Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Tender ground chicken mixed with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs creates a moist and savory dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Individual loaves make portioning easy and add a nice golden crust.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free for a healthy option)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add milk to keep the mixture moist. Be careful not to overmix to avoid dense meatloaf.
3. Step 3: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a small loaf. This helps cook the meatloaf evenly and makes portion control easier.
4. Step 4: Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil to create a golden crust while baking.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
6. Step 6: For a cheesy finish, sprinkle mozzarella on top of each loaf during the last 5 minutes of baking and return to the oven until melted.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk and vegan Parmesan cheese.
• Use almond flour or crushed rice crackers instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Ground turkey can be used instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
• Individual loaves cook faster than one large loaf and are handy for meal prep.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze cooked loaves for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or beef can be used instead of chicken. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This is the safest way to ensure the chicken is cooked through and juicy.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 52 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe offers a flavorful and juicy twist on the classic meatloaf using ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of Italian herbs. Individually portioned for convenience and topped with a golden crust and optional melted mozzarella, it makes a perfect protein-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and bake.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 individual meatloaves 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken (high-protein choice)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds rich, cheesy flavor)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free for a healthy option)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (fresh Italian flavor)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (essential for flavor)
• 1 egg, beaten (binds everything together)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (classic Italian seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup milk (keeps the meatloaf moist)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for a golden crust)
• 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional) (adds a cheesy top)

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and vegan Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed rice crackers.
• Alternative Protein: Ground turkey can replace chicken for a twist.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking throughout the meatloaf.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the milk to keep the mixture moist. Mix gently to combine all ingredients without overmixing to avoid dense meatloaf.
3. Shape the Loaves: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a small loaf. This helps in faster cooking and better portion control.
4. Add Olive Oil: Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil. This will help create a golden, crispy crust during baking.
5. Bake the Meatloaves: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaves reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked but still juicy.
6. Optional Cheesy Topping: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top of each loaf and return to the oven to melt the cheese, giving a delicious cheesy finish.

Notes

• Do not overmix the meat mixture to prevent a dense texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken meatloaf reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness.
• Individual loaves cook faster and are convenient for portion control and leftovers.
• Substitute ingredients according to dietary needs (dairy-free, gluten-free, or alternative proteins).
• Allow the meatloaves to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing.

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