Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking throughout the meatloaf.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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