Mediterranean Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
A delicious twist on classic meatloaf! This Mediterranean-inspired chicken meatloaf is packed with bold garlic, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a juicy, flavorful, and protein-rich dish. Perfect for a healthy family dinner or weekly meal prep.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 60–65 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
1.moked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
3/4 cup panko bre
5 lbs (680g) ground chicken
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp s
adcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
2 tbsp olive oil (for moisture)
Optional Topping:
2 tbsp grated parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, garlic, herbs, seasonings, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil.
Use clean hands or a spatula to mix until everything is evenly combined — don’t overmix or the meatloaf may become dense.
Shape & Bake
Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan and shape it evenly.
If using, sprinkle the top with extra parmesan and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest & Slice
Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
Serve With
A side of lemony roasted potatoes or couscous
A crisp cucumber-tomato salad
Garlic yogurt sauce or tzatziki
Tips & Variations
1. Make it low-carb/keto:
Swap panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a grain-free version.
2. Add veggies inside:
Finely grated zucchini, spinach, or bell pepper can be added to boost fiber and nutrients.
3. Swap proteins:
You can use ground turkey or a blend of ground chicken and turkey for a leaner, more tender texture.
4. Add a glaze:
Brush the top with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey before baking for a sweet-savory finish.
5. Use feta instead of parmesan:
Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy Mediterranean kick in place of parmesan — or use both!
6. Meal prep friendly:
This meatloaf freezes beautifully! Slice and freeze individually for quick meals.
Q&A (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare and shape the loaf ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze it either raw (before baking) or cooked (fully cooled and sliced). Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: My meatloaf came out dry. What went wrong?
A: Overbaking or using very lean meat can cause dryness. Be sure not to overcook and don’t skip the olive oil and eggs — they add moisture.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Just skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative and a little extra seasoning to keep it flavorful.
Nutrition (Per Serving — 1 slice, based on 6 servings)
Approximate values may vary slightly based on brands and substitutions.
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 24g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 480mg
Calcium: ~100mg
Iron: ~1.5mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavor-packed twist on a comfort food classic. With the richness of garlic and parmesan, the brightness of herbs, and the punch of sun-dried tomatoes, it’s anything but boring. It’s easy to prepare, full of protein, and perfect for family dinners, weekly meal prep, or even freezing for later. Healthy, satisfying, and loaded with Mediterranean flavor — this dish is a must-try!