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Chicken Parmesan
Medium 25 min prep 30 min cook 4 servings

Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan preparation

Introduction

What to expect

Breaded chicken cutlets fried crisp and baked with marinara and melted mozzarella.

The story

Behind the recipe

Chicken parmesan originated in the United States during the early 20th century, stemming from the Italian diaspora. It is believed to be a fusion of Italian dishes like parmigiana (eggplant with tomato sauce) and cotoletta (breaded veal cutlet). Italian immigrants in North America adapted traditional dishes to available ingredients, creating chicken parmesan. The dish gained popularity in Italian-American cuisine by the 1950s and has since become a common staple in restaurants across the United States and Canada.

Method

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt.

  2. 2

    Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.

  3. 3

    Dredge each breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.

  4. 4

    Fry cutlets in olive oil until golden on both sides.

  5. 5

    Place cutlets in a baking dish and spoon marinara over each.

  6. 6

    Top with mozzarella and oregano.

  7. 7

    Bake at 190C for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.

  8. 8

    Serve over spaghetti or with a side of garlic bread.

Adaptations

Variations & suggestions

Swap chicken breasts for thinly sliced chicken thighs, or use eggplant rounds for a vegetarian nod to the original.

Replace mozzarella with provolone for a sharper melt, or stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara for heat.

Serve over spaghetti, creamy polenta, or tucked into a toasted sub roll for a chicken parm sandwich.

Leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a hot oven to restore the crisp coating.