The BEST Chicken Parmesan Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep the breading on chicken parm? ›

Place the breaded chicken on a cooling rack (or a platter) and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This cooling time will help the layers of breading ingredients solidify and adhere better after the chicken cooks. Once you start cooking the chicken, be patient and don't flip it over too early.

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.

Olive Oil: I prefer to use extra-virgin olive oil to cook the onion and garlic in, while I use a more neutral oil to fry the chicken. Use your favorite olive oil here, or check out our list of the best olive oil brands.

After the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the breading mixture, place them in the hot oil—with plenty of space in between—and let them be! The more you touch the chicken with tongs, the more likely the breading is to fall off. If the cutlets are touching each other, the more likely the breading is to come off.

Yes, fresh fruit and vegetables should be washed with cold water before preparation, but raw poultry should not. Don't worry: Properly cooking chicken will destroy any pathogens. In fact, it is the only way to destroy those pathogens.

Chicken Parmigiana's History

Believe it or not, there was not readily accessible chicken in Parma, Italy, so the idea started with thin slices of eggplant covered in Neapolitan tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

A thicker, stout pasta shape, like a ridged rigatoni, works well with chicken parmesan because it matches the heft and satisfying texture of the protein.

Pre-heat your pan. Temper your meat (aka don't cook it right after it comes out of the fridge). Slick your pan with enough fat. Morocco says if you've done these three things, you're probably in no-stick territory.

Can you cook chicken with butter instead of oil? You have to cook chicken at a lower temperature if you bake or pan-fry chicken using butter instead of oil. This is because butter has a lower scorching temperature. Your chicken will cook more slowly, but it's also likely to be juicier and full of more flavor.

When it comes to breading meat, most breading procedures are basically the same. But taking the extra time to soak your meat in buttermilk and let the flour set will ensure that your breading is fully adhered for the perfect breaded pork chops or breaded chicken.

Should you let breading sit on chicken before frying? ›

Once your chicken is coated and breaded, return it to the fridge and let it chill for 15 to 30 minutes. This gives the breading a chance to set. Then, remove from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes, then fry in hot oil until golden brown, drain on paper towels, and then serve.

Seal the plate gently with a length or two of plastic cling wrap. Don't pull it too tight, but make sure that all of the edges are sealed. Place the plate into the refrigerator and let the food sit for at least 60 minutes. This helps the coating to harden a bit, which will keep it on the food.

But taking the extra time to soak your meat in buttermilk and let the flour set will ensure that your breading is fully adhered for the perfect breaded pork chops or breaded chicken.

After you get the breading on the chicken place the pieces on a sheet of wax paper for 20 minutes before cooking. Leave space between each piece of chicken. Also, if you're frying the chicken, don't move it around. Don't fuss with it, just let it do it's thing.