National Dish Australia: Chicken Parmigiana (Recipe)
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Meet Chicken Parmigiana, one of Australia’s best-loved pub classics! This generous dish crowns a crisp, golden chicken breast with savoury ham, tangy tomato sauce and a blanket of bubbling, melted cheese. Italian in origin but thoroughly at home Down Under, it is the kind of hearty comfort food that suits a relaxed evening at the pub just as well as a family dinner. Bring the warmth of an Aussie bistro straight to your own kitchen.
About Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana is a much-loved main dish in Australia, served in pubs and restaurants right across the country. This tempting plate brings together a juicy chicken breast fillet, savoury ham, aromatic tomato sauce and a generous helping of melted cheese. Originally from Italy, the Chicken Parmigiana has grown into a genuine Australian classic and offers comfort food at its finest. It is a dish made for sociable evenings and works beautifully for almost any occasion.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 chicken breast fillets
- 50 g ham (or prosciutto)
- 100 g grated cheese (e.g. mozzarella or cheddar)
- 200 ml tomato sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Flour, for dredging
- Olive oil, for frying
- Fresh herbs (e.g. basil or oregano), to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
To make the perfect Chicken Parmigiana, it is worth choosing good-quality ingredients. Visit your local supermarket or a butcher to pick up fresh chicken breast fillets. The cheese matters too; ideally reach for a flavoursome mozzarella or cheddar that melts beautifully under the grill. Don’t forget some fresh herbs to round off the dish and lift its flavour.
Preparing the dish
The Chicken Parmigiana takes a little groundwork before you get to the cooking itself. Make sure all your ingredients are ready and within easy reach. The chicken breast fillet should be pounded flat so it cooks through evenly. You can also have the tomato sauce and cheese prepared in advance, so everything is close to hand once you start cooking.
Step-by-step instructions
- Lightly pound the chicken breast fillets and season with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each fillet in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the crumbed chicken fillets until golden brown.
- Place the fried fillets on a baking tray, top with tomato sauce and ham, and scatter generously with cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for around 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs to taste and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make the Chicken Parmigiana gluten-free, simply swap the wheat flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Ground almonds or oat flour, for instance, both work well. If you need a lactose-free option, use lactose-free cheese or even a vegan cheese to keep that creamy texture. Do take care to check the tomato sauce for any hidden gluten-containing ingredients.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan and vegetarian takes on the Chicken Parmigiana are hugely popular too. In place of chicken you can use aubergine or courgette, both of which grill up deliciously under the cheese. Reach for a plant-based cheese and a homemade tomato sauce to enjoy the full flavour. These variations are not only tasty but nutritious, offering a great option for every kind of diet.
More tips and tricks
To make the Chicken Parmigiana easier to prepare and even tastier, a few simple tricks help. A really crisp coating works best if you double-crumb the chicken — after the first coating of egg and breadcrumbs, simply dip it once more in egg and breadcrumbs. For extra flavour you can also stir some parmesan through the breadcrumb mixture. Experiment with different seasonings to intensify the flavour even further.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The Chicken Parmigiana is a very adaptable dish and easy to tailor to individual preferences. Add aromatics such as garlic or chilli, for example, to bring a gentle heat to the tomato sauce. If you prefer it milder, work in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to soften the flavour profile. The ham can also be swapped for turkey or a vegetarian alternative.
Ingredient substitutions
There are plenty of alternatives you can use when making the Chicken Parmigiana. Instead of chicken you might reach for turkey, which is leaner and offers a comparable flavour — much like the lighter poultry that stars in Chicken Schnitzel. If you want to replace the cheese, there are numerous vegan cheese alternatives on the market. In the tomato sauce, various herbs and spices are possible to suit different tastes — from Italian right through to Mexican.
Drink pairing ideas
The right choice of drink can greatly enrich the Chicken Parmigiana experience. A refreshing glass of white wine or a light lager pairs wonderfully with the hearty flavour of the dish. For alcohol-free options, a homemade lemonade or sparkling mineral water is ideal for balancing the flavours. A fruity cocktail can make an interesting accompaniment too, drawing out the flavour combination.
Serving and presentation ideas
The Chicken Parmigiana can be served simply yet creatively. Use flat plates and garnish the dish with fresh herbs for instant visual appeal. Serve it with a colourful salad or a portion of chips to round out the meal. Presenting it on a rustic wooden board also creates a lovely effect and makes the meal even more inviting.
A bit of history
The story of the Chicken Parmigiana is every bit as fascinating as its flavour. Originally Italian, the dish was popularised in Australia by immigrants, where it was adapted to local tastes. The combination of ingredients and the oven-baked finish are all part of its Australian character. Today the Chicken Parmigiana is one of the best-selling dishes in Australian pubs and has earned a firm place in the country’s Australian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Chicken Parmigiana
The Chicken Parmigiana is more than just a dish; it is a slice of Australian culture that wins over hearts and palates the world over. With its combination of tender flavours, crisp coating and juicy cheese, it is perfect for any occasion, whether a relaxed evening at the pub or a delicious family dinner at home. Let the sheer variety of ways to prepare it inspire you, and enjoy this beloved national dish that is cherished all around the globe.
