comfort foodrecipeTomato Sauce

Addicting Chicken Parmesan

Average Rating
No rating yet
My Rating:

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. It’s a popular comfort food known for its delicious flavors and crispy texture.

History:
The origins of Chicken Parmesan can be traced back to Southern Italian immigrants who settled in the United States in the early 20th century. It is a variation of the traditional Italian dish, Melanzane alla Parmigiana, which uses eggplant instead of chicken. The adaptation of using chicken likely occurred due to the availability of poultry in the United States.

Components:
The main components of Chicken Parmesan include:

  1. Chicken Cutlets: Thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  2. Breadcrumbs: Used for breading the chicken and providing a crispy texture.
  3. Eggs: Used to create an egg wash for dipping the chicken before coating with breadcrumbs.
  4. Tomato Sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce, often seasoned with herbs and spices.
  5. Cheese: Typically, mozzarella cheese is used for melting on top of the chicken. Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is also used for additional flavor.
  6. Herbs and Spices: Commonly used herbs and spices include basil, oregano, garlic, and black pepper.
  7. Oil: For frying the breaded chicken cutlets.

Steps to Prepare Addicting Chicken Parmesan:

  1. Preparation:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
    • In one bowl, beat eggs to create an egg wash.
    • In another bowl, place breadcrumbs.
  2. Breading and Frying:

    • Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
    • Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs, pressing them onto the chicken to adhere.
    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  3. Assembling:

    • In a baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce.
    • Place the fried chicken cutlets on top of the sauce.
    • Spoon more tomato sauce over each piece of chicken.
  4. Cheese Topping:

    • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
    • Grate Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
  5. Baking:

    • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Serving:

    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
    • Serve hot, traditionally over spaghetti or with a side of pasta or bread.

Preparation Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on your cooking skills and the number of servings.

Chicken Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines crispy, savory chicken with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese—a perfect comfort food loved by many. Enjoy!

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Chicken Parmesan:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

  • Calories: Around 400-500 calories per serving, depending on the size of the chicken cutlet and the amount of cheese and sauce used.
  • Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams.
  • Carbohydrates: Roughly 20-25 grams.
  • Fat: About 20-25 grams.
  • Saturated Fat: This can vary depending on how much cheese is used but can be around 6-10 grams.
  • Fiber: Around 2-4 grams.
  • Sodium: The sodium content can be high due to the use of breaded and fried chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese. It can range from 800-1200 mg or more per serving.

Health Information:

  1. Protein: Chicken Parmesan is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.

  2. Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates primarily come from the breading and sauce. While they provide energy, be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.

  3. Fat: The dish contains a moderate amount of fat, with a significant portion coming from the frying process. Consider baking or air-frying the chicken for a healthier option.

  4. Saturated Fat: Keep in mind that the saturated fat content can be relatively high, mainly due to the cheese. To reduce saturated fat, use leaner cuts of chicken and less cheese.

  5. Fiber: While Chicken Parmesan doesn’t contain a lot of fiber, you can increase its fiber content by serving it with whole-grain pasta or adding vegetables to the sauce.

  6. Sodium: The sodium content in Chicken Parmesan can be quite high, which may not be suitable for those on a low-sodium diet. Look for low-sodium tomato sauce options or make your own sauce with less salt.

  7. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as larger servings can significantly increase calorie and sodium intake. Consider serving smaller portions alongside a salad or steamed vegetables.

Chicken Parmesan can be a delicious indulgence but is best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re conscious of your calorie, fat, and sodium intake. Modifying the recipe by using leaner cooking methods and reducing cheese and sauce can make it a healthier option.

My Rating:

Loading spinner
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Back to top button
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x