandwich in New York City.

In Australia, chicken parmigiana is referred to as “parmi” or “parmie” and commonly served with a side of chips.

Recipe Swap

We encourage our readers to share their recipes with us and experiment with different ingredients and techniques. Here’s a recipe submitted by one of our readers:

Ingredients:

– 3 chicken breasts, pounded thin

– 1 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 eggs

– 1 cup tomato sauce

– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat a skillet to medium-high heat with a little bit of olive oil.

2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

3. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

4. In another dish, whisk the eggs.

5. Coat the chicken breasts with the breadcrumb mixture, then dip them into the egg mixture, and back into the breadcrumb mixture.

6. Place the chicken breasts into the skillet, and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn a golden brown.

7. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

8. Spoon tomato sauce over the cooked chicken breasts, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

9. Bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pairings and Sides

When considering sides and wine pairings, here are some suggestions:

– Sides: a simple green salad, creamy polenta, grilled vegetables, pasta with marinara sauce, garlic bread or roasted potatoes.

– Wine: a medium-bodied Chianti, a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, or a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio.

Conclusion

Making chicken parm is simple and easy, but making it healthier, shorter, or regionalized requires a little effort. With the right ingredients, techniques, and creativity, you can make the perfect chicken parm. Don’t forget to experiment with different flavors, ingredients and methods to find your own special twist on this classic dish.