This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish! Made with ground chicken, garlic, and parmesan cheese, it’s juicy and packed with flavor.
I’ll let you in on a secret—I enjoy making mini meatloafs too! They cook faster and are perfect for meal prep. Plus, who can resist that cheesy garlic goodness? 🍗🧄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the meatloaf and keeps it light. If you want a richer flavor, you can mix in some ground turkey or even lean beef. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use pre-grated but avoid the powdered stuff as it won’t melt well. Nutritional yeast can be a dairy-free alternative too!
Panko Breadcrumbs: I like using panko for that extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work fine if you have them on hand; just know they might make the meatloaf a bit denser.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a nice pop of color and freshness. You can substitute it with other herbs like basil or cilantro, depending on your flavor preference.
Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional, but if you like a little heat, they can elevate the dish. Feel free to skip them or add more if you enjoy spicy flavors!
How Do I Ensure My Meatloaf Stays Moist?
Keeping meatloaf moist can be a challenge. Here are some tips I swear by:
- Use a mix of wet ingredients like milk and eggs to bind the mixture while adding moisture.
- Don’t overmix! Just combine until everything is well mixed—overmixing can make it dense.
- Adding finely diced vegetables, like onion and bell peppers, can help trap moisture as they cook.
- Cover the meatloaf with foil for part of the baking time to retain steam, then uncover it for the last 10-15 minutes to develop a nice crust.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 large egg
Seasoning and Topping:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- 1/2 cup marinara or tomato sauce (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing onion)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then an additional 45-50 minutes to bake. After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the meatloaf evenly. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal once it’s baked.
2. Sauté the Onion:
In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This brings out the sweetness of the onion. Once cooked, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped parsley, sautéed onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Mix gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overmix as this can make the meatloaf dense.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Use your hands to shape it evenly and smooth out the top so it cooks beautifully.
5. Add Sauce on Top:
Spread the marinara or tomato sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This adds moisture and flavor while it cooks!
6. Bake:
Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatloaf is nicely browned.
7. Let It Rest:
When it’s cooked through, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it stay juicy and makes slicing easier!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the meatloaf and serve it warm with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, veggies, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf!
FAQ for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Can I Use Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield a similar texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary, as turkey can sometimes be a bit denser than chicken.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work fine, although they might make the meatloaf a little denser. You can also crush crackers or use rolled oats as alternatives in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, shape it and bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the mixture is cold.
