Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a comfort food classic. Made with ground chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s moist, savory, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The result is a tender, cheesy loaf with a crispy, garlicky crust that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ pounds ground chicken
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
2 eggs
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
½ cup onion, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Sauté Aromatics:
In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Mix Meatloaf:
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Shape and Bake:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Bake for 35 minutes.
Prepare Topping:
While the meatloaf bakes, mix melted butter, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
Add Topping:
After 35 minutes, remove meatloaf from the oven and carefully spoon the topping mixture over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with extra parsley if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips for Success:
Don’t Overmix:
Overworking the meat mixture can make the meatloaf dense. Mix just until everything is combined.
Use a Meat Thermometer:
To avoid undercooking or drying it out, check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the center.
Let It Rest:
Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and makes cleaner slices.
Keep It Moist:
If your ground chicken is extra lean, consider adding a tablespoon of mayo or Greek yogurt to the mix for added moisture.
Double the Recipe:
This meatloaf freezes well! Make two loaves and freeze one after baking and cooling for a future meal.
Variations:
Cheesy Center:
Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or provolone in the center of the loaf before baking for a cheesy surprise.
Veggie Boost:
Mix in ½ cup of finely grated zucchini or carrot to sneak in veggies and add moisture.
Spicy Kick:
Add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture.
Italian-Style:
Swap the breadcrumb topping for marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella in the last 15 minutes of baking for a chicken parm–inspired twist.
Low Carb/Keto:
Replace regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Mini Loaves:
Use a muffin tin for individual servings—bake for 25–30 minutes instead. Great for portion control or meal prep!
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works nearly the same in texture and flavor for this recipe.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can mix and shape the loaf up to a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store cooled meatloaf slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Q: What should I serve it with?
A: This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese and use dairy-free milk in the mixture.
Estimated Nutrition Information
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~310
Protein: 26g
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: ~530mg
Note: Values may vary depending on brands and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful, cheesy twist. It’s easy to prepare, full of savory herbs and garlic, and makes a satisfying meal for any day of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving something hearty yet wholesome, this recipe delivers. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit various diets and preferences.