Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that can easily feed a crowd. But how many servings does one Chicken Parmesan make? The answer depends on a few factors.
Serving Size
To determine how many servings you can get out of a Chicken Parmesan, you first need to decide on an appropriate serving size. The USDA recommends 3-4 ounces of cooked chicken per serving. However, serving sizes can vary based on your appetite and the side dishes being served.
Here are some common Chicken Parmesan serving sizes:
- One chicken cutlet (around 4 ounces) with sauce and cheese
- Half a chicken cutlet (around 2-3 ounces) with sauce and cheese
- 1/3 of a chicken cutlet (around 1-2 ounces) with sauce and cheese
A smaller 2-3 ounce portion is suitable as an appetizer or side dish, while a larger 4 ounce cutlet makes a more substantial entree serving.
Number of Chicken Cutlets
The number of servings you get will depend on how many chicken cutlets you prepare. For example:
- 2 large chicken cutlets (about 1 pound) = 4 entree servings
- 3-4 medium cutlets (about 1.5 pounds) = 6-8 entree servings
- 6-8 small cutlets (about 2 pounds) = 12-16 appetizer servings
In general, plan for 1/2 pound of chicken per 2 entree servings. The more cutlets you prepare, the more servings you’ll end up with.
Side Dishes and Appetizers
The presence of side dishes and appetizers can allow your Chicken Parmesan to be stretched into even more servings.
Some possible side dishes that pair well include:
- Pasta or zoodles
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Steamed broccoli
- Caesar salad
- Garden salad with Italian dressing
When served alongside these lighter sides, a 2-3 ounce portion of Chicken Parmesan can make a satisfying individual serving.
Chicken Parmesan also works well as an appetizer for parties and potlucks. Cut into smaller 1-2 ounce pieces, it can be served as finger food alongside other appetizers to feed larger groups.
Leftovers
The great thing about Chicken Parmesan is that it reheats beautifully. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days and can also be frozen. This allows you to cook a larger batch and spread it out into future meals throughout the week.
Reheated Chicken Parmesan makes for easy work lunches, quick family dinners, or meals to freeze for busy nights. Stretch your servings by using leftovers in sandwiches, over salad, stuffed in pitas, or diced up for pasta.
Tips for Serving Chicken Parmesan
Here are some tips for getting the most servings out of your Chicken Parmesan:
- Use larger, thicker cutlets for entree servings.
- Cut smaller, thinner cutlets for appetizer portions.
- Prepare at least 1 pound of chicken to feed 4 entree servings.
- Make extra and refrigerate or freeze leftovers.
- Pair with lighter side dishes to allow smaller portions.
- Slice up leftovers to use in other meals and dishes.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a typical 4 ounce serving of Chicken Parmesan:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 296 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Sodium | 523mg |
As you can see, a serving of Chicken Parmesan packs a nutritious punch of protein while still being relatively low in carbohydrates. The sodium is moderately high due to the cheese, tomato sauce, and breading.
Cost per Serving
The cost per serving of Chicken Parmesan can vary quite a bit. Using budget-friendly ingredients, you can likely keep the raw ingredient costs to under $3 per serving.
Factors that affect the price per serving include:
- Cost of chicken breast or cutlets
- Whether you use pre-made sauce or make your own
- Type of cheese used (Parmesan is often cheaper than mozzarella)
- Making your own breadcrumbs vs buying panko
Making Chicken Parmesan at home is significantly cheaper than ordering it at a restaurant, where a single serving can cost $12 or more. Overall, it’s one of the more budget-friendly ways to incorporate chicken into your meals.
Conclusion
How many servings you get out of Chicken Parmesan depends on the size of the cutlets, side dishes served, and your appetite. In general, plan for 1 pound of chicken to feed 4 entree servings or up to 8 appetizer servings. Stretch your dollars and leftovers further by repurposing them into future meals. Made right, Chicken Parmesan is a delicious, protein-packed dish that can comfortably feed a crowd.