Looking to recreate a classic pub favourite in your own kitchen? Chicken parma, short for parmigiana, is a beloved Australian dish that combines crispy chicken schnitzel, rich tomato sauce, smoky ham, and gooey melted cheese. It's a comfort food classic that's sure to impress family and friends. The best part? You can grab your essential ingredients, including high-quality chicken schnitzel and ham, directly from our store at Lucky Pig or online at www.luckypig.com.au. Here's your simple step-by-step guide to making mouth-watering chicken parmas at home.
What you’ll need:
- 4 chicken schnitzels
- 4-8 slices of ham
- 2 cups of passata or tomato pasta sauce
- 2 teaspoons of dried Italian herbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, for frying
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
how you’ll make it:
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 200°C. This ensures it's at the perfect temperature for baking your parmas to gooey perfection.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a small saucepan, combine the passata, Italian herbs, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Set aside.
3. **Cook the Schnitzels:** Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken schnitzels for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and just cooked through. You want them crispy on the outside but still juicy on the inside.
4. **Assemble the Parmas:** Transfer the cooked schnitzels to a baking tray lined with baking paper. Top each schnitzel with a slice of ham. Spoon over the tomato sauce, making sure to cover the ham. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
5. **Bake:** Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. The quick blast in the oven melts the cheese and brings all the components together.
6. **Serve:** Serve your chicken parmas hot from the oven. They're perfect accompanied by a simple garden salad and some crispy chips or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Parma:
- **Quality Ingredients:** The key to a great parma is starting with quality ingredients. Our chicken schnitzels and ham are prepared with care, ensuring you get the best flavour in every bite.
- **Cheese Matters:** Don't skimp on the cheese! A good mix of mozzarella and parmesan creates the perfect melt and flavour.
- **Crispy Schnitzel:** Ensure your schnitzel is well-crisped before assembling. This adds texture and keeps the schnitzel from becoming soggy under the sauce and cheese.
Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, homemade chicken parmas are sure to be a hit. With premium ingredients from Lucky Pig, you're already halfway there! Visit us in-store or online at www.luckypig.com.au to get everything you need for this delicious dish. Enjoy your cooking and the fantastic meal that awaits!