The Chicken Parmigiana, affectionately known as a "parma" or "parmi" in Australia, is a beloved pub classic that has become a cornerstone of Australian casual dining. This hearty dish consists of a crumbed chicken breast topped with rich tomato sauce, a slice of ham or bacon, and melted cheese - typically a combination of mozzarella and parmesan.

While its origins lie in Italian-American cuisine, Australia has truly made this dish its own since its rise to popularity in the 1960s. It's become such a staple of pub culture that many establishments offer weekly "Parma Nights" with special deals, and heated debates about the best parma in town are common among locals.

The key to a perfect parma lies in its layering. The chicken should be pounded thin for even cooking, then coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. The tomato sauce should be rich but not overwhelming, the ham should add a subtle saltiness, and the cheese should be melted to perfection - ideally slightly browned on top. While some chefs add their own twists, these basic elements are considered essential.

Modern variations have emerged to cater to different tastes. Some popular alternatives include the "Hawaiian" with pineapple, the "Aussie" topped with bacon and a fried egg, or the "Mexican" featuring jalapenos and guacamole. Vegetarian versions using eggplant or mock chicken are also becoming increasingly common.

In Australia, a chicken parma is traditionally served with chips (fries) and a side salad. There's even an ongoing debate about whether the chips should be served underneath or beside the parma - with many arguing that chips served underneath become soggy from the sauce. Most pubs serve it on a plate with the chips on the side and a fresh garden salad to cut through the richness.

From a nutritional standpoint, a typical chicken parma is a substantial meal, usually containing between 600-900 calories depending on the serving size and accompaniments. It's relatively high in protein from the chicken and cheese, but also high in fat due to the frying process and cheese topping. Those watching their calorie intake might opt for a smaller portion or choose healthier sides like extra salad instead of chips. For those with dietary restrictions, be aware that traditional chicken parma contains gluten in the breadcrumbs and dairy in the cheese topping, though gluten-free versions are often available upon request in many establishments.