Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the traditional meatloaf, offering all the comfort you expect with a lighter, more flavorful approach. By using ground chicken instead of beef, this recipe delivers a tender, juicy texture while allowing the garlic and Parmesan to truly shine. It is savory, aromatic, and perfectly balanced, making it ideal for family dinners or easy meal prep. What I appreciate most about this recipe is how reliably moist it turns out. During testing, I tried it once with milk and once with a splash of cream, and both produced excellent results, though the cream added extra richness. This meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, making it a versatile, dependable dinner option.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf – A Juicy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful twist on classic meatloaf made with tender ground chicken, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings, baked until juicy and topped with a savory buttery finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape evenly.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use ground chicken with some fat for best moisture.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground chicken forms the base of the meatloaf, offering a lean yet tender protein.
Parmesan cheese adds savory depth and a bold, nutty flavor throughout the loaf.
Garlic infuses the meatloaf with rich aroma and classic Italian character.
Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf while keeping it moist and tender.
Eggs act as a binder, ensuring the loaf holds its shape while baking.
Milk adds moisture and prevents dryness.
Olive oil enhances richness and helps distribute flavor evenly.
Italian seasoning brings a blend of herbs that complement the garlic and Parmesan.
Salt enhances all the ingredients and balances flavor.
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and seasoning.
Mozzarella cheese creates a soft, melty layer that adds extra comfort.
Fresh parsley provides freshness and color for finishing.
Butter adds richness when brushed or melted over the loaf.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 190°C and lightly greasing a loaf pan or baking dish. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, eggs, milk, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, shaping it evenly. If desired, brush the top lightly with melted butter for added moisture and flavor. Bake until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and lightly golden on top.
During the final minutes of baking, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and return to the oven until melted. Remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest briefly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with a baking time of about 40 minutes, making the total time around 55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a small splash of broth or milk helps maintain moisture.
Variations and Customizations
This meatloaf is easy to adapt. You can add finely chopped spinach or sautéed onions for extra moisture and nutrition. I tested a version with crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat, and it worked very well. For a lower-carb option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour. You can also turn this recipe into individual mini loaves for faster cooking and portion control. A light marinara drizzle before serving adds a classic Italian touch.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is high in protein and lower in fat than traditional beef meatloaf. It provides calcium from the cheese and is filling without being overly heavy. Using lean ground chicken helps keep the dish balanced and suitable for regular family meals.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overmix
Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender.
Use Fresh Garlic
Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
Rest Before Slicing
Allowing the meatloaf to rest helps it hold together cleanly.
Check Doneness Carefully
Ground chicken should be fully cooked but not overbaked.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works very well as a substitute.
How do I keep chicken meatloaf from drying out?
Use enough moisture and avoid overbaking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Yes, freeze cooked slices for up to two months.
What cheese works best?
Parmesan and mozzarella offer the best flavor and texture.
Can I bake it without a loaf pan?
Yes, shape it free-form on a lined baking sheet.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped zucchini or spinach work well.
How do I know it is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 74°C.
What sides pair well with this?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans are great options.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a comforting, flavorful alternative to classic meatloaf that delivers tender texture and rich Italian-inspired taste. Easy to prepare and versatile, it is a reliable recipe that fits perfectly into busy weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal plans.
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