Chicken Parmesan, or “chicken parm,” may not be the most authentic Italian dish, but it has become an iconic staple in Italian-American cuisine. Much like lasagna, chicken parm embraces comfort over tradition, offering a variety of interpretations across restaurants.
Whether it’s the marinara sauce, the cheese blend, or the cooking techniques, each restaurant has its own take on this beloved dish.
Recently, I embarked on a journey to taste and rank chicken parm from five popular Italian chains across southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
Here’s the full breakdown, from the least impressive to the best, complete with every nutritional fact and a detailed critique.
1. The Ninety-Nine
Price: $17.29
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,120 | 25g | 7g | 1,970mg | 162g | 10g | 14g | 64g |
Appearance
My first glance at The Ninety-Nine’s chicken parm left much to be desired. The penne pasta looked bland and cheap, with a sauce that resembled something straight from a bottle.
The bread, described as “rustic,” was nothing more than a dry, flavorless afterthought. While the chicken breast appeared somewhat palatable, it was far too thick for chicken parm standards.
Taste
Unfortunately, the taste was as underwhelming as the appearance. The pasta and sauce tasted like a high school cafeteria meal, while the chicken, although the best part of the dish, was chewy and lacked flavor.
The portion was too thick, leading to an unpleasant, gnarly texture that wasn’t masked by the minimal amount of cheese. All in all, this was a disappointing experience, tasting like a poorly executed homemade dish.
2. Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Price: $17.99
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,260 | 39g | 7g | 2,390mg | 125g | 7g | 15g | 82g |
Appearance
Uno’s chicken parm initially gave off a decent impression, looking like a large, crispy schnitzel. The cheese was perfectly melted, and the rigatoni pasta was tossed in marinara sauce, which seemed promising.
However, the dish as a whole appeared excessively indulgent, with an overwhelming portion size.
Taste
Although the dish looked appealing, the flavor fell flat. The chicken, breaded with panko and Romano cheese, was surprisingly bland, lacking any of the richness expected from those ingredients.
The pasta, which had looked so promising, was equally tasteless, needing a heavier hand with herbs and seasoning. Overall, the dish was far too much of something that lacked the depth and vibrancy I wanted.
3. Olive Garden
Price: $19.99
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,020 | 51g | 14g | 3,300mg | 80g | 7g | 13g | 64g |
Appearance
As a well-known chain, I had high hopes for Olive Garden’s chicken parm. Sadly, this dish resembled cafeteria food in appearance, with spaghetti and a dollop of red sauce tossed randomly on the side.
While it looked crispier and fresher than previous entries, it still wasn’t enough to win me over visually.
Taste
The flavor improved on the presentation. The chicken had a pleasantly crispy texture, with a succulent interior, but some of the edges were slightly burnt.
The gooey cheese, while tasty at first, caused the dish to become soggy after a while. The spaghetti was forgettable, offering little to complement the dish. Overall, a middle-of-the-road experience with some highs but also disappointing lows.
4. Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant
Price: $24.99
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,230 | 36g | 15g | 3,170mg | 140g | 14g | 19g | 88g |
Appearance
Bertucci’s offered the most unique and appealing presentation of the group. The chicken was perfectly golden-brown, with a slight char around the edges, giving it a visually satisfying crispy texture.
The herbs looked slightly lackluster, but the bubbling cheese and well-cooked pasta were impressive.
Taste
The taste didn’t disappoint. The crunchy edges of the chicken provided a delightful contrast to the vibrant, well-balanced sauce and gooey cheese.
The texture was slightly tough toward the center of the chicken, but the overall balance of sauce and cheese covered that flaw. The pasta, too, was the best of the bunch, harmonizing perfectly with the rest of the dish. A strong contender overall.
5. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Price: $22.99
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 760 | 45g | 16g | 1,890mg | 19g | 4g | 9g | 68g |
Appearance
Carrabba’s presented the most visually appealing chicken parm of all. The evenly layered cheese, fresh out of the oven, was golden and gooey, and the sauce had a fresh, herbaceous aroma.
Thoughtfully, the restaurant even split the dish for my husband and me, which was a nice touch.
Taste
This dish was nearly flawless. The chicken had the perfect thickness, allowing for a crispy exterior that held up well under the cheese and sauce. Inside, the chicken remained tender and succulent.
The balance of cheese, sauce, and meat was impeccable, with the sauce adding a zesty acidity that elevated the entire dish.
The pasta was carefully prepared, offering the perfect complement to the main attraction. For classic Italian-American comfort food, Carrabba’s is the winner.
Nutritional Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Price | Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Sodium | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninety-Nine | $17.29 | 1,120 | 25g | 7g | 1,970mg | 162g | 10g | 14g | 64g |
| Uno Pizzeria & Grill | $17.99 | 1,260 | 39g | 7g | 2,390mg | 125g | 7g | 15g | 82g |
| Olive Garden | $19.99 | 1,020 | 51g | 14g | 3,300mg | 80g | 7g | 13g | 64g |
| Bertucci’s | $24.99 | 1,230 | 36g | 15g | 3,170mg | 140g | 14g | 19g | 88g |
| Carrabba’s | $22.99 | 760 | 45g | 16g | 1,890mg | 19g | 4g | 9g | 68g |
Conclusion:
Carrabba’s Italian Grill emerged as the clear winner for the best chicken parmigiana, thanks to its perfect balance of crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty sauce.
While other chains like Bertucci’s and Olive Garden offered decent renditions, Carrabba’s focus on quality and flavor made it stand out.
If you’re craving delicious, comforting Italian-American chicken parm, Carrabba’s is the place to go for a truly satisfying experience.
FAQs
1. What is chicken parmigiana?
Chicken parmigiana is an Italian-American dish consisting of breaded chicken breast, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, usually served with pasta.
2. How many calories are in chicken parmesan?
Calorie content varies by restaurant, with dishes ranging from 760 to over 1,200 calories per serving.
3. Which restaurant has the best chicken parm?
Based on this taste test, Carrabba’s Italian Grill offers the best chicken parm, with its balanced flavors and perfect textures.
4. Is chicken parmigiana authentic Italian cuisine?
No, chicken parm is more of an Italian-American creation, much like other red-sauce comfort dishes.
5. Can I make chicken parmesan at home?
Yes, chicken parmesan is relatively simple to make at home. Bread the chicken, fry it, add marinara sauce and cheese, and bake until melted and crispy.