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)
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.
Notes
- Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat and flavor.
- Substitute fresh parsley with basil for a different herbal note.
- Pairs excellently with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Leftover slices make delicious sandwiches, perfect for lunch the next day.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
