Key Qualities Of The Best Chicken Parmesan Near Me

When it’s prepared correctly, chicken Parmigiana is a masterful combination of ingredients that meld into a delicious meal. It’s a perfectly seasoned and crispy breaded chicken cutlet with the right amount of tangy tomato sauce and gooey cheese. Do you know what to look for when searching for the best chicken Parmesan near you?

Who Serves The Best Chicken Parmesan Near You?

Mario’s Pizza is a locally owned family restaurant started by 3 Italian brothers. In addition to making great NY style pizza and chicken Parmesan, we serve many other Italian entrees:

• Salads
• Traditional and boneless wings
• Subs
• Pizza
• Strombolis
• Calzones
• Lasagna
• Ravioli
• Baked Ziti
• Chicken/eggplant Parmigiana
• And more!

Of course, we think we make great Italian food, but more importantly, our customers do, too. Here are reviews from 2 recent customers:

Ordered the new 12″ pizza. Very delicious. I almost ate the whole pizza by myself. Will definitely be coming back. Jazzy W.

Quick service, delicious fresh food! Friendly staff! Love their sandwiches & pizza!! Plenty of indoor seating!  – Kacy C.

To make our delicious food, we use fresh ingredients, authentic Italian family recipes, and traditional techniques. You can taste our quality in every bite.

Where Did Chicken Parmigiana Originate?

Although chicken Parmesan has its roots in Europe, it’s an American invention. In Italy, people enjoyed melanzane alla Parmigiana, also known as eggplant Parmesan. Even the poorest of Italians could grow the ingredients for this dish in their home gardens.

Italians fleeing poverty and seeking jobs arrived on the shores of America. Here, the expensive proteins of their homeland were more affordable and accessible. Moreover, eggplant was not readily available. Before long, immigrants began using chicken instead.   Once the dish started appearing in restaurants, its popularity grew.

What Makes A Great Chicken Parmesan?

Over the years, chefs have experimented with preparation methods and ingredients, resulting in many variations of the original classic. Yet, the Italian-American dish only consists of 4 basic elements:

• Chicken
• Breading
• Sauce
• Cheese

However, even with just 4 essentials, you can still ruin a perfectly good chicken Parmigiana:

1. Soggy breading

The breaded chicken cutlet should have a crispy, crunchy crust. However, using an incorrect layering technique or a watery tomato sauce usually results in a soggy mess.

2. Watery sauce

Often, the sauce is an overlooked ingredient. However, it’s crucial for adding moisture and flavor contrast. For example, a thick tomato sauce clings to the chicken, while a watery one pools on the plate. Moreover, thin sauce makes the coating soggy as breadcrumbs absorb the excess moisture.

3. Tough chicken

Nothing ruins a chicken dish more than tough, chewy chicken. Properly flattening a chicken breast breaks down the muscle fibers and tenderizes the meat. Flattening also helps the meat cook evenly.

Finally, cooking at high heat or for too long, will also toughen your meat. First, high heat tightens the muscle fibers, leading to moisture loss. Additionally, overcooking dries out the chicken.

4. Rubbery cheese

Using pre-shredded or low-quality mozzarella cheese can result in chewy, rubbery cheese. Customarily, pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking ingredients to prevent clumping. Furthermore, low-quality cheese may use additives to speed up production.

Both these additives, anti-caking agents and accelerated processors, prevent cheese from melting into a smooth, creamy substance.

5. Bland flavoring

Failing to season the breadcrumbs and chicken can result in a boring, tasteless meal. Seasonings like salt, pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder add depth and contrast.

6. Strategic assembly

After frying your breaded chicken cutlets, simmering your sauce, and shredding your cheese, it’s time to assemble the dish. The layering order can make or break your entree.

For example, some restaurants smother the chicken in tomato sauce, a sure-fire way to create a soggy parm. However, to keep the breading crispy, use only a small amount of sauce on top.

FAQS About Chicken Parm

Generally, the best chicken Parmesan near you requires using specific ingredients and following particular procedures. Below, we provide some additional information on creating this delicious dish.

Is There A Difference Between Chicken Parmesan vs. Chicken Parmigiana?

No. The phrases Parmigiana, Parmesan, and Parm all mean the same. Fundamentally, the original Italian phrase “alla parmigiana” means cooking in the style of Parma, a region in Italy. Parmesan is the Americanized version of the phrase, which people sometimes shorten to Parm.

What Do Restaurants Serve With Chicken Parmesan?

Traditionally, restaurants serve spaghetti alongside chicken Parm. However, other pasta shapes, such as linguine, fettuccine, or rigatoni, work well with this dish. Often, eateries also include a fresh, crisp salad and garlic bread or knots.

Which Is The Best Cheese To Use In This Dish?

Customarily, mozzarella is the traditional choice for topping the breaded cutlet. However, some chefs mix it with Parmesan or provolone cheese. Additionally, some chefs add Parmesan into the breading as it enhances the dish’s crispiness and flavor.

Are You Ready For Some Of The Best Chicken Parmesan Near You?

Whether you live in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Clemmons, or somewhere in between, we can serve you! Mario’s Pizza locations are convenient and accessible to many towns in the Piedmont area:

• 2205 Cloverdale Ave, Winston-Salem
• 1066 Hanes Mall Blvd, Winston-Salem
• 266 Harvey St., Winston-Salem
• 575 New Garden Rd, Greensboro
• 4215 W Wendover Ave, Greensboro
• 3354 W. Friendly Ave. Suite 142 Greensboro
• 2645 N Main St, High Point
• 5824 Samet Dr, High Point
• 469 River Ridge Dr, Clemmons

When you’re craving delicious chicken parm, stop by Mario’s Pizza for authentic Italian food and hospitality.