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Crispy Chicken Parmesan

ChrisB , , , ,

When going out for Italian, what comes to mind: Spaghetti, meatballs, maybe Fettuccini Alfredo? No matter where you go these days if it is even remotely Italian cuisine it is sure to have not only those traditional Italian dishes, but also a few that although not authentic, are strongly tied to Italian cuisine.

As Italian as noodles! This dish is a well-known staple in any Italian restaurant today. But, just as noodles are not an Italian creation, chicken parmesan is not native to Italy either. A development out of necessity by Italian-Americans, either due to a lack of eggplant or the American preference for meat the chicken parmesan was adapted from the eggplant parmesan that was traditional in Italy.

Regardless of how chicken parmesan originated it is here to stay. The combination of fried breaded chicken breasts covered in cheese and swimming in tomato sauce has encapsulated children and adults alike. The mildness of chicken and breadcrumbs serves as a backdrop to the pronounced tomato and cheese topping. The light melted cheese also serves to contrast against the crispy breading to add to the allure of this dish. Both complimentary and contrasting characteristics come together in this not-so-Italian culinary creation.

Ingredients:

1 can tomato sauce

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

1 chicken breast – cut in half

3 Tbsp. olive oil

¼ cup each shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan.

½ cup all purpose flour

1 egg, beaten

 

Directions:

 

  • Bread the split chicken breast; first coat in flour, then egg, followed lastly by Panko bread crumbs.
  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place breaded chicken into oil and cover.
  • Remove when sufficiently browned and internal temperature has reached 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Top with Parmesan & mozzarella cheese.
  • Pour over hot tomato sauce, top with additional mozzarella and serve.

This weekend, if you are in the mood for chicken, or the mood for cheese, or even just the mood for breadcrumbs for some strange reason; make yourself a chicken parmesan.