Crunchy Chicken Parmesan with Rich Creamy Tomato Sauce

Summary

Chicken Parmesan, a globally cherished Italian dish, is known for its crispy crust and creamy tomato sauce. Originating from Parma, Italy, this dish can be made with or without Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. This article provides a detailed guide on preparing a crunchy crust using boneless chicken breasts and a rich tomato sauce. It also includes interesting stats and tips to enhance your cooking experience.

The Origins of Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, also known as "Chicken Parmigiana," is believed to have originated in the Italian region of Parma. The dish may or may not include Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, despite its name. The hallmark of Chicken Parmesan is its crispy outer crust and creamy topping, which make it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Crafting the Perfect Crunchy Crust

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts
• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Bread crumbs
• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Garlic salt
• Ritz crackers (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the boneless chicken breasts in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Garlic-Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and minced garlic.
3. Crumb Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and garlic salt.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge the chicken pieces in the garlic-butter mixture, then coat them in the crumb mixture.

Alternative Crust Preparation

For a different approach, use Ritz crackers:

1. Crush the Crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a resealable plastic bag, leaving some air inside. Use a rolling pin or coffee mug to crush the crackers into crumbs.
2. Mix and Coat: In another resealable plastic bag, mix the crumbs with the chicken pieces. Add Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and shake until the chicken is thoroughly coated. For a spicy kick, add a few pinches of cayenne pepper.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Roasting: Roast the chicken in a shallow baking dish at 450°F until the exterior is brown and crisp, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. This should take about 25 to 30 minutes. Check every 10 minutes and adjust the heat if necessary.
2. Pan Frying: Alternatively, pan fry the chicken partially and finish cooking in the oven.

Creating a Rich and Creamy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Carrot pieces
• Whole peeled tomatoes
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Preparation Steps

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a pan, sauté onions and garlic in extra virgin olive oil until the onions become soft.
2. Add Carrots: Add carrot pieces and cook for a couple of minutes.
3. Tomatoes: Mix in whole peeled tomatoes and mash them as they cook. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes.
4. Combine with Chicken: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken breasts. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Pour any remaining sauce around the breasts.
5. Bake: Bake the entire dish in the oven for about 10 minutes, or place under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Global Popularity: Chicken Parmesan is a staple in Italian-American cuisine and is featured in 90% of Italian restaurants in the United States (source).
• Cheese Consumption: The average American consumes about 38 pounds of cheese per year, with Parmesan being one of the top choices (source).
• Tomato Production: Italy is one of the top producers of tomatoes, with an annual production of over 6 million tons (source).

Conclusion

Creating a delicious Chicken Parmesan with a crunchy crust and rich tomato sauce is a rewarding culinary experience. By following these detailed steps and incorporating high-quality ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. Whether you prefer a traditional bread crumb coating or a unique Ritz cracker crust, this recipe is sure to impress.

Enjoy your cooking journey and savor the flavors of this classic Italian dish!