Acadia’s Chicken Parmesan, also known simply as Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Parmigiana, is a popular Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. It is often served over pasta or as a sandwich in a sub roll. The dish is known for its rich and comforting flavors, making it a favorite in many households and Italian restaurants.
History:
The origins of Chicken Parmesan are a bit unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in Italian-American communities in the United States during the 20th century. It is a variation of the traditional Italian dish “Eggplant Parmesan” (Melanzane alla Parmigiana), where eggplant slices are breaded, fried, and layered with cheese and tomato sauce. Chicken Parmesan likely emerged as a meatier alternative to the eggplant version, catering to those who preferred chicken over eggplant.
Components:
The key components of Chicken Parmesan include:
- Chicken Cutlets: Thinly sliced chicken breasts that are usually breaded and fried.
- Breading: A mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs used to coat the chicken before frying.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce, often seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Cheese: Typically, mozzarella cheese is used to melt over the chicken, but Parmesan or a blend of cheeses can also be used.
Steps to Prepare Acadia’s Chicken Parmesan:
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Prepare Chicken Cutlets:
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken cutlets until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
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Make Tomato Sauce:
- If using a store-bought sauce, you can skip this step.
- Otherwise, sauté minced garlic in olive oil.
- Add canned crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (like basil, oregano, and thyme).
- Simmer the sauce for about 20-30 minutes until it thickens.
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Assemble Chicken Parmesan:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish.
- Place the fried chicken cutlets on top of the sauce.
- Spoon more sauce over each cutlet.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
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Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan over cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, or as a sandwich in a sub roll.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Acadia’s Chicken Parmesan is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, including preparation, cooking, and baking time. The actual time may vary depending on your cooking skills and the specific steps you follow.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan, a classic comfort dish with a rich history that has become a staple in many households and restaurants!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Acadia’s Chicken Parmesan:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: ~400-500 kcal
- Total Fat: ~20-30 g
- Saturated Fat: ~7-10 g
- Cholesterol: ~80-100 mg
- Sodium: ~800-1000 mg
- Carbohydrates: ~20-30 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~2-4 g
- Sugars: ~6-8 g
- Protein: ~30-40 g
Health Information:
- Protein Source: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Fats: The dish contains moderate amounts of fat, mainly from the breading and cheese. Opt for lean cuts of chicken and consider using less cheese or reduced-fat cheese to lower the fat content.
- Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to the use of breading, cheese, and tomato sauce. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using lower-sodium alternatives for the sauce and cheese.
- Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content primarily comes from the breading, sauce, and any pasta served with the dish. Opt for whole-grain pasta or consider serving the chicken with a side of vegetables for a lower-carb option.
- Fiber: The dish may not be particularly high in fiber, but you can increase the fiber content by serving it with whole-grain pasta or adding a side of vegetables or a salad.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken provides essential nutrients like B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, as well as minerals like phosphorus and selenium.
- Caloric Intake: The calorie count varies based on portion size and specific ingredients used. Be mindful of portion sizes, and consider balancing the meal with nutritious sides.
As with any dish, moderation and balance are key. You can make healthier choices by using lean chicken, choosing whole-grain options for pasta, and being mindful of the amount of cheese and sauce you use. Additionally, consider incorporating a variety of vegetables to add more nutrients and fiber to your meal.
