The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Chicken Parmigiana Vs Parmesan
What To Know
- Layer the eggplant slices in a baking dish with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Chicken parmigiana offers a rich and savory eggplant flavor, while chicken parmesan provides a crispy and juicy chicken experience.
- Whether you prefer the rich and savory eggplant of chicken parmigiana or the crispy and juicy chicken of chicken parmesan, there’s no denying the allure of these two Italian delights.
When it comes to Italian-American cuisine, two dishes reign supreme: chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan. While their names sound similar, these two dishes are surprisingly distinct. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the differences between chicken parmigiana vs. parmesan, exploring their origins, ingredients, preparation methods, and flavors.
Origins
Chicken parmigiana originated in Italy, where it’s known as “parmigiana di melanzane.” The dish consists of layers of breaded eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese. It’s believed to have originated in the southern region of Campania, specifically in the cities of Naples and Parma.
On the other hand, chicken parmesan is an Americanized adaptation of chicken parmigiana. It emerged in the early 20th century in Italian-American restaurants in New York City and Chicago. Instead of eggplant, chicken parmesan uses breaded chicken cutlets as the base.
Ingredients
Chicken Parmigiana:
- Eggplant
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Olive oil
- Spices (e.g., oregano, basil, garlic)
Chicken Parmesan:
- Chicken cutlets
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Spices (e.g., oregano, basil, garlic)
Preparation Method
Chicken Parmigiana:
1. Slice eggplant into rounds and bread them in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
2. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown.
3. Layer the eggplant slices in a baking dish with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
4. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top.
5. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chicken Parmesan:
1. Dredge chicken cutlets in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
2. Pan-fry the chicken cutlets until cooked through.
3. Top with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
4. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top.
5. Bake or broil until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Flavors
Chicken Parmigiana:
- Rich and savory eggplant flavor
- Tangy tomato sauce
- Creamy and gooey mozzarella cheese
- Nutty and salty Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Herbacious and aromatic spices
Chicken Parmesan:
- Crispy and juicy chicken
- Tangy tomato sauce
- Creamy and gooey mozzarella cheese
- Nutty and salty Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Herbacious and aromatic spices
Variations
Both chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan have countless variations. Some popular variations include:
- Eggplant Parmesan: Layers of breaded eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese, without any chicken.
- Veal Parmesan: Veal cutlets used instead of chicken.
- Eggplant Rollatini: Eggplant slices rolled up with a filling of ricotta cheese, spinach, and spices.
- Chicken Piccata: Chicken cutlets sautéed in a lemon-butter sauce.
- Chicken Marsala: Chicken cutlets cooked in a Marsala wine sauce.
Which Dish is Better?
The question of which dish is better, chicken parmigiana vs. parmesan, is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Chicken parmigiana offers a rich and savory eggplant flavor, while chicken parmesan provides a crispy and juicy chicken experience. Ultimately, the best dish for you is the one that satisfies your taste buds and cravings.
In a nutshell: A Tale of Two Italian Delights
Chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan are two beloved Italian-American dishes that have captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. While they share some similarities in ingredients and flavors, their distinct origins, preparation methods, and flavors make them unique culinary experiences. Whether you prefer the rich and savory eggplant of chicken parmigiana or the crispy and juicy chicken of chicken parmesan, there’s no denying the allure of these two Italian delights.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which dish is healthier, chicken parmigiana or chicken parmesan?
A: Chicken parmigiana is generally healthier as it contains eggplant, a low-calorie vegetable. Chicken parmesan, on the other hand, uses breaded chicken, which is higher in calories and fat.
Q: Can I make chicken parmigiana or chicken parmesan at home?
A: Yes, both dishes can be easily made at home with a few simple ingredients. However, chicken parmigiana requires more time and effort due to the eggplant preparation.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken parmigiana or chicken parmesan?
A: Popular side dishes include pasta, spaghetti, garlic bread, and roasted vegetables.