When it comes to Italian-American cuisine, few dishes are as beloved as chicken parmesan. This classic comfort food has been a staple in many households for generations, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and satisfying. But what sets Laura Vitale’s chicken parmesan apart from the rest? In this article, we’ll dive into the secrets behind this culinary expert’s mouth-watering recipe and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make chicken parmesan like Laura Vitale.
The Origins of Chicken Parmesan
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the origins of chicken parmesan. This dish has its roots in Southern Italy, where it’s known as “parmigiana di melanzane” or “eggplant parmesan.” The original recipe features breaded and fried eggplant slices topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Over time, creative cooks began substituting chicken breasts for the eggplant, and chicken parmesan was born.
Laura Vitale’s Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Laura Vitale, a celebrated chef and YouTube personality, has shared her own take on the classic chicken parmesan recipe. What sets her version apart is the attention to detail and emphasis on using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of her recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or gluten-free)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for frying
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the flour, coating both sides evenly. Then, dip the floured chicken in the beaten eggs, making sure they’re fully coated. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the meat to ensure they stick.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Assemble the Parmesan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a layer of marinara sauce over each breast, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until Golden: Bake the chicken parmesan in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Tips and Variations from Laura Vitale
One of the things that sets Laura Vitale apart is her attention to detail and willingness to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. Here are some tips and variations to take your chicken parmesan to the next level:
Use Freshly Grated Cheese:
Laura Vitale stresses the importance of using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-shredded variety. The difference in flavor and texture is noticeable, and it’s worth the extra effort.
Add Some Spice:
If you like a little heat in your chicken parmesan, try adding some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. This will give your dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Try Different Breadcrumbs:
Laura Vitale often uses Panko breadcrumbs for their light, airy texture. However, you can also experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for a unique twist.
Make Your Own Marinara Sauce:
While store-bought marinara sauce is convenient, making your own from scratch can elevate the flavor of your chicken parmesan. Try using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a more authentic taste.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
One of the key takeaways from Laura Vitale’s recipe is the emphasis on using high-quality ingredients. This is especially important when it comes to the chicken breasts, which should be fresh and of good quality. Avoid using frozen or breaded chicken breasts, as they can affect the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
Choosing the Right Olive Oil:
Laura Vitale recommends using a good-quality olive oil for frying the chicken breasts. Look for an olive oil with a high smoke point, as it will maintain its flavor and texture even at high heat.
Selecting the Perfect Mozzarella:
When it comes to mozzarella cheese, fresh is best. Look for a high-moisture mozzarella that’s perfect for melting and will add a creamy texture to your chicken parmesan.
Conclusion
Making chicken parmesan like Laura Vitale is all about attention to detail and a commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. By following her recipe and incorporating some of the tips and variations mentioned above, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dish that’s sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative, and buon appetito!
What is Laura Vitale’s secret to making the crispiest breading for Chicken Parmesan?
Laura Vitale’s secret to making the crispiest breading for Chicken Parmesan is to use a combination of all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. She also emphasizes the importance of not over-mixing the breading mixture, as this can cause it to become dense and lose its crispiness.
By using this combination of ingredients and mixing them just until they come together, Laura Vitale is able to achieve a breading that is both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This, combined with her technique of double-dipping the chicken in flour and then the breading mixture, ensures that the breading adheres well to the chicken and stays crispy even after cooking.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs, and many people prefer them because of their lighter, airier texture. Panko breadcrumbs are made from crustless white bread and have a larger, flakier texture than regular breadcrumbs, which makes them ideal for creating a crispy exterior.
However, keep in mind that panko breadcrumbs may not hold onto the chicken as well as regular breadcrumbs, so you may need to adjust your breading technique slightly. Additionally, panko breadcrumbs can be more expensive than regular breadcrumbs, so it’s up to you to decide whether the extra cost is worth it for the slightly different texture they provide.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off the chicken during cooking?
To prevent the breading from falling off the chicken during cooking, make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels before dredging it in flour and then the breading mixture. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken better.
Another key step is to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, to ensure that each piece has enough room to cook evenly. This will help the breading cook evenly and prevent it from falling off. Finally, don’t stir the chicken too much while it’s cooking, as this can cause the breading to break off.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time and reheat it, but it’s best to follow a few key steps to ensure that the chicken stays crispy and flavorful.
One option is to make the chicken up until the point where you would add the sauce and cheese, and then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to reheat it. When you’re ready to reheat, simply add the sauce and cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can make the chicken completely and then reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overheat it or the breading may become soggy.
What type of cheese should I use for the best flavor?
For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use a combination of melted mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mozzarella has a high moisture content, which makes it perfect for melting and creating a creamy, stretchy texture.
Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, has a salty, nutty flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish. By using a combination of the two, you’ll get a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce that complements the crispy breading perfectly. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as provolone or ricotta, but mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic choices.
How do I get the sauce to stick to the chicken?
To get the sauce to stick to the chicken, it’s important to cook the sauce until it’s thick and syrupy. This will help it adhere to the chicken better.
Another key step is to add the sauce to the chicken while it’s still hot, as this will help the sauce spread evenly and stick to the chicken. You can also try sprinkling a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce to help it adhere to the chicken.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer, and it’s a great way to make a healthier version of this classic dish.
To make Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer, simply follow the same steps as you would for making it in a skillet, but cook the chicken in the air fryer instead. You may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on the type of air fryer you have, but the results will be a crispy, flavorful piece of chicken with much less oil. Just be sure to spray the chicken with a little bit of oil before cooking to help the breading crisp up.