Are you ready to learn how to make the ultimate comfort food? Look no further, because I’m about to walk you through the steps to make the almighty parmo. This cheesy, crispy dish hails from the North East of England and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Get ready to indulge in a delicious journey as we learn how to make this mouthwatering masterpiece.
To start off, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll need chicken breasts, some flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and a generous amount of cheese – typically cheddar and mozzarella. For the sauce, you’ll want to have some béchamel sauce, garlic, and a dash of mustard. Don’t forget the side salad and a bottle of your favorite hot sauce – trust me, it’s a game changer!
First things first, preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, it’s time to prepare the chicken. You’ll want to butterfly the chicken breasts, creating two thin pieces from one. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and makes for a tender bite.
Now comes the fun part – breading the chicken. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Take each piece of chicken and coat it in flour, followed by the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. You’ll want to make sure each piece is fully coated for a crunchy exterior.
Once the chicken is breaded, it’s time to fry them up. Heat up some oil in a skillet and carefully place the chicken in, cooking until golden brown on each side. This step adds a delightful crispiness to the dish and locks in all the juicy flavors of the chicken.
While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the béchamel sauce. Melt some butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, and then whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk and let the mixture simmer until it thickens. This creamy sauce adds a rich and velvety texture to the parmo.
Now, let’s assemble our creation! Place the fried chicken on the prepared baking sheet and generously ladle the béchamel sauce on top. Sprinkle a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the sauce, making sure to cover the entire chicken. This is where the magic happens – the cheese will melt and bubble, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.
Pop the parmo into the oven and let it bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly. This is the moment of truth – when you pull the parmo out of the oven, you’ll be greeted with a sight and smell that will make your mouth water.
As the parmo cools slightly, take a moment to toss together a simple side salad. A crisp, refreshing salad is the perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness of the parmo. And don’t forget to grab your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to dig in! Slice the parmo into generous portions and serve alongside the side salad. Each bite is a delightful combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese. The hot sauce adds a fiery zing that takes this dish to the next level.
Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just for yourself, making a parmo is a fantastic way to indulge in a delicious, homemade treat. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite. You won’t regret it!