Italian cuisine is beloved around the world for its delicious flavors and iconic dishes like pizza, pasta, and tiramisu. However, some of the foods we most associate with Italy actually have origins from elsewhere. One such dish is chicken parmesan, which despite its Italian-sounding name, has roots in the United States. Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating history of chicken parmesan and how it came to be seen as an Italian classic.
What is chicken parmesan?
Chicken parmesan (or chicken parmigiana) consists of a breaded chicken cutlet that is fried and then topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, usually parmesan. It is commonly served alongside a side of pasta. The dish has a crispy exterior from being breaded and fried, while the interior of the chicken stays juicy and tender. The tomato sauce provides tanginess and moisture, while the melted cheese gives it a delicious, gooey texture.
There are many variations on chicken parmesan as well. Sometimes the chicken is coated in egg before breading, and herbs like basil or oregano can be added to the breading or sauce. The cheese isn’t always parmesan either; mozzarella is another popular option. And while the dish is usually served as a main course with pasta, the chicken cutlet topped with sauce and cheese can also be used in sandwiches or on pizza.
History and origins
Despite its Italian name, chicken parmesan actually originated in the United States. One theory is that Italian immigrants created the dish after arriving in America as a way to substitute ingredients that were more widely available in the US for traditional Italian cooking. Chicken was cheaper and more readily accessible than veal or eggplant, which would be used for similar Italian dishes like parmigiana di melanzane.
There are a few different theories about which Italian immigrant chefs invented the dish. One claims that Italian immigrant brothers opened a restaurant in New York in the early 1900s and came up with chicken parmesan using ingredients they had on hand. Other stories say it was created either in Little Italy in New York or at Italian restaurants in other parts of the Northeast in the 1920s-1950s.
The name chicken parmigiana or parmesan comes from the similar Italian dish made with eggplant and parmesan cheese. The “parmigiana” refers to the parmesan cheese, not anything to do with Parma, Italy. The name was anglicized in the US to become chicken parmesan.
Rise in popularity
Throughout the mid 20th century, chicken parmesan became increasingly common on Italian-American menus and became beloved for its crisp, cheesy flavors. Its popularity skyrocketed after it was featured in the legendary Southern Italian cookbook The Talisman Italian Cook Book by Ada Boni in 1950. As Italian food became a mainstream part of American cuisine in the second half of the 20th century, chicken parmesan gained widespread popularity across the US.
It is still often seen as an Italian-American hybrid dish rather than an authentic Italian recipe. But regardless of origins, chicken parmesan is now a staple menu item at Italian restaurants across America. It’s also a favorite easy dinner recipe for home cooks, thanks to its simple preparation of dipping chicken in breadcrumbs and serving it with tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Ingredients
To make chicken parmesan at home, you will need:
- Chicken breast – pounded thin
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs – seasoned with Italian herbs
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce
- Cheese – parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, etc.
The chicken is first dipped in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture to coat it before frying. The tomato sauce can be homemade or store-bought. The cheese is usually a mixture of parmesan and another melting cheese like mozzarella or provolone.
Cooking method
To make chicken parmesan, you’ll need to:
- Pound chicken breasts thin
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
- Set up breading station – flour, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs
- Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crisp
- Top chicken with tomato sauce and cheese
- Bake until cheese is melted
- Serve over pasta
The key steps are pounding the chicken thin so it cooks quickly, setting up a breading station, and frying the cutlets until crispy before topping with sauce and cheese. Baking melts the cheese beautifully without making the crisp chicken soggy.
Tips
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1/2″ thickness
- Season flour with Italian herbs for added flavor
- Let coated chicken sit for 5-10 minutes before frying so the breading sets
- Fry chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal
Variations
There are all kinds of ways to customize chicken parmesan to your tastes:
- Cheese: Use different cheese like provolone, mozzarella, fontina, or a blend.
- Breading: Add Italian herbs, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs.
- Sauce: Make the tomato sauce from scratch or use marinara or vodka sauce.
- Toppings: Add sliced roasted red peppers, sauteed mushrooms, or grilled vegetables.
- Chicken: Use chicken breasts, cutlets, tenders, or even breaded eggplant.
- Serve on: Chicken parm can be served over pasta, on a hoagie roll, or on pizza.
Feel free to get creative with ingredients to put your own spin on this Italian-American classic.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for a 6oz chicken breast prepared chicken parmesan style:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbs | 13g |
| Protein | 47g |
Chicken parmesan made with a lean protein like chicken breast is an excellent source of protein. The breading and cheese do add more carbohydrates and fat compared to a plain grilled chicken breast. But overall, chicken parmesan can be part of a healthy, well-rounded diet when portion sizes are controlled.
Popularity and cultural significance
Chicken parmesan has become one of the most popular Italian-American dishes. It is served at Italian restaurants throughout the US and beloved for its tasty combination of crisp fried chicken, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. The dish is a staple of Italian-American home cooking and special occasion meals.
It is often seen as one of the classic Italian-American comfort foods along with dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and fettuccine alfredo. The crispy, cheesy flavors are hard to resist!
Chicken parmesan is frequently featured in American pop culture as well. Some references include:
- In the TV show The Sopranos, characters are often seen enjoying chicken parmesan at family meals.
- On the show Gilmore Girls, Lorelai and Rory discuss getting chicken parmesan for dinner.
- The dish has been mentioned in songs by artists like the Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, and Kid Cudi.
Clearly, chicken parmesan holds a special place in American cuisine and pop culture.
Around the world
While chicken parmesan may not be authentic Italian food, it has become popular internationally as Italian-American cuisine has spread. You can now find chicken parmesan on menus at Italian restaurants in many parts of the world such as the UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It is seen as combining comforting Italian flavors like tomato sauce and cheese with universally appealing fried chicken.
Conclusion
So while chicken parmesan may sound Italian, this cheesy chicken dish was actually invented in the early 1900s by Italian immigrants in the United States. It has become a staple in Italian-American cooking. The crisp, breaded chicken cutlet topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese is loved for its delicious flavors and textures. This reworked Italian classic has also gained worldwide popularity over the decades. So next time you enjoy chicken parmesan, you can appreciate just how far this dish has come from its inventive Italian-American beginnings while still retaining its crave-worthy appeal.