The history of Chicken Parmesean
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture, lies Brooklyn Roots, a classic New York Red Sauce Italian American restaurant serving the best chicken parmesan in the city. This dish, a hallmark of Italian-American cuisine, is not just a meal; it's a narrative of heritage, innovation, and the unifying power of food and the immigrant experience on the Lower East Side. But have you ever paused to ponder the rich history behind this beloved dish? Join us as we tell you the history of chicken parm and invite you to explore more delectable stories through our series, "Origin Stories," which you can catch in it’s entirety on TikTok and Instagram.
The story of chicken parmesan, or chicken parm as it's affectionately known, begins with the waves of Southern Italian immigrants who arrived in New York in the late 19th century. In their homeland, these immigrants favored a diet rich in vegetables, with dishes like Eggplant Parmigiana taking center stage, primarily because meat was a luxury they seldom could afford and they could easily grow an eggplant in their yard. However, New York City offered a new luxury including higher salaries, easy access to meat, and exposure to different cultures and cuisines.
Inspired by their German neighbors who relished chicken schnitzel, these innovative Italian immigrants embarked on a culinary experiment. They fused the essence of Eggplant Parmigiana with the meaty goodness of schnitzel, giving birth to a new dish that would eventually become a cornerstone of Italian-American cuisine: chicken Parmesan. This delightful creation symbolizes not just a fusion of flavors but also the blending of cultures, a testament to New York's melting pot of culinary traditions.
Brooklyn Roots pays homage to this rich history by crafting what we consider the best chicken parm in New York. The journey to perfection begins with three massive chicken cutlets, which are pounded, breaded, and fried. These cutlets are gently laid on a bed of savory sauce, which they make fresh daily. They layer more flavors including pecorino romano for a sharp, salty bite, more sauce for depth, and slices of creamy mozzarella that promise a stretch with every forkful.
The magic happens in the oven, where the cutlets achieve an unparalleled crispiness, a perfect contrast to the bubbling, creamy cheese that cascades over them. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, with the moist chicken perfectly complementing the crispy crust, and the mozzarella – so incredibly stretchy and flavorful – creating a culinary experience that's nothing short of award-winning. It's no wonder that Brooklyn Roots has earned its reputation as the premier destination for this red-sauce classic, and why their chicken parm is the pinnacle of Italian-American cuisine in New York.
The chicken parmesean at Brooklyn Roots isn't just a meal; it's a narrative woven from the threads of history, culture, and community. It represents the journey of Italian immigrants, the fusion of different culinary traditions, and the creation of a new, distinctly Italian-American identity. It's a dish that tells the story of New York itself – a city that's constantly evolving, yet always remembers its roots.
But the story doesn't end here. The history of chicken parm is just one of the many tantalizing tales that make up the rich tapestry of New York's culinary scene. Our series, Origin Stories is dedicated to exploring these stories, diving deep into the history of New York's most famous foods, and bringing to life the cultures and communities that have shaped them.
Join Us on a Culinary Adventure!
If your taste buds are tingling and your curiosity is piqued, we invite you to join us on this gastronomic journey. Follow Origin Stories on TikTok and Instagram to discover more about the history of chicken parm and other iconic dishes that define the New York food scene. Each episode is a deep dive into the rich history and vibrant culture that make these dishes much more than just meals – they're a celebration of the city's diverse heritage.
And if you're ever in New York, make sure to visit Brooklyn Roots to experience the best chicken parm firsthand. Share this post, drop a comment about your favorite Italian-American dish, and let us know what you'd like to see next on "Origin Stories." Your journey into the heart of New York's culinary history starts now. Manga!
