There are some people who go absolutely bonkers over chicken parmesan, or parmigiana-- but for the sake of this piece... simply put, chicken parm. 

Those people will order cookbooks off the internet, spend hours perusing recipes, and order chicken parm in 80% of the restaurants they dine in.

Chicken parm is akin to religion for some enthusiasts, and those chicken parm fanatics are in the absolute right city to nurture their obsession. 

This isn't just because of the San Genarro feast that will rage in Little Italy from September 10th through the 20th and Ferragosto this Sunday up in the Bronx. 

It's because New York City is booming with excellent chicken parm restaurants. Some of the best in the entire world, in fact. 

Now take some notes on these spots. Your stomach will thank you afterwards. 

---

1. Parm (various NYC locations)

With three locations in Battery Park, Upper West Side, and Mulberry Street, all serving up chicken parmesan goodness, Parm is nothing less than a celebration of the world's finest delicacy.

Parm's original location opened on Mulberry Street in 2011, and Parm's been satisfying its customers with its perfectly fried chicken cutlets, homemade sauce and fresh cheese ever since.

They've also got a dope cocktail program, with small plates like baked clams, spicy broccoli rabe. 

Don't even get us started on their jaw-dropping, mouth salivating mozzarella sticks. We mean it. Don't get us started.

---

2. Quality Italian (57 West 57th Street)

Quality Italian serves their chicken parm the size of a pizza. If you want to leave completely satiated, you just found your spot.

Often jubilant with celebrations of all kinds and packed with gleeful customers who had no idea how gargantuan their chicken parm would be, Quality Italian is alight with the giddy atmosphere associated with perfect Italian food.

Quality Italian completely lives up to its hype. It lives up to every word. 

Their other dishes aren't anything to poo poo at either. The garlic bread will light your world on fire and the bucatini and clams will cast the world in a whole new light. If we have any advice for you at all, it's go to Quality Italian as soon as you can.

---

3. Tony's Di Napoli (various NYC locations)

We know, we know. Midtown sucks. And being surrounded by tourists while eating sucks even more. But this family-style restaurant bursts with some of the most delicious chicken parm around. 

Since you have to order a couple of dishes for the whole table to share (you know, the whole family-style thing), we recommend the chicken marsala and-- of course-- the main event, the star of the day; the chicken parm. 

Tony's di Napoli has two locations, one on the Upper East Side and one in the Theater District. This information delights us because it means more chicken parm goodness for everyone-- even though the very thought of having to venture anywhere above 34th Street makes most New Yorkers cringe. 

But they've got huge portions and sizzling chicken parm that will melt in your mouth. And its ambiance is lively, classy, and replete with wonderful service. 

Bottom line, your dining experience at Tony's di Napoli will be nothing short of pleasant. And that chicken parm tho! 

---

4. Carmine's (various NYC locations)

Another family-style restaurant, Carmine's chicken parm is famous in folk lore and whispered about through generations.

Not that many generations since it's only been around since 1990, but you get our point. The place legendary, offering piping hot Southern Italian cuisine. Restaurateur Artie Cutler started this glorious restaurant with the goal of bringing his customers "wow-sized" portions.

At that goal, Cutler has succeeded. Carmine's gargantuan portions are reasonably priced, and they're usually too delicious to stop eating once you're full. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Carmine's is extremely busy, so reservations are the move. If you're not in the mood for chicken parm (we can't imagine why you wouldn't be) we suggest ordering the penne alla vodka, a mind blowing alternative.

,

5. Pietro's (232 East 43rd Street)

Pietro's was founded in 1932 under the guise of Pietro Donini and his brother Natalie, and their tradition of excellent service and cuisine has carried forth to the present day. 

It's old-school Italian, comfortable, and offers valet parking after 6 p.m. if you, you know, have a car. The chicken parm at Pietro's is delicious, spectacular, and classic. It's been revered dearly by generation upon generation of hungry New Yorkers.

They also have a variety of delicious wines, which are often poured generously. We hope you don't have a car after all!

---

6. Il Mulino (various NYC locations)

If you visit Il Mulino, you'll dream about it afterward. Once again, don't say we didn't warn you. 

Their chicken parm is boastful in size, employs a French cut chicken breast, and is perfectly crispy, salty, and succulent. If it's not the best chicken parm in the city, it's up there.

Really, we mean it. Your meal at Il Mulino will be the best meal you've ever had. If you want to order something besides chicken parm (again, we don't understand) try their veal milanese, mushroom ravioli, or fried zucchini. 

If you didn't believe in a higher spiritual power before you dined at Il Mulino, you will afterwards. Trust us.

---

7. John's of 12th Street (302 East 12th Street)

John's of 12th Street serves delicious garlic bread, amazing avocado bruschetta, and life-altering veal meatballs.

But we've said it before and we'll say it again. The main event here is the chicken parm. It's juicy, smothered in marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella, for all-in-all total food satisfaction.

Plus, the ambiance at John's of 12th Street is enthusiastic and celebratory. John's owners Judy and Nicky are extremely hands-on, and genuinely care whether their customers enjoyed themselves.

Which, of course, we did. Since we were served some of the best chicken parm we've ever had in our whole damn lives.

Honorable mentions: Manganaro's Hero Boy, Goodfella's Pizza, da Umberto, Elio's. 

Wanna Talk Authentic? Here Are the 15 Best Italian Restaurants That Exist Right Now in NYC. 

[via Instagram]