This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a tender, juicy twist on a classic comfort food, packed with savory herbs and cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying meal that gathers everyone around the table. This chicken meatloaf recipe is bound to become a new family favorite.
My dad, James, was never a big fan of traditional meatloaf. So, my mom, Eva, created this lighter chicken version just for him. I’ll never forget the smile on his face as he took the first bite on a Sunday afternoon. That memory is my secret ingredient.
What Makes This Recipe a Family Treasure
- Flavor Profile: A savory and comforting dish, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf combines the rich tastes of garlic and cheese with classic Italian seasoning for a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf recipes.
- Texture: Thanks to the inclusion of milk, cheeses, and eggs, this chicken meatloaf has a wonderfully moist and tender texture, avoiding the dryness that can sometimes occur with leaner ground chicken.
- Simplicity: With straightforward instructions and common pantry ingredients, this is an easy-to-prepare chicken meatloaf recipe, making it perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Here are the simple things you’ll need to create this dish.
The Ingredient List
- 1 ½ lb ground chicken
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (for topping)
A Couple of Helpful Tools from My Kitchen
- Loaf Pan: A standard loaf pan is perfect for helping the meatloaf hold its shape and cook evenly.
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll want a nice big bowl to gently combine all the ingredients without making a mess or overworking the meat.
Bringing Our Meatloaf to Life, Step by Step
The First Step: Warming Up the Kitchen
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). I always like to line my loaf pan with a little parchment paper for easy cleanup, but a light greasing with olive oil works just as well.
The Second Step: A Gentle, Loving Mix
In a large bowl, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the ground chicken, Parmesan, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, and all your seasonings. Mix it all gently with your hands until it’s just combined. My mom, Eva, always said the secret to a tender meatloaf is to not overwork the meat.
The Third Step: Shaping Our Family Loaf
Now, gently shape the mixture into a classic loaf form and place it inside your prepared pan. Drizzle the top with a little olive oil, this adds a bit of extra moisture and helps it brown beautifully.
The Fourth Step: Adding That Delicious Topping
Spread your ketchup or tomato sauce evenly over the top of the loaf. For that final touch of savory flavor, sprinkle the extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
The Fifth Step: Baking to Golden Perfection
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The top should be a lovely golden-brown, and the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
The Final Step: The hardest part, letting it rest!
This might be the most difficult moment! Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before you slice into it. This little bit of patience allows the juices to settle, ensuring every slice is moist and holds together perfectly. Garnish with a little more fresh parsley if you like before serving.
A Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional values provided are an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For precise nutritional information, I recommend using an online calculator with your exact ingredients.
For a Lighter, Healthier Touch
- Leaner Protein: While ground chicken is already lean, you can opt for ground turkey breast for an even lighter version.
- Whole Grains: Substitute the traditional breadcrumbs with whole wheat breadcrumbs or even rolled oats for an increase in fiber.
- Add Veggies: Finely grate a small zucchini or carrot and squeeze out the excess moisture before adding it to the meat mixture. This is a wonderful way to add extra nutrients and moisture.
How We Love to Share It
- Classic Comfort: You can never go wrong serving this meatloaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and simple garlic green beans. The combination is pure comfort on a plate.
- A Lighter Pairing: For a lighter meal, serve slices of the meatloaf alongside a fresh arugula salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette.
- The Day-After Sandwich: Leftover meatloaf makes the most incredible sandwiches! Just place a warm slice between two pieces of toasted bread with a little mayonnaise and lettuce.
A Few of Mom’s Tips for a Perfect Loaf
- On Mixing Gently: The most common mistake is overworking the meat mixture. Mix the ingredients only until they are just combined to ensure a tender, juicy meatloaf rather than a tough, dense one.
- On the Importance of Resting: It’s tempting to slice into the meatloaf right out of the oven, but letting it rest is crucial. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, preventing it from being dry or crumbling when you cut it.
- On Knowing When It’s Done: The only way to be certain your chicken meatloaf is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
Keeping the Goodness for Later
To store leftover meatloaf, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly or placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. For best results, wrap individual slices in foil and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. To reheat, you can warm slices in the oven at a low temperature or briefly in the microwave. Adding a splash of broth before reheating can help keep it moist.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There is something truly special about a meal that is both simple and deeply satisfying. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is just that. It’s a dish born from love, a desire to create a moment of shared joy around the dinner table. I hope that when you make it, your kitchen fills with the same warmth and happiness that it brings to mine, and that you create your own beautiful memories with every slice.
Just in Case You Were Wondering…
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe and works beautifully with the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Can I prepare this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire loaf, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
What’s the secret to a perfectly moist chicken meatloaf?
The key to a moist chicken meatloaf is to not overmix the ingredients and to include moisture-adding components like milk and eggs. Using a meat thermometer to cook it to the perfect temperature of 165°F without overbaking is also essential.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A tender, juicy twist on a classic comfort food, packed with savory herbs, garlic, and cheesy goodness—this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground chicken
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Spread ketchup or tomato sauce evenly over the loaf, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Mix ingredients gently to avoid a dense texture. Let the loaf rest before slicing for the best results. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze up to 4 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken meatloaf, garlic parmesan, baked chicken, comfort food, family dinner