Hampton House Chicken Parmesan: Cooking Instructions and Overview
Hampton House Chicken Parmesan offers a convenient way to enjoy a classic dish. It’s a pre-prepared, frozen meal featuring breaded chicken cutlets. These are layered with tomato sauce and cheese. Baking delivers a quick, satisfying Italian-American dinner option for any busy weeknight.
What is Hampton House Chicken Parmesan?
Hampton House Chicken Parmesan is a pre-made, frozen entree. It’s designed for convenient and quick preparation. It offers an accessible way to enjoy a classic Italian-American meal. This product features breaded chicken cutlets. These are layered with a rich tomato sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This combination creates a flavorful and satisfying dish.
The appeal lies in its ease of preparation. It eliminates the need for extensive cooking from scratch. It is perfect for busy individuals or families. Hampton House Chicken Parmesan aims to deliver the taste of homemade chicken parmesan. It requires minimal effort and time.
Consumers can find it in the frozen food section of many grocery stores. It is often sought after as a convenient dinner solution. It delivers a comforting and familiar taste. It is a simple option for a fulfilling meal.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Understanding what comprises Hampton House Chicken Parmesan is vital. This includes knowing the key ingredients. Also, it is important to know the nutritional value per serving. This knowledge helps consumers make informed dietary choices. They can enjoy this convenient meal option responsibly.
Key Ingredients in Hampton House Chicken Parmesan
The cornerstone of Hampton House Chicken Parmesan lies in its carefully selected ingredients. These components contribute to its satisfying flavor and convenient preparation. At the heart of the dish are uncooked chicken breast cutlets. These provide a lean source of protein. A rich tomato sauce, crafted from concentrated crushed tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and spices, infuses the chicken with a tangy and savory flavor.
A generous blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese tops the chicken. These cheeses contribute a melty, gooey texture and a rich, cheesy flavor. Encasing these elements is a light, crispy breading. This breading is made from toasted wheat crumbs and spices. This provides a delightful crunch.
Other ingredients include water, glucose-fructose, romano cheese, pure olive oil, citric acid, salt, dried garlic, dried onion, and modified corn starch. These ingredients work together to create a balanced and flavorful dish. Hampton House Chicken Parmesan offers a convenient and satisfying meal option.
Nutritional Value Per Serving
Understanding the nutritional value of Hampton House Chicken Parmesan is essential for informed dietary choices. A single serving provides a balanced profile of macronutrients. Each serving contains approximately 330 calories, making it a moderately calorie-dense option for a satisfying meal.
In terms of carbohydrates, a serving contains 27 grams of total carbohydrates, with 26 grams of net carbs. This provides a source of energy for the body. The dish also offers 17 grams of fat, contributing to satiety and flavor. Protein content is 17 grams per serving, making it a good source of this essential nutrient for muscle building and repair.
It’s important to note that the dish contains a moderate amount of sodium and saturated fat. Individuals following low-sodium or low-fat diets should consider portion sizes or alternative cooking methods. Overall, Hampton House Chicken Parmesan provides a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
Cooking Instructions: Baking Hampton House Chicken Parmesan
Achieving perfectly baked Hampton House Chicken Parmesan is simple. Follow these cooking instructions for a delicious result. Proper preheating, baking time, and temperature are key. These steps ensure a safely cooked and enjoyable meal every single time, and taste.
Preheating the Oven
The first crucial step in baking Hampton House Chicken Parmesan perfectly is preheating your oven. This ensures that the chicken parmesan cooks evenly and develops the desired crispy crust. A preheated oven provides consistent heat distribution from the start, resulting in a uniformly cooked meal.
Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Allow the oven to fully preheat before placing the chicken parmesan inside. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate temperature readings.
A properly preheated oven is essential for achieving the best results. It allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and the cheese to melt evenly. The breading will also crisp up nicely, creating a satisfying texture. Avoid placing the chicken parmesan in the oven before it has reached the correct temperature, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less-than-ideal final product, which nobody wants. Patience is a virtue in this case.
Preparing the Chicken Parmesan for Baking
Once your oven is preheated, the next step is to prepare the Hampton House Chicken Parmesan for baking. Start by carefully removing all packaging from the frozen chicken parmesan. This includes any plastic wrap or cardboard trays. Ensuring all packaging is removed is crucial for proper heat penetration.
Next, place the chicken parmesan pieces on a baking sheet. Using a baking sheet provides a stable surface for even heat distribution during baking. It also prevents the chicken parmesan from sticking to the oven rack. For easy cleanup, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the chicken parmesan pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows for proper air circulation around each piece, ensuring they cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy crust. Make sure each piece has enough room to bake properly.
Baking Time and Temperature
With your oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and the Hampton House Chicken Parmesan prepared on a baking sheet, it’s time to bake. Place the baking sheet with the chicken parmesan into the preheated oven. Ensure it’s positioned on a middle rack for even heat distribution.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the chicken parmesan as it bakes. You’re looking for a golden-brown color and melted cheese. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the chicken parmesan with foil. This will prevent the cheese from burning. Continue baking until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Ensuring the Chicken is Cooked Through
The most important step is verifying the chicken is fully cooked. Visual cues like golden-brown breading and bubbly cheese are helpful. However, relying solely on appearance isn’t enough to guarantee safety. The internal temperature is the definitive indicator.
Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken cutlet. Avoid touching the bone or the bottom of the pan. The thermometer should register 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
If the temperature is below 165°F, return the chicken parmesan to the oven. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, and check the temperature again. Repeat this process until it reaches the safe temperature. Cooking chicken to the correct temperature is important for food safety. It eliminates the risk of harmful bacteria.
Resting Time Before Serving
After baking, let the chicken parmesan rest for two minutes. This brief resting period is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows the internal temperature to stabilize. This prevents the chicken from drying out. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
This results in a more tender and flavorful bite. Second, the resting time allows the melted cheese to set slightly. This makes it easier to serve. It prevents the cheese from sliding off the chicken. Third, it lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
Cover the chicken parmesan loosely with foil during resting. This helps retain heat without making the breading soggy. After resting, the chicken parmesan is ready to be served and enjoyed; This simple step elevates the dish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Hampton House Chicken Parmesan offers versatile serving options. Enjoy it traditionally with pasta and marinara sauce. Alternatively, pair it with a fresh salad. Roasted vegetables also complement its rich flavors for a complete and balanced meal.
Classic Italian Serving Suggestions
For a truly authentic Italian-American experience, serving Hampton House Chicken Parmesan with classic accompaniments is ideal. Spaghetti is a timeless choice, its delicate strands providing the perfect base for the rich tomato sauce that blankets the chicken. Consider tossing the spaghetti with a simple garlic and olive oil sauce, allowing the Parmesan’s flavors to shine.
Alternatively, penne or fettuccine work well, their shapes capturing the savory sauce. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a touch of herbaceousness. Garlic bread is another essential, its crispy texture and garlicky aroma complementing the chicken. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
For a more substantial meal, consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious blend of flavors that celebrates the Italian culinary tradition. A glass of Chianti adds the perfect finishing touch.
Lighter Serving Options
If you’re seeking a lighter, healthier approach to enjoying Hampton House Chicken Parmesan, several options exist. Instead of traditional pasta, consider serving it atop a bed of zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These low-carb alternatives provide a similar texture without the added calories. A vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
Steamed green beans or asparagus provide a nutritious and light side dish, enhancing the meal’s overall balance. Opting for a smaller portion size can further reduce the calorie count. Consider pairing the chicken parmesan with a whole-wheat roll for added fiber.
A side of fresh fruit, like berries or melon, adds a touch of sweetness. Remember, lighter options don’t mean sacrificing flavor. By making thoughtful choices, you can savor the deliciousness of chicken parmesan while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Enjoy responsibly.
Where to Buy Hampton House Chicken Parmesan
Locating Hampton House Chicken Parmesan is generally straightforward, thanks to its popularity and availability in numerous grocery stores and retail outlets. Begin your search at major supermarket chains like Costco, where it’s frequently stocked in the frozen food section. Look for it alongside other Hampton House products, such as chicken strips and burgers.
Check the frozen aisle of your local grocery store, paying close attention to the prepared meals section. Online retailers, including Instacart, offer delivery services that bring Hampton House Chicken Parmesan directly to your door. This is a convenient option for those with limited time or transportation.
Availability can vary depending on your specific location, so it’s always wise to call ahead or check online inventories before visiting a store. Be sure to examine the packaging carefully to ensure freshness and avoid damaged products. Happy shopping!