When it comes to classic Italian dishes, chicken parmigiana is up there with staples like lasagna and spaghetti. The combination of thinly fried chicken with red sauce and cheese is enough to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, which is why chicken parm is a mainstay of Italian restaurants everywhere. But how did this dish get started, and how can operators take full advantage of its deliciousness? Let’s dive into the world of Italian cuisine and find out.
The Birth of a Classic: Uncovering the Story
Since this dish is so universally loved and widely available, it’s easy to assume that it’s an old recipe that has delighted diners for centuries. However, chicken parmigiana is a relatively new invention. It didn’t start to dominate the U.S. around the 1950s, but that popularity is as widespread as ever today.
The origins of chicken parmigiana do go back to old Italy, but people made it with eggplant, not chicken. The simple reason for this change is that chicken was too expensive for most households. Eggplant, though, could be grown in the backyard. This vegetarian dish was called mellanzane alla parmigiana, primarily made in Southern Italy.
However, once Italian immigrants came to America, they discovered that meats were cheaper and more widely available. This is why many dishes today feature options like meatballs. Immigrants decided to swap eggplant for chicken, and a classic was born. Once it started appearing in recipe books and Italian restaurants, chicken parmigiana became a fan favorite worldwide.
What’s the difference between Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana?
If one were to go to different Italian restaurants here in the United States, some would sell a chicken parmesan dish, while others may call it chicken parmigiana. However, if one were to order both menu items, they would be delighted to see the same thingcome out at both locations.
While it’s easy to assume that “parmigiana” is just an Italian way of saying parmesan, it technically means “someone or something from the city of Parma.” Parma is where we get parmesan cheese, and dishes done in the Parma style have the name attached.
So, even though chicken parmesan doesn’t heavily feature parmesan cheese (instead using mozzarella), the meat or eggplant is prepared in the Parma style, hence the name.
Chicken Parmigiana and the Art of Pasta Pairings
If you know anything about Italian cooking, you know that pasta is a mainstay. And if you know anything about Italian pasta, you know there’s a shape and style that should be paired with just about every sauce or dish. Options likepenne, ravioli, spaghetti, and fettuccini all have recognizable shapes and features, and those attributes are ideal for delivering certain flavors.
Although dozens of varieties are available, chicken parmigiana works best when paired with a noodle-shaped pasta like spaghetti. However, individuals and restaurants can experiment with different pasta shapes that enhance the dining experience.
Crispy Delights: Discover the Magic of Pitco Fryers
While pasta is a big part of chicken parmigiana, the show’s star is the chicken (or eggplant if you prefer), which is breaded and fried. Since the main ingredient is covered in sauce and cheese, it’s important to utilize a frying process that retains the crispy textures so desirable in the perfect chicken parm.
Simply put, the type of fryer used in cooking parm can make a huge difference. Depending on the volume being cooked or even providing the ability to divide gluten-free options from standard flour, selecting the right fryer is an important choice, almost as important as the brand of tomatoes used for the sauce. To help,Pitco offers aproduct selector toolso operators can choose the best fryer for making chicken parmigiana (among other dishes). While fried food isn’t a huge part of Italian cuisine, the meals requiring frying needhigh-quality equipment, lest the customer leave with a bad taste.
Discover if you’re using the right fryer to make that perfect chicken parmigiana:
FAQs
The origins of chicken parmigiana do go back to old Italy, but people made it with eggplant, not chicken. The simple reason for this change is that chicken was too expensive for most households. Eggplant, though, could be grown in the backyard.
Where did the chicken parmigiana originate? ›
The dish, also known as "chicken parm", originated in the northeast United States from Italian immigrants, and became a popular staple in restaurants serving Italian-American cuisine by the 1950s. Home versions also grew in popularity.
What is the difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana? ›
Brace yourself for this one—they're the same dish! Chicken Parmesan and chicken Parmigiana are just different names for the same exact recipe. And, with a name like “chicken Parmigiana”, you might assume that this recipe is Italian. While it has roots in Italy (in a way), chicken Parmesan is all-American.
How bad is chicken parm for you? ›
Classic chicken Parmesan comes breaded, fried and smothered in mozzarella cheese and then served alongside a plate of pasta. With all that, an order at some restaurants can tip the scales at 1,500 calories and 80 grams of fat per serving.
Why is it called chicken parmesan if it's made with mozzarella? ›
Some believe that it was created in Parma, hence the name. Others believe it comes from a Sicilian word that means slabs on a roof, referring to the thin slices of chicken covered in the sauce.
Why is there no chicken parmesan in Italy? ›
The origins of chicken parmigiana do go back to old Italy, but people made it with eggplant, not chicken. The simple reason for this change is that chicken was too expensive for most households. Eggplant, though, could be grown in the backyard.
What do Italians call chicken parm? ›
Despite being a staple of Italian-American cuisine, “chicken parmesan” is nowhere to be found in Italy. Instead, Italians nosh on parmigiana – eggplant layered with tomato sauce and cheese.
Is there a difference between parmesan and parmigiana? ›
Parmesan Cheese in Italy
In the European Union, “parmesan” is accepted as a translation of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Within these countries, the two terms refer to the same cheese.
What is another name for parmigiana? ›
Chicken parmigiana is also a common dish in Australia and is often served with a side of chips or salad. In Australia, where the name is often shortened to parma or parmi, it may also contain a variety of toppings, including sliced ham or bacon.
Which is healthier chicken parm or eggplant parm? ›
Eggplant parmesan tends to be lighter on the stomach and is considered to be more healthy. Eggplant is also less expensive. Restaurants find that it is a much cheaper option for guests.
Fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, and chicken lunch meat are a few types of chicken that you should limit or avoid on a healthy diet.
Why you shouldn't eat chicken everyday? ›
Cholesterol, carcinogens, pathogens, and even feces found in chicken products increase the risk of heart disease, breast and prostate cancers, urinary tract infections, and foodborne illnesses.
What is the most unhealthiest part of chicken? ›
The highest fat content in a chicken comes from the skin, followed by the wings, which just barely edge out the next-fattiest cut of chicken meat, the thigh. Next up is the drumstick, followed by breast meat, which is the leanest cut of chicken.
Why does Parmesan have egg? ›
So why isn't Parmesan cheese vegetarian? Great question. In this case, it has to do with the use of something called rennet, which is pretty crucial to the Parmesano-Reggiano production process. Rennet is usually taken from the fourth stomach of a relatively young grazing animal like calves, goats, or lambs.
Why can Parmesan only be made in Italy? ›
An EU court ruled that only cheese produced in the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia as well as very limited areas in surrounding provinces are legally allowed to be called “parmesan.” This also ensures that all parmesan sold in the European Union is made using traditional methods and entirely manufactured in the ...
Do they eat veal parmesan in Italy? ›
Chicken and veal parmesan are authentic Italian staples that can be found on the menu of almost any Italian restaurant. They are two of the most common meats used in authentic parmesan dishes, but they aren't as alike as you might think!
Is chicken parmesan not in Italy? ›
But, did you know… that Chicken Parmigiana is NOT from Italy? Yes, you read correctly. I know you're shocked, but contrary to common belief, Chicken Parmigiana was not invented by Italians. In fact, there haven't been any clear indications on the origin of this culinary masterpiece.
What does parmigiana mean in Italian? ›
The dish is claimed by both Campania and Sicily. While "parmigiana" means "from Parma" (in Northern Italy), the dish is not part of Parma food. It is based on melanzane alla parmigiana (alt. parmigiana di melanzane) or eggplant parmigiana (or eggplant Parmesan), a classic Southern Italian dish.
Which came first eggplant parm or chicken parm? ›
The ancestor of chicken parm is melanzane alla parmigiana, or eggplant parm. Eggplant parm was known as a "la cucina povera” dish, which means "from the kitchen of the poor". It was based on eggplant, often grown in local gardens, combined with ingredients that even the poorest of families would have on hand.
Who invented the chicken parm sandwich? ›
Believe it or not, the chicken parmesan dish was first created in the United States! It was first created by Italian immigrants in the country in the 1950s. They wanted to bring another classic Italian dish to the West with their own special twist.
