When it comes to cooking with parmesan chicken, the possibilities are endless. This versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic Italian recipes to modern twists and fusion cuisine. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to cook with parmesan chicken, including pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Classic Italian Recipes
One of the most obvious ways to use parmesan chicken is in classic Italian recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of breaded and fried chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. To make this dish, start by breading chicken breasts with a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Then, fry the chicken in olive oil until it’s golden brown and crispy. Finally, top the chicken with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, and serve with pasta or a green salad.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
Chicken fettuccine Alfredo is another classic Italian recipe that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. To make this dish, start by cooking fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Then, make a sauce by melting butter and cream together in a saucepan. Add grated parmesan cheese and cooked chicken to the sauce, and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Finally, serve the sauce over the cooked fettuccine pasta.
Pasta Dishes
Parmesan chicken is a great addition to many pasta dishes, including spaghetti, linguine, and penne. Here are a few ideas for pasta dishes that feature parmesan chicken:
Spaghetti Carbonara with Parmesan Chicken
Spaghetti carbonara is a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s made with bacon, eggs, and parmesan cheese. To make this dish with parmesan chicken, start by cooking spaghetti according to the package instructions. Then, make a sauce by whisking together eggs, parmesan cheese, and cooked bacon. Add diced parmesan chicken to the sauce, and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Finally, serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
Penne with Parmesan Chicken and Pesto
Penne with parmesan chicken and pesto is a quick and easy pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. To make this dish, start by cooking penne pasta according to the package instructions. Then, make a sauce by blending together basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Add diced parmesan chicken to the sauce, and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Finally, serve the sauce over the cooked penne pasta.
Salads
Parmesan chicken is a great addition to many salads, including Caesar salads, Greek salads, and spinach salads. Here are a few ideas for salads that feature parmesan chicken:
Chicken Caesar Salad
A chicken Caesar salad is a classic salad that’s made with romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and a tangy Caesar dressing. To make this salad with parmesan chicken, start by grilling or baking chicken breasts until they’re cooked through. Then, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to a salad made with romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese. Finally, drizzle the salad with Caesar dressing and serve.
Chicken Greek Salad
A chicken Greek salad is a hearty salad that’s made with mixed greens, feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, and parmesan chicken. To make this salad, start by grilling or baking chicken breasts until they’re cooked through. Then, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to a salad made with mixed greens, feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, and red onion. Finally, drizzle the salad with a tangy Greek vinaigrette and serve.
Sandwiches
Parmesan chicken is a great addition to many sandwiches, including subs, wraps, and paninis. Here are a few ideas for sandwiches that feature parmesan chicken:
Chicken Parmesan Sub
A chicken parmesan sub is a classic Italian-American sandwich that’s made with breaded and fried chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. To make this sandwich, start by breading chicken breasts with a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Then, fry the chicken in olive oil until it’s golden brown and crispy. Finally, serve the chicken on a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Chicken Caesar Wrap
A chicken Caesar wrap is a quick and easy sandwich that’s made with grilled or baked chicken, romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. To make this sandwich, start by grilling or baking chicken breasts until they’re cooked through. Then, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to a wrap made with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Finally, serve the wrap hot and enjoy.
Other Ideas
In addition to the ideas mentioned above, there are many other ways to use parmesan chicken in your cooking. Here are a few more ideas to get you started:
Chicken Quesadilla
A chicken quesadilla is a quick and easy dinner that’s made with shredded chicken, cheese, and tortillas. To make this dish with parmesan chicken, start by shredding cooked chicken breasts and mixing them with diced onions and peppers. Then, place the chicken mixture onto one half of a tortilla, top with cheese and fold the tortilla in half. Finally, cook the quesadilla in a skillet until it’s crispy and melted.
Chicken and Rice Bowl
A chicken and rice bowl is a simple and satisfying dinner that’s made with cooked chicken, rice, and steamed vegetables. To make this dish with parmesan chicken, start by cooking chicken breasts until they’re cooked through. Then, serve the chicken over a bed of rice, with steamed vegetables on the side. Finally, drizzle the dish with a tangy sauce, such as soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Parmesan | Breaded chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese | Bread chicken breasts, fry in olive oil, top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese |
| Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo | Fettuccine pasta, butter, cream, parmesan cheese, cooked chicken | Cook fettuccine pasta, make sauce with butter, cream, and parmesan cheese, add cooked chicken |
| Chicken Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, grilled chicken | Grill chicken, chop into bite-sized pieces, add to salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese, drizzle with Caesar dressing |
In conclusion, parmesan chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Italian dish, a quick and easy sandwich, or a hearty salad, parmesan chicken is a great choice. With its rich, savory flavor and tender texture, parmesan chicken is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So next time you’re planning a meal, consider using parmesan chicken as the main ingredient. Your taste buds will thank you!
What is Parmesan Chicken and How is it Made?
Parmesan Chicken is a popular Italian-American dish made with breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted Parmesan cheese. The chicken breasts are typically pounded thin, dredged in a mixture of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and then fried until crispy and golden brown.
To make Parmesan Chicken, you can use either fresh or frozen chicken breasts. Fresh chicken breasts are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but frozen chicken breasts can also be used as a convenient alternative. The key to making great Parmesan Chicken is to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh breadcrumbs, real Parmesan cheese, and homemade marinara sauce.
What are Some Popular Ways to Serve Parmesan Chicken?
Parmesan Chicken can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences and the occasion. One popular way to serve Parmesan Chicken is with pasta, such as spaghetti or ziti, and a side of garlic bread. You can also serve Parmesan Chicken with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of sautéed spinach.
Another popular way to serve Parmesan Chicken is as a sandwich, with the chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on a crusty sub roll. You can also serve Parmesan Chicken as a main course, with a side of roasted potatoes or a vegetable stir-fry.
Can I Make Parmesan Chicken in Advance?
Yes, you can make Parmesan Chicken in advance, but it’s best to cook the chicken breasts just before serving. You can prepare the breading mixture and the marinara sauce ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. You can also bread the chicken breasts ahead of time, but it’s best to fry them just before serving to ensure they stay crispy.
If you need to make Parmesan Chicken in advance, you can cook the chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply reheat the chicken breasts in the oven or microwave before serving. You can also freeze the cooked chicken breasts for up to a month and reheat them when needed.
How Do I Make Parmesan Chicken Crispy?
To make Parmesan Chicken crispy, you need to use the right breading mixture and cooking technique. The breading mixture should include a combination of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, with the breadcrumbs providing the crunch. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breading mixture for extra flavor.
To cook the chicken breasts, you should heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. You can also bake the chicken breasts in the oven for a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese in Parmesan Chicken?
While Parmesan cheese is the traditional choice for Parmesan Chicken, you can use other types of cheese as a substitute. Mozzarella cheese is a popular alternative, as it melts well and has a mild flavor. You can also use provolone cheese, which has a slightly sweeter flavor than Parmesan cheese.
Other types of cheese you can use in Parmesan Chicken include cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, and ricotta cheese. However, keep in mind that these cheeses may change the flavor and texture of the dish, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly. It’s also worth noting that using a combination of cheeses can create a richer and more complex flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Parmesan Chicken?
Leftover Parmesan Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To store leftover Parmesan Chicken in the refrigerator, place the chicken breasts in a covered container and refrigerate at a temperature of 40°F or below.
To freeze leftover Parmesan Chicken, place the chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag or container and label with the date. When you’re ready to reheat the chicken, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Can I Make Parmesan Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make Parmesan Chicken in a slow cooker, but it’s not the best method for achieving a crispy exterior. To make Parmesan Chicken in a slow cooker, place the breaded chicken breasts in the slow cooker and top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
While the slow cooker method can result in tender and flavorful chicken, it may not produce the same crispy exterior as pan-frying or baking. If you want to achieve a crispy exterior, it’s best to cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or oven. However, the slow cooker method can be a convenient and hands-off way to make Parmesan Chicken.