History of Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American dish that has become a staple in many restaurants and homes. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century in Italian immigrant communities in the United States.
The dish is believed to have evolved from the traditional Italian dish “Parmigiana di Melanzane,” which is made with eggplant instead of chicken. Italian immigrants in the United States began experimenting with using chicken instead of eggplant, and the result was the creation of Chicken Parmesan.
Preparation of Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a relatively simple dish to prepare, but it requires careful attention to detail to achieve the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide to making Chicken Parmesan:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Season the cutlets with salt and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Pan-fry the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish: Arrange the cooked chicken cutlets in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken cutlets. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Bake the Chicken Parmesan in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot with your favorite sides, such as pasta, breadsticks, or a side salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan:
- Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Dredge the chicken cutlets thoroughly in the flour mixture to ensure even cooking.
- Pan-fry the chicken cutlets until they are golden brown and cooked through to prevent them from becoming dry or tough.
- Use a flavorful marinara sauce for the best results.
- Don’t overcook the Chicken Parmesan in the oven, as this can make the cheese rubbery and the chicken dry.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan!
