If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you may have heard of chicken parmigiana. This dish is a classic in Italian-American cuisine and is made by coating a chicken breast in breadcrumbs, frying it, and topping it with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
But the question remains – does chicken parmigiana have parmesan cheese Let’s explore.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that the term “parmigiana” is derived from the Italian word “parmigiano,” which means Parmesan cheese. So it’s natural to assume that chicken parmigiana would contain Parmesan cheese. However, this isn’t always the case.
Traditionally, chicken parmigiana doesn’t actually contain Parmesan cheese in the topping. Instead, it’s typically made using mozzarella cheese or a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Some recipes may call for grated Parmesan cheese to be added to the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor and texture.
That being said, there are variations of chicken parmigiana that do include Parmesan cheese in the topping. Some recipes use a mixture of cheeses that includes grated Parmesan along with mozzarella and provolone. Others may sprinkle grated or shaved Parmesan on top of the finished dish as a garnish.
It’s worth noting that not all types of Parmesan cheese are created equal. Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, which is produced exclusively in certain regions of Italy using specific methods, has a distinct nutty flavor and granular texture that sets it apart from other varieties of hard Italian cheeses. This type of cheese is often used in traditional Italian dishes like pasta carbonara and risotto alla Milanese.
In conclusion, while traditional chicken parmigiana doesn’t necessarily contain Parmesan cheese in the topping, there are variations that do use this flavorful ingredient. Whether you prefer your chicken parmigiana with or without Parmesan cheese, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s sure to please any Italian food lover.
Key takeaways:
- Chicken parmigiana is a classic Italian-American dish made with breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese.
- The term “parmigiana” comes from the Italian word for Parmesan cheese, but traditional chicken parmigiana doesn’t always contain this ingredient in the topping.
- Some recipes do include grated Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb coating or as part of the cheese topping.
- Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is a unique type of hard Italian cheese with a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart from other varieties.
Tips for making chicken parmigiana:
If you’re interested in making chicken parmigiana at home, here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use thin-sliced chicken breasts or pound regular chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading and frying for quicker and more even cooking.
- Season the breadcrumb mixture with herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley for added flavor.
- Fry the breaded chicken in hot oil until golden brown on both sides before transferring to a baking dish with tomato sauce and cheese.
- Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese (and grated Parmesan if desired) before baking until bubbly and golden brown.
With these tips and some experimentation in the kitchen, you can create your own delicious version of this classic dish. Enjoy!