Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground chicken; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup milk; 2 large eggs; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)

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If you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic comfort food, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is about to become your new favorite dinner! This savory, juicy meatloaf is packed with bold garlic and nutty Parmesan, using ground chicken for a lighter, healthier take that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of flavor. It bakes together in one pan, fills your kitchen with the best aromas, and slices up beautifully for a meal that’s satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even fighting over the leftovers!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples and a few special touches, you can bring Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf to life. Every ingredient plays a key role in the flavor, texture, and golden color of this crowd-pleasing main course.

Ground chicken: Lean, mild, and perfect for soaking up savory flavors while keeping the meatloaf moist.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty depth and helps bind the loaf together.
Breadcrumbs: Give the meatloaf a tender texture and prevent it from drying out.
Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs for an ultra-juicy bite.
Large eggs: Essential for holding everything together and adding moisture.
Garlic (minced): The star of the show, lending bold, aromatic flavor in every bite.
Small onion (finely chopped): Brings sweetness and extra juiciness to the mix.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds color and a fresh, herbaceous lift.
Salt: Seasons all the ingredients and enhances every flavor.
Black pepper: A touch of heat for balance and warmth.
Italian seasoning: Rounds out the flavor profile with classic Mediterranean notes.
Olive oil: Drizzled on top for a golden, flavorful crust.
Grated mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts into a gooey, irresistible topping if you want to take things up a notch.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf cooks evenly from the moment it goes in, giving it that perfect golden crust and juicy center.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy!

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide if free-forming on a sheet. This step is where your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf really comes together and starts to look deliciously homey.

Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This not only adds flavor but also helps create a beautiful, golden-brown crust as it bakes in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf for 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you’re using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty, bubbly finish.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Once your meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This short pause lets the juices settle so every slice is moist and holds together beautifully. Now you’re ready to cut thick, satisfying slices and serve!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a bit more grated Parmesan over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few grinds of black pepper make it look restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf pairs perfectly with classic mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a mountain of roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed spinach.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the meatloaf and layering it onto toasted ciabatta with a slather of marinara for an amazing sandwich. Or, cut it into cubes and serve on skewers with toothpicks for a fun appetizer at your next gathering. The possibilities are truly endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even tastier for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.

Freezing

Wrap the entire cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Warm up slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 10–15 minutes until hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw first for even heating and the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe, creating a similar flavor and texture. Just be sure to use ground turkey with a bit of fat for a moist and tender loaf.

Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf gluten-free?

It certainly can be! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the entire dish gluten-free without compromising taste or texture.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, try using another hard, aged cheese such as Pecorino Romano or even Grana Padano for a slightly different but still delicious result.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

The best way to check is with a meat thermometer—your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). The top should be golden and the juices clear.

Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?

Definitely! Finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even shredded zucchini make great additions. Just squeeze out excess moisture from veggies before mixing them in to keep your meatloaf from getting soggy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf the next time you’re craving something cozy and full of flavor. It’s a recipe that brings people together, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back Sunday supper. Give it a try and watch it become a staple at your table!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic comfort food. Made with lean ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, it delivers a juicy and tender texture with a delicious garlic kick. Perfect as a main course, it’s easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

1 ½ pounds ground chicken
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
2 large eggs
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Topping

2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for perfectly baking the meatloaf.
Mix Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined to keep the texture light and tender—avoid overmixing.
Shape the Meatloaf. Transfer the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a loaf pan. Form it into a loaf shape by hand for even cooking.
Add Olive Oil. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top of the meatloaf to keep it moist and add richness.
Bake. Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Add Mozzarella Cheese (optional). If using, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the meatloaf during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty, cheesy topping.
Rest Before Serving. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making slicing easier and more flavorful.
Serve. Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, ideally accompanied by your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.