Why Is It Called Chicken Parm If It’s Made With Mozzarella?

Chicken Parmesan is a favorite dish for many, but its name can be confusing. If the dish is made mostly with mozzarella cheese, why is it called Chicken Parmesan? To understand this, we need to look at the dish’s history and how it has evolved from its Italian origins to what we know today. Let’s explore why the dish keeps the name “Parmesan” despite being made with mozzarella.

Historical Origins of Chicken Parmigiana

The original Parmigiana dish in Italy was made with eggplant and topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. When Italian immigrants came to the United States, they adapted the recipe by using chicken instead of eggplant. Mozzarella became the main cheese, as it was easier to find in American grocery stores. Even though the ingredients changed, the name Parmigiana stuck because of the dish’s Italian roots.

For a deeper dive into how this dish has evolved, you can check out The Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Recipe.

Why Did Mozzarella Replace Parmesan?

As the dish evolved in America, mozzarella took center stage because of its gooey texture and melting ability. Americans loved the soft, stretchy quality it brought to the dish. Parmigiano-Reggiano became more of a topping or garnish. The switch to mozzarella didn’t change the name, though, because the name “Parmesan” had already become linked to the Italian-style dish.

To learn about the differences between the original Chicken Parmigiana and the American version, you can read Difference Between Chicken Parmigiana and Chicken Parmesan.

Why Is the Name Still “Parmesan”?

The name “Chicken Parmesan” has stuck around for a few reasons. First, it’s a nod to the dish’s origin in Italy. Even though the cheese changed, calling it “Chicken Parmesan” keeps the connection to Parmigiano-Reggiano. Second, the name helps market the dish, especially in Italian-American restaurants, where “Parmesan” is a familiar word for customers. This keeps the dish appealing to a wide audience.

For more about why the name “Parmesan” persists, despite the mozzarella base, check out Why Does the Breading Fall Off My Chicken Parmesan?.

Final Thoughts

Even though Chicken Parmesan uses mozzarella as the primary cheese, the name remains tied to its Italian roots. The dish has evolved, but the connection to Italy and its culinary heritage keeps the “Parmesan” name alive. Whether topped with mozzarella or garnished with Parmigiano-Reggiano, Chicken Parmesan remains a beloved dish in both Italy and the United States.

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