Chicken Parmigiana Vs Parmesan: Making The Tough Choice
What To Know
- It is believed to have been created by Italian immigrants in the United States who substituted chicken for eggplant in the traditional parmigiana dish.
- A fried chicken breast topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese on a bun.
- Chicken parmigiana is healthier than chicken parmesan because it contains eggplant, which is a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
When it comes to classic Italian-American dishes, chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan are two of the most beloved. While their names are similar, they are actually quite different dishes. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, ingredients, and preparation methods of both dishes to help you decide which one is your favorite.
History of Chicken Parmigiana vs Parmesan
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken parmigiana, also known as eggplant parmigiana, originated in Italy in the 18th century. It is believed to have been created in the city of Parma, hence its name. The dish consists of breaded and fried eggplant topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan, on the other hand, is an American invention that emerged in the early 20th century. It is believed to have been created by Italian immigrants in the United States who substituted chicken for eggplant in the traditional parmigiana dish.
Ingredients: Chicken Parmigiana vs Parmesan
Chicken Parmigiana
- Eggplant
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken breast
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation Methods: Chicken Parmigiana vs Parmesan
Chicken Parmigiana
1. Slice the eggplant into thin rounds.
2. Bread the eggplant slices and fry them in hot oil.
3. Layer the fried eggplant slices in a baking dish.
4. Top with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chicken Parmesan
1. Pound the chicken breasts thin.
2. Bread the chicken breasts and fry them in hot oil.
3. Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish.
4. Top with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Texture and Flavor: Chicken Parmigiana vs Parmesan
Chicken Parmigiana
- Soft and tender eggplant
- Crispy breading
- Tangy tomato sauce
- Rich and gooey cheese
Chicken Parmesan
- Juicy and tender chicken
- Crispy breading
- Tangy tomato sauce
- Rich and gooey cheese
Which One to Choose: Chicken Parmigiana vs Parmesan
The choice between chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan ultimately depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer the soft and tender texture of eggplant, then chicken parmigiana is a great option. If you prefer the juiciness of chicken, then chicken parmesan is the way to go. Both dishes are delicious and satisfying, so you can’t go wrong either way.
Variations: Chicken Parmigiana vs Parmesan
There are many variations of both chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan. Some popular variations include:
Chicken Parmigiana
- Eggplant rollatini: Instead of layering the eggplant slices in a baking dish, they are rolled up with the filling inside.
- Chicken parmigiana sandwich: A fried chicken breast topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese on a bun.
Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken parmesan sliders: Mini sandwiches made with fried chicken, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Chicken parmesan pizza: A pizza topped with fried chicken, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Substitutions: Chicken Parmigiana vs Parmesan
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are some substitutions you can make:
Chicken Parmigiana
- Eggplant: You can substitute zucchini or mushrooms for eggplant.
- Tomato sauce: You can substitute marinara sauce or pizza sauce for tomato sauce.
Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken: You can substitute turkey or veal for chicken.
- Tomato sauce: You can substitute marinara sauce or pizza sauce for tomato sauce.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What is the difference between chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan?
A: Chicken parmigiana is made with eggplant, while chicken parmesan is made with chicken.
Q: Which dish is more popular?
A: Chicken parmesan is more popular than chicken parmigiana.
Q: Which dish is healthier?
A: Chicken parmigiana is healthier than chicken parmesan because it contains eggplant, which is a good source of fiber and antioxidants.