Image by Clark Douglas

Chicken parmesan

If you're a fan of classic Italian cuisine, chances are you've already encountered the marvelous dish that is chicken parmesan. This delightful combination of savory flavors and textures is often served as an entrée, but its popularity has made it a star side dish as well.

Chicken parmesan


This succulent meal begins with boneless chicken breasts, which are pounded thin then lightly dusted with flour, egg, and bread crumbs before being pan-fried in oil. The resulting golden crust provides a beautiful and inviting contrast to the tender meat below. But the real magic occurs when the chicken is topped with a delightful medley of savory ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. This blend of flavors combines to create an unforgettable taste sensation, making it hard to resist taking just one more bite.

The presentation of chicken parmesan is a feat unto itself. The dish can be served over spaghetti, risotto, or even a bed of greens. To add another layer of delight, consider pairing it with a bright citrus salad or a rich béchamel. Of course, the classic accompaniment for this beloved dish is garlic bread, providing a crunchy counterpoint to the soft and savory flavors of the main course.

If you're looking for a meal that will truly tantalize your taste buds, then chicken parmesan should certainly be on your list. Its delectable mix of textures, visuals, and flavors make it a must-have for any Italian feast. So do yourself a favor and give this delightful dish a try. You won't regret it!

The origin of Chicken parmesan

The classic Italian dish of Chicken Parmesan, or pollo alla parmigiana as it’s known in its homeland, is a deliciously delectable delight that has become a staple of Italian-American cuisine since the early 20th century. But while Chicken Parmesan is now a beloved Italian-American classic, the dish has an interesting and rather nebulous origin story.

While some people argue the dish hails from the Northern Italian region of Parma, the renowned cheese’s namesake, there is no clear evidence to corroborate this contention. In fact, it is likely the dish was created sometime during the mid-1850s to the late 1800s, well before the wave of Italian immigration that brought the recipe to the new world towards the start of the twentieth century.

Regardless of its exact time and place of origin, the recipe is known to have been a peasant's meal, an economical way to use basic ingredients and stretch them out to feed a large family. This explains the abundance of cheese, tomato sauce and breadcrumbs that are present in the modern version of the dish. As Italian immigrants started to settle into their new home of America, they found ways to localize the dish with the ingredients that were available to them in their new locale. This resulted in variations such as the addition of fried eggplant slices or the use of thinly pounded chicken cutlets, which we now recognize as the classic Chicken Parmesan.

Today, Chicken Parmesan is often served over pasta, but historically the dish was often eaten simply on its own with a side of accompaniments such as greens or a salad. Whether it is served with pasta or not, this iconic dish is sure to bring pleasure to any palate, particularly when enjoyed with a glass of vino!

FAQs about Chicken parmesan

Do Italians like Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, Italians do like Chicken Parmesan. This Italian-American dish is one of the most popular Italian dishes in the US. It is usually served as a main course with a side of pasta and is a favorite among many Italian households.


What do you eat with Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan is commonly served with pasta, salad, garlic bread, or vegetables.


What's the difference between Chicken Parmesan and chicken parmigiana?

Chicken Parmesan is an American dish that consists of breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Chicken Parmigiana is an Italian dish which is made with fried eggplant and thinly-sliced chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.


Why is it called Chicken Parm if it's made with mozzarella?

The name Chicken Parmesan (or Chicken Parm for short) is derived from the Italian name "Parmigiana di pollo", which translates to "chicken Parmesan". The dish itself is made with Parmesan cheese, but nowadays it is often made with mozzarella cheese due to its milder flavour.


Types of Chicken parmesan

Chicken parmesan is a delectable dish that can be found in many shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a hefty entrée, a light snack, or even a meatless variation, you can find your perfect version of chicken parmesan.

The classic dish encompasses pan-fried chicken drenched with tomato sauce and topped with cheese and herbs. Usually this dish is served with a side of pasta, and variations of the recipe may also include extra vegetables or a side of salad. Chicken parmesan is a great way to get your protein and your veg in one convenient meal.

For those looking for a more indulgent take on the classic dish, there is deep-fried chicken parmesan. This decadent variation replaces the pan-frying process with a coating of crusted egg and flour before it is fried to perfection. It is then smothered in a rich tomato sauce and covered with a blanket of melted cheese.

No matter your preference, there is a chicken parmesan out there for everyone. There is even a meatless version of the dish known as eggplant parmesan. This vegetarian-friendly dish is prepared like a standard chicken parmesan, but substitutes slices of eggplant for the chicken, and spices and herbs are used instead of cheese.

For those watching their weight, chicken parmesan can also be served with a lighter accompaniment such as couscous or quinoa. This will still provide a hearty meal without the overwhelming fullness that comes after eating a heavy meal.

No matter your taste, you can rest assured that there is a chicken parmesan variation out there for you. Whether you’re looking for a diet-friendly meal, a deep-fried bacon and cheese lover’s delight, or the classic dish, you can find the perfect dish with chicken parmesan.