Ep 1. American Classic: Chicken Parm

Good Eats is a popular cooking show hosted by the culinary scientist Alton Brown, who takes a scientific approach to food and teaches viewers the chemistry behind cooking techniques and recipes. Season 16, episode 1 of the hit show is titled "American Classic: Chicken Parm." This episode focuses on the traditional Italian dish of Chicken Parmesan - a popular comfort food in America.

Throughout the episode, Alton Brown takes viewers on a journey through the history of this classic dish. He details the dish's origin, tracing it back to its earliest roots in Italy before it became an American classic. He also discusses the various variations of the dish, such as with spaghetti and meatballs. Alton Brown also explains how different regions in America have created their unique version of the dish, and viewers can learn to put their spin on the recipe.

Viewers follow the step-by-step process as Alton Brown begins to lay out the ingredients required to make the classic dish. He explains how to prepare the chicken cutlets, how to make the marinara sauce from scratch, and how to bread and fry the chicken cutlets to get that perfect crispy texture. He also shows viewers how to assemble the dish and how to bake it to perfection.

Alton Brown highlights the importance of choosing the right type of cheese and mentions how a carefully chosen blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone can transform the dish and turn it into a mouth-watering delicacy. He likes to use high-quality mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and provolone, but viewers can substitute ingredients, depending on personal preference.

Throughout the episode, Alton Brown offers viewers some valuable tips and tricks to make the perfect Chicken Parmesan. He talks about the importance of marinating the chicken to get maximum flavor, using fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and also using a cast-iron skillet to cook the chicken for an even and consistent result.

In addition to highlighting the recipe's traditional ingredients, Alton Brown also discusses dietary substitutions for people with food restrictions. For instance, he suggests using almond flour as a gluten-free alternative to bread crumbs. He also suggests using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.

One of the highlights of the show is Alton Brown's knack for explaining the science behind cooking techniques. In this episode, he explains how the proteins in the milk, flour, and breadcrumbs interact during the breading and frying process, and how these interactions affect the final result.

Overall, "American Classic: Chicken Parm" is an engaging and educational episode of Good Eats. It showcases Alton Brown's exceptional knowledge of food chemistry and his ability to take the viewer on a journey through the history of the dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice looking to learn new culinary skills, this episode will leave you craving a delicious plate of Chicken Parmesan.