One of my favorite Italian-inspired dishes to cook is Chicken Parmigiana. I use very thin cutlets from either Midshore Meats on Fischer Blvd in Toms River, Luigi’s in South Toms River, Lenny’s Silverton Market on Hooper Ave in Toms River, or when I’m in Monmouth County, I load up on several pounds of thin chicken cutlets from Livoti’s in Middletown.
My cutlets must come from the butcher, and not from the grocery store. The same goes for any kind of sausage. By the way, Lenny’s has the absolute best chicken, broccoli rabe, and mozzarella sausage I have ever had.
I do have a list of places that make, in my opinion, the absolute best chicken parm.
If I’m in Monmouth County, Buona Sera in Red Bank is at the top of my list, but let’s save Monmouth County for another time.
Ocean County is loaded with some amazing Italian restaurants and pizzerias! I haven’t been to them all, but I have been to a lot in the many years I’ve lived here.
CLICK HERE FOR THE TOP PLACES IN MONMOUTH COUNTY FOR CHICKEN PARMIGIANA
Although I’m a really good cook, I like to get out of the house and try different places, and then rate them in my mind. Sometimes I take notes if the food is exceptional. I like to try to recreate the dishes I really enjoy from some of the restaurants that stand out to me.
Chicken Parm is one of my favorite dishes. I’ve ordered it many times when we dine out or order in, especially if it comes highly recommended.
My recipe calls for thinly pounded chicken cutlets, bread crumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and Locatelli Pecorino Romano. basil, parsley, and onion powder. Fried lightly in a combination of olive oil and vegetable oil to raise the smoke point. I always finish off my cutlets with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
But when I’m not in the mood to cook, it’s off to one of the great Italian places for some delicious Chicken Parm.
Here are my 6 favorite places to get the best Chicken Parmigiana in Ocean County.
