Chicken parmigiana and parmesan are two popular Italian-American chicken dishes that are often confused with each other due to their similar names. However, they are quite different in terms of ingredients, preparation method, and taste profile.
What is Chicken Parmigiana?
Chicken parmigiana, also known as chicken parmesan, is a breaded chicken cutlet that is fried and then baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The dish likely originated from the Southern Italian region of Campania.
To make chicken parmigiana, chicken breast cutlets are dredged in breadcrumbs or flour, then fried in oil until golden brown. The fried chicken cutlets are layered in a baking dish, topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The end result is a crispy, breaded chicken cutlet smothered in savory tomato sauce and melted cheese. Chicken parmigiana is usually served with a side of pasta or vegetables.
What is Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan cheese refers to a hard, dry cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a granular texture and a sharp, nutty, and salty flavor. Traditional Parmesan cheese is produced in specific regions of Italy, such as Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. It carries a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) labeling to indicate its authenticity.
To make Parmesan cheese, cow’s milk is partially skimmed, then cooked and curdled with rennet. The curds are cut, cooked further, then pressed into wheel molds for aging. Parmesan wheels age for at least 12 months up to several years to develop the cheese’s characteristic crystalline texture and intense umami flavor.
Finely grated Parmesan is a popular topping for pastas, salads, risottos, and more in Italian cuisine. It also stands well on its own as a table cheese enjoyed with wine, fruit, and nuts.
Key Differences
Here are the main differences between chicken parmigiana and Parmesan cheese:
Ingredients
- Chicken parmigiana contains breaded fried chicken, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Parmesan cheese is made only from milk, rennet, salt, and aging.
Preparation
- Chicken parmigiana involves breading, frying, saucing, baking, and layering components.
- Parmesan cheese involves curdling, cutting, cooking, pressing, and aging the cheese.
Texture
- Chicken parmigiana has a combination of crispy, saucy, melted textures.
- Parmesan has a hard, crystalline, granular texture.
Flavor
- Chicken parmigiana tastes breaded, fried, savory, and rich.
- Parmesan has a sharp, nutty, and umami flavor.
Origin
- Chicken parmigiana originated in southern Italy.
- Parmesan comes from specific regions in northern Italy.
Uses
- Chicken parmigiana is used as a protein main dish.
- Parmesan is used as a flavoring ingredient or eating cheese.
Conclusion
In summary, chicken parmigiana is a layered Italian-American chicken dish made with tomato sauce and mozzarella, while Parmesan is an aged hard Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. They differ significantly in ingredients, texture, taste, origin, and usage despite their similar names.