This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! Made with ground chicken and packed with garlic and cheesy goodness, each bite is super tasty and comforting.
I love how juicy and soft this meatloaf is—no dry bites here! It’s perfect for dinner with mashed potatoes or even in a sandwich the next day. Plus, the smell while it bakes is heavenly! 🧄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the meatloaf! Ground turkey is a great substitute if chicken isn’t available. Both are lean meats that stay moist with the right preparation.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor! If you don’t have it, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or even switch to nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Breadcrumbs: I love using Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you need gluten-free options, there are fantastic gluten-free breadcrumbs available or you can use crushed gluten-free crackers.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Just adjust to taste since garlic powder is more concentrated.
Onion: Fresh onion provides sweetness and depth. Substituting with shallots can add a more refined flavor. If you’re in a rush, a bit of onion powder will do.
Red Pepper Flakes: They add a nice kick! If you prefer less heat, you can leave them out or substitute with a dash of black pepper.
How Do I Ensure My Meatloaf is Moist and Tender?
Keeping your meatloaf from drying out is essential. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture:
- Use a mix of ground meat and don’t skip the milk or eggs; they add moisture and bind the ingredients.
- Gently mix the ingredients. Over-mixing can make meatloaf dense and tough.
- Adding sautéed onions and garlic is key. They not only add flavor but also contribute moisture.
- Let it rest after baking for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, so each slice is juicy!
- Using a meat thermometer is helpful. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf That Melts in Your Mouth
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ÂĽ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra melty texture inside)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter (for sautéing)
For the Garlic Parmesan Glaze:
- ÂĽ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf takes around 15 minutes to prepare and then about 50-60 minutes to bake. You’ll need a little time afterwards to let it rest before slicing. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish for a delicious, mouthwatering meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the meatloaf later!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a skillet over medium heat, add your olive oil or butter. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool just a bit.
3. Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to this bowl. It’s a flavor party!
4. Optional Cheesy Goodness:
If you want, fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese at this point for that extra gooey texture inside the meatloaf. It’s optional, but oh-so-delicious!
5. Mix Gently:
Now, mix everything together gently but thoroughly until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep that meatloaf nice and tender.
6. Shape the Meatloaf:
Shape your mixture into a loaf and place it in your prepared loaf pan or on the lined baking sheet. Don’t worry too much about making it perfect; a rustic shape is just fine!
7. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, create the garlic Parmesan glaze by mixing together the ketchup, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, honey (or maple syrup), and Worcestershire sauce. This will add a lovely flavor on top!
8. Glaze the Meatloaf:
Spread the garlic Parmesan glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will add a beautiful caramelized touch as it bakes.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the meatloaf in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the top looks golden and slightly caramelized.
10. Let It Rest:
When the meatloaf is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is super important—it helps the juices redistribute, making every slice moist and tender!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, serve it warm with your favorite sides, and enjoy every melt-in-your-mouth bite!
FAQ for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for ground chicken. It will provide a similar flavor and will still be nice and moist with the right preparation!
How Do I Keep My Meatloaf Moist?
To ensure your meatloaf stays moist, be sure to gently mix the ingredients. Adding ingredients like sautĂ©ed onions, eggs, and milk also helps maintain its tenderness. Don’t forget to let it rest after baking!
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meat mixture and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it in advance, slice it, and reheat individual servings as needed.
What Should I Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs perfectly with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It’s also great in a sandwich the next day!
