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.
What’s the Difference Between Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana?
Chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana are two beloved Italian-American dishes that are often used interchangeably. However, there are some notable differences between these two comfort food classics in terms of their origins, ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural significance. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana so you can understand their unique identities.
Names and Origins: The words “parmesan” and “parmigiana” come from different languages. Parmesan comes from Parma, Italy, which is known for making cheese, especially the famous Parmesan cheese. Parmigiana is the Italian word for a woman who lives in Parma.
Chicken parmigiana traces its roots directly back to Italy, where melanzane alla parmigiana (eggplant parmesan) has been a staple for generations. The dish gets its name from the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese sprinkled on top, not necessarily because it originated in Parma.
On the other hand, chicken parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that came to the US from Italy. It is likely that Italian immigrants changed the recipe from eggplant parmesan. The Americanized name referred directly to the parmesan cheese incorporated.
Key Ingredients: Cheese, Chicken, and More
Both dishes are built on a foundation of crisp, breaded chicken cutlets smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. However, there are some variations in the specific ingredients:
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Cheese: Mozzarella is used in chicken parmigiana, and Parmigiano-Reggiano is sometimes sprinkled on top. Most of the time, mozzarella is used in chicken parmesan, but provolone or a mix of the two can also be used.
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Chicken: Parmigiana chicken cutlets are often thicker and pounded flat to cook evenly. Parmesan cutlets may use thinner chicken breasts for faster cooking.
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Breadcrumbs: Parmigiana recipes call for a lighter breading that is fried to give it a light crunch. Parmesan may skip frying and just bake the breaded chicken.
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Seasonings: Chicken parmigiana tends to use simpler seasoning focused on the high-quality ingredients. Chicken parmesan may incorporate more herbs, spices, or cheese into the breading for added flavor.
Preparation: Frying, Baking, and Beyond
The preparation techniques also differ between parmigiana and parmesan chicken:
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Frying: Traditional parmigiana dictates frying the breaded chicken before baking to achieve a crispy exterior. Parmesan recipes frequently opt for just baking the chicken, eliminating the frying step.
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Baking Process: Parmigiana is usually baked after frying to melt the cheese. Parmesan is often baked in a casserole style that makes the cheese layer softer and less crisp.
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Layering: Chicken parmigiana layers tend to be simpler with sauce, then chicken, then cheese. Chicken parmesan may add extras like ricotta or prosciutto between layers.
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Serving Style: Parmigiana is often served freestanding accompanied by pasta or a fresh salad. Parmesan is frequently served over pasta or as a hearty sandwich.
Cultural Significance
Both chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan hold cultural importance, especially within Italian-American communities:
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Family Heritage: They frequently appear in family dinners, parties, and celebrations as nostalgic ties to Italian culinary traditions.
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Comfort Food: Their indulgent cheeses, carbs, and flavors provide quintessential comfort food appeal.
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Mainstay Menu Items: Chicken parmigiana and parmesan have become staples on Italian-American restaurant menus and in home cooking repertoires.
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Pop Culture Presence: These dishes often pop up in movies, TV, and other media as icons of Italian-American food culture.
Regional Variations
Across different regions of the U.S., chicken parmigiana and parmesan can take on localized forms:
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East Coast versions tend to have extra cheese and sauce for a hearty, decadent dish.
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West Coast creations may use lighter ingredients and healthier preparations like grilled chicken.
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Some restaurants add creative twists, using eggplant, vegan cheese, or housemade marinara sauce.
While parmigiana skews more traditional and parmesan more modernized, both hold appeal for cheese and chicken lovers. Whichever name you use, a platter of tender chicken blanketed in melted cheese and tangy marinara is sure to satisfy. Just don’t be surprised if a heated debate ensues among Italian food aficionados regarding these two beloved dishes.
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 that each sauce or dish goes best with a certain shape and style. Options like penne, 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.
The Birth of a Classic: Uncovering the Story
This dish is so popular and loved by everyone that it’s easy to think it’s an old recipe that has been making people happy for hundreds of years. 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.
Is there a difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana?
FAQ
What is the difference between chicken parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana?
Chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana are the same dish, just with different names. “Parmigiana” is the Italian term, while “parmesan” is the English adaptation, according to Facebook users.
Are parmigiana and parmesan the same?
In the European Union, “parmesan” is accepted as a translation of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Outside of the European Union, parmesan does not refer to the same cheese as Parmigiano-Reggiano. In America, parmesan cheese is a different product because it is not subject to DOP regulations. May 1, 2025.
Why do they call it a chicken parm?
Chicken parmesan, also written as “chicken parmigiana,” gets its name from the Italian dish “melanzane alla parmigiana,” which is made with eggplant, cheese, and tomato sauce. The term “parmigiana” refers to the style of preparation rather than a specific type of cheese.
What is the fancy name for chicken parmesan?
Chicken parmesan, also called chicken parmigiana (Italian: pollo alla parmigiana), is a dish made of breaded chicken breasts topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone cheese.
Is chicken parmesan the same as chicken parmigiana?
The terms Chicken Parmigiana and Chicken Parmesan essentially refer to the same dish: breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and cheese. However, their names often indicate different cultures or regional interpretations. “Parmigiana” is derived from the Italian word for Parma, a city known for its cheese.
What is the difference between fried chicken and chicken parmesan?
This provides a satisfying crunch that complements the juicy chicken. Chicken Parmesan: In many American variations, the chicken may simply be baked rather than fried, resulting in a softer, less crispy texture. Another aspect of preparation that can vary is the cooking method:
Where does chicken parmigiana come from?
Many people think that chicken parmigiana comes from Italy. Its history can be traced back to Southern Italy, where eggplant parmesan (melanzane alla parmigiana) is a popular dish. The term “parmigiana” originates from the city of Parma, known for its delicious cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Can you eat chicken Parmesan & Parmigiana together?
Yes, it is entirely possible to make healthier versions of both Chicken Parmigiana and Chicken Parmesan. One approach is to use leaner cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast, and to bake instead of fry the chicken cutlets. This significantly reduces the amount of oil used, cutting down on overall calories and fat content.
What is the difference between parmesan & Italian?
It reflects the traditional Italian origins of the dish, where it is typically prepared with less cheese and a focus on the quality of the sauce. On the other hand, “Parmesan” tends to reflect a more Americanized version of the dish, often featuring a heavier cheese component.
Is Chicken Parmesan a casserole?
Chicken Parmesan: Frequently baked in a casserole-style, which can change the texture of the top layer, making it gooier rather than crispy. Both chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan have evolved through regional adaptations, leading to a variety of interpretations across the country.