Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, stands as one of the most beloved Italian-American dishes. But there’s a question that often puzzles people: Why is it called Chicken Parm if it’s made with mozzarella? Given that mozzarella typically dominates most recipes, the name can be confusing.
The Origins of Chicken Parmesan
The Italian Roots of Parmigiana
The dish we now recognize as Chicken Parmesan has deep roots in Italian cuisine. It originated from a traditional Italian recipe called Melanzane alla Parmigiana, a vegetarian dish that layered fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and Parmesan cheese. In Italy, Parmigiano Reggiano plays a significant role in many recipes.
How Chicken Replaced Eggplant in America
When Italian immigrants arrived in America in the early 20th century, they adapted their recipes to fit the ingredients available. Meat, especially chicken, was far more affordable in the U.S. than in Italy. As a result, they swapped eggplant for chicken, giving rise to Chicken Parmigiana. Despite the ingredient swap, the name stayed the same.
Why Parmesan? A Look at the Name
The Role of Parmesan Cheese in the Name
While mozzarella often takes center stage in Chicken Parmesan, the name Parmigiana doesn’t actually refer to the cheese itself. The term Parmigiana comes from the cooking style rather than the specific type of cheese. Some theories suggest that Parmigiana refers to “in the style of Parma,” a city famous for its culinary heritage.
Others believe the name might have evolved from damigiana, the traditional cooking vessel used. Over time, the dish’s name changed, but its rich flavor and popularity never wavered.
Why Mozzarella Became the Star
In most Chicken Parmesan recipes, mozzarella shines because of its exceptional melting properties. While Parmesan adds sharp flavor, it doesn’t melt as well as mozzarella. That gooey, stretchy texture people love comes directly from the mozzarella layered on the crispy breaded chicken.
Fun Fact: Mozzarella was cheaper and more accessible in American grocery stores during the 20th century, which also contributed to its widespread use in Chicken Parmesan recipes.
Cultural Adaptations and Evolution
Chicken Parmesan’s Popularity in America
The shift from Melanzane alla Parmigiana to Chicken Parmesan demonstrates how immigrants adapt their culinary traditions to new environments. Over time, Chicken Parmesan became a staple in Italian-American restaurants, growing into one of America’s most beloved comfort foods.
Want to explore another Italian-American favorite? Check out our Garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe, a perfect companion to Chicken Parmesan.
The Linguistic Confusion: Parmesan vs. Parmigiana
Why Do We Call It “Parm”?
As mentioned earlier, Parmigiana doesn’t necessarily indicate the use of Parmesan cheese. Many people confuse the name because Parm sounds similar to Parmesan, leading to the belief that the dish gets its name from the cheese. However, Parmigiana refers more to the preparation method. Dishes like Melanzane alla Parmigiana follow a pattern of breading and layering ingredients, similar to Chicken Parmesan.
The Roof Slats Theory
One theory claims that Parmigiana comes from the Sicilian word palmigiana, which translates to “slats” or “shutters.” This refers to the layered arrangement of the eggplant or chicken in the dish, resembling the slats of window shutters. Over time, the word palmigiana may have evolved into Parmigiana, contributing to the misconception that the dish is named after Parmesan cheese.
Why Does the Name Stick?
The Appeal of Chicken Parmesan
If mozzarella dominates the dish, why hasn’t the name changed? Tradition and branding likely play significant roles in keeping the name intact. Over the years, Chicken Parmesan has become synonymous with Italian-American cuisine. Changing the name now would likely cause confusion among diners.
The term Chicken Parm is also catchy and easy to say. Its widespread popularity across diners, pizzerias, and even fast-food chains has ensured the name remains a household term in American cuisine.
Common Misconceptions About Chicken Parmesan
Myth 1: Chicken Parmesan is an Authentic Italian Dish
While Chicken Parmesan has Italian roots, it’s largely an Italian-American creation. In Italy, eggplant parmigiana (the original version) is far more common than chicken.
Myth 2: Parmesan Cheese Is Always the Main Cheese
Many people think Parmesan cheese plays the lead role in Chicken Parmesan, but mozzarella typically takes the spotlight due to its ability to melt beautifully over the dish.
Myth 3: The Name Refers to Parma
Some assume the dish is connected to the city of Parma, famous for Parmigiano Reggiano. However, this is not likely the case. As discussed, the name Parmigiana refers to the preparation method rather than the city itself.
FAQs About Chicken Parmesan
Q1: Why is it called Chicken Parmesan if it’s made with mozzarella?
The name Chicken Parmesan originates from the Italian dish Melanzane alla Parmigiana. The term Parmigiana refers to the cooking method, not the cheese itself.
Q2: Does Chicken Parmesan ever use Parmesan cheese?
Yes, Parmesan cheese is sometimes used as a garnish, but mozzarella is the primary cheese due to its superior melting properties.
Q3: Can you make Chicken Parmesan with other cheeses?
Absolutely! While mozzarella remains the most popular choice, some variations use provolone or a mix of cheeses. For more ideas, check out our Parmesan garlic sauce ingredients.
Q4: What are the best side dishes for Chicken Parmesan?
Common side dishes include pasta, garlic bread, and salads, all of which balance out the rich flavors of Chicken Parmesan.
Q5: Why is it called Chicken Parmesan if it’s made with mozzarella?
The name Chicken Parmesan originates from the Italian dish Melanzane alla Parmigiana, which translates to eggplant parmesan. The term Parmigiana describes the preparation method, typically involving breaded and layered ingredients, rather than referring specifically to Parmesan cheese.
In Italian-American cuisine, cooks began using mozzarella as the primary cheese because it melts better and was more accessible. Even though mozzarella took center stage, the name “Chicken Parmesan” remained, honoring the dish’s heritage and preparation style instead of its ingredients.
Q6: Is Chicken Parmesan made with mozzarella?
Yes, most Chicken Parmesan recipes use mozzarella as the main cheese. Cooks prefer mozzarella because it melts perfectly and creates a gooey, stretchy texture that enhances the dish.
Q7: What do Italians call Chicken Parmesan?
In Italy, the dish we call Chicken Parmesan doesn’t really exist. The original Italian dish, Melanzane alla Parmigiana, uses eggplant instead of chicken. Italians refer to dishes made with layers of breaded ingredients and cheese as Parmigiana, typically made with vegetables like eggplant. The chicken version is an Italian-American adaptation, so you won’t typically find Italians calling it Chicken Parmesan.
Q8: Can you substitute provolone for mozzarella in Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute provolone for mozzarella in Chicken Parmesan. Provolone offers a slightly sharper and more robust flavor compared to mozzarella, but it still melts well and provides a creamy texture. Some recipes even combine both cheeses to enhance the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with provolone, especially if you prefer a bolder cheese in your dish.
Conclusion
So, Why is it called Chicken Parm if it’s made with mozzarella? The answer lies in tradition and adaptation. The term Parmigiana describes the cooking method rather than the cheese, and while mozzarella has taken center stage, the name Chicken Parmesan has endured due to its popularity and branding. This classic dish will likely continue to evolve, but its name and place in American cuisine remain firmly established.