Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, boasts a surprisingly vibrant chicken parmesan scene. This dish, a comforting classic of breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, finds itself reimagined in countless ways across the city's diverse culinary landscape. This article explores nineteen of the best chicken parmesan restaurants in Chicago, offering a detailed look at what makes each one special. We'll dive into the nuances of their preparations, the quality of their ingredients, and the overall dining experience. Finding the best is subjective, of course, but this guide will arm you with the information you need to find your perfect Chicago chicken parmesan.
Finding Your Fowl Favorite: Criteria for the Best Chicken Parmesan
Before we unveil our top picks, let's clarify our criteria. We considered several key factors when compiling this list:
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Quality of Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality chicken is paramount. We prioritized restaurants using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. The marinara sauce should be flavorful and not overly sweet, and the mozzarella cheese should be melty and delicious.
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Breadcrumbs and Breading: The breading is crucial. A perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust is essential to a great chicken parmesan. We looked for restaurants that mastered this technique.
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Sauce-to-Chicken Ratio: The balance between the juicy chicken, rich sauce, and melted cheese is vital. Too much sauce can be soggy, while too little leaves the dish dry.
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Overall Dining Experience: While the food is the star, the ambiance and service contribute to the overall experience. We factored in atmosphere, price point, and customer service.
The Top 19 Chicken Parmesan Spots in Chicago: A Culinary Journey
This list isn't ranked in order of preference—Chicago's chicken parmesan scene is too diverse for a simple ranking! Instead, we've categorized them to help you find the perfect fit for your taste and budget.
Classic Italian-American Joints:
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Rosebud on Rush: Known for its upscale ambiance and consistently high-quality Italian-American fare, Rosebud’s Chicken Parmesan is a classic example of the dish, done right. Expect generous portions and a sophisticated setting.
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Luigi's: A Chicago institution, Luigi's offers a no-frills, family-style experience with a comforting, perfectly executed chicken parmesan. Their simple approach to the dish highlights the quality of their ingredients.
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Tufano's Vernon Park Tap: This long-standing neighborhood favorite serves up a hearty chicken parmesan in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. It's a great place for a casual meal with friends or family.
Modern Takes on a Classic:
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Monteverde: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sophisticated take on Italian-American classics. Their chicken parmesan features unique flavor combinations and impeccable presentation.
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RPM Italian: Located in the heart of River North, RPM Italian presents a modern twist on traditional dishes. Their chicken parmesan is a testament to their commitment to using high-quality ingredients.
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Siena Tavern: With its stylish interior and energetic atmosphere, Siena Tavern serves a refined version of the classic dish.
Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Favorites:
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Pequod's Pizza: While famous for its deep-dish pizza, Pequod's also offers a surprisingly delicious chicken parmesan.
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Andros Taverna: This Greek restaurant might seem out of place on this list, but their chicken parmesan is a surprisingly tasty addition to their menu.
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The Purple Pig: This tapas-style restaurant provides a unique and smaller-portioned take on this hearty dish.
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Beatrix: A trendy spot offering a creative, yet satisfying take on the chicken parmesan.
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Little Goat Diner: Stephanie Izard’s acclaimed restaurant offers a surprising and delectable version of the dish.
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Girl & the Goat: Another Stephanie Izard creation, this restaurant often features a creative take on the dish as a special.
Casual and Affordable Options:
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Bari: This pizzeria provides a great value option for a satisfying chicken parmesan.
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Lou Mitchell's: A classic Chicago diner, Lou Mitchell's offers a comforting and affordable chicken parmesan.
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Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen: This South Side institution serves up a hearty, nostalgic chicken parmesan.
Suburbs Surprises:
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Rosebud Restaurants (various locations): The Rosebud franchise has locations in many suburbs, extending their consistently good chicken parmesan throughout the Chicagoland area.
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Francesca's (various locations): A popular suburban Italian chain, Francesca's serves a reliably good chicken parmesan.
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Carmine's (various locations): This family-style restaurant chain features an oversized, shareable chicken parmesan perfect for group dining.
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Your Local Italian Restaurant: Don't forget to explore smaller, family-run Italian restaurants in your own neighborhood. You may discover a hidden gem!
Beyond the Plate: Exploring the Chicken Parmesan Experience
The best chicken parmesan experience goes beyond just the dish itself. Consider these factors:
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Ambiance: Do you want a romantic setting, a casual hangout, or a lively party atmosphere?
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Price: Chicken parmesan prices vary widely, from casual affordability to upscale dining costs.
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Location: Choose a restaurant conveniently located for you and your group.
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Service: Excellent service can elevate even a good meal.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive starting point for your Chicago chicken parmesan adventure. Remember, the "best" is subjective – so go out, explore, and find your own perfect slice of this cheesy, saucy Chicago classic!
