Parmigiana

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Chicken Parmigiana (short form parma or parmy) is an Australian pub favourite. It is typically chicken breast which is crumbed, deep-(or shallow-)fried and topped with an optional slice of ham, napoli sauce and cheese. It is then grilled until the cheese is bubbly and brown.

Parmigiana is often served with chips and salad, or sometimes vegetables. It is similar to a Wiener schnitzel, but comes with a topping.

In the United States, chicken parmigiana is commonly served both as the centerpiece of a meal (sometimes accompanied by spaghetti) and on sandwiches, especially subs. It generally consists of a fried, breaded cutlet, a marinara or spaghetti sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The short form parm is rather than parma. "Parmigiana" is often used to refer to other sandwiches with marinara sauce and cheese, such as veal parm, eggplant parm, and meatball parm. Less common ingredients include shrimp and sausage and peppers.

A variation of the chicken parmigiana, called locally as the "Parmo", can also be found in the North East of England. This is usually eaten as a late night take away food. The Parmo consists of deep-fried flattened chicken or pork fillet in an egg and breadcrumb batter, smothered in bechamel sauce and topped off with cheddar cheese.

Though parmigiana means literally "from Parma" (a town in Italy), the name derives from parmiggiana a Sicilian recipe made with fried egg-plant, tomato sauce and mozzarella.

Typically there is no actual parmesan cheese in Parmigiana. However, in the United States it is common to add grated parmesan to the type of pasta being used in the dish.