Eggplant and Chicken Parmesan are both dishes commonly found in Italian restaurants. Although they are similar, they each have a different origin story. Here is the history of both popular entrées. 

FAQ About the History of Eggplant & Chicken Parmesan

1. Where did Eggplant Parmesan originate? 

No one knows exactly how this dish was created. Some people believe it was invented in Parma, Italy, and its name has to do with the location. Others think the dish was named after Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, which is a staple ingredient. However, this cheese was widely traded in northern Italy, where Parma is also located, but eggplants first appeared in the southern half of the country. This makes some historians question whether the dish is connected to the city or ingredient at all. 

The third theory about the history of Eggplant Parm is that its name was derived from the word ‘parmiciana,’ which refers to the small wooden strips that form a shutter. The slices of eggplant in the dish are arranged similarly. None of these theories have much evidence to work with. 

2. How is eggplant parm made?

To make this dish, slice an eggplant and sprinkle each piece with salt before leaving it to rest for an hour. The salt helps draw out excess moisture, so the vegetable absorbs less oil during the frying process. When they are finished resting, pat them dry and fry each slice in olive oil and egg wash until browned on each side. Some people choose to bread their eggplant with breadcrumbs before frying. Arrange the cooked slices in a casserole dish and layer with tomato sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Bake until the cheese is golden brown on top and enjoy. 

3. Where did Chicken Parmesan originate? 

Even though this dish is similar to eggplant parm, the chicken version originated in the United States. No one is sure why chicken became the main ingredient, but it could either be because of the popularity of meat in the U.S. or the difficulty in finding eggplant widely available. Italian-American immigrants are credited with conceiving the dish. 

4. How is Chicken Parmesan made? 

This dish is very similar to eggplant parmesan, except the chicken is almost always breaded before being fried. To make this dish, slice chicken breasts and season them before coating them in breadcrumbs. Then fry in egg wash and olive oil until fully cooked. Next, layer the chicken with the same cheeses and sauce as eggplant parm and bake until golden brown.

If you’d like to try a fantastic plate of Chicken Parmesan or Eggplant Parmesan, visit Roma’s Pizza & Pasta in Springboro, OH. For over 20 years, this locally owned business has served authentic Italian cuisine from secret family recipes. All their menu items are made from scratch and use only the freshest ingredients. Visit their website to view the full menu, or call (937) 790-1000 to place an order.