This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish. Juicy chicken mixed with garlic, cheese, and herbs makes every bite delicious!
You’ll love how easy this is to whip up! I often serve it with mashed potatoes because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good meatloaf? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This meatloaf works best with ground chicken for a lighter, juicy result. If you prefer, you can substitute with ground turkey or a blend of chicken and pork for richer flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a delicious cheesy flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar for a different twist.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend panko for its extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work too. If gluten-free is your goal, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but feel free to use garlic powder if you’re short on fresh. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder replaces 1 clove of fresh garlic.
Onion: Using fresh onions adds moisture and sweetness. Instead, you can use onion powder in a pinch—about 1 tablespoon will suffice.
How Do You Ensure a Moist and Tender Meatloaf?
The key to a moist meatloaf is not only in your ingredients but also in how you mix them. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, which we don’t want. Here’s how to keep it light:
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk to help retain moisture.
- Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Small lumps are okay!
- Shape the loaf gently; don’t pack it too tightly.
- For added moisture, consider adding a finely grated carrot or zucchini to the mix.
Lastly, let the meatloaf rest after baking; this helps the juices redistribute, making your slices juicy and flavorful!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling)
For the Topping (optional):
- ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Time Estimate:
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, and then it needs 45 to 55 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour of your time. Make sure to allow for 10 minutes of resting time before slicing to get those juicy portions!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the meatloaf moist once baked, as the breadcrumbs will soak up the milk.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, eggs, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if you’re using it). Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. It should have a nice rounded top!
5. Add the Topping (Optional):
If you’d like to add some extra flavor, mix the ketchup, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Drizzle and Bake:
Drizzle the top of the meatloaf with olive oil or melted butter to enhance browning, then place it in the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period will make it easier to slice and keeps it juicy! After that, slice it and serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf! It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
FAQ for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Can I Substitute Ground Chicken with Another Meat?
Yes! You can easily substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, ground beef, or even a mix of meats. Just be aware that using a fattier meat, like beef, might change the overall moisture and flavor of the meatloaf.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make this meatloaf gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use rolled oats as a binder instead of breadcrumbs.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To warm it up, simply slice and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. To prevent drying out, you can cover it with a damp paper towel when microwaving.
Can I Freeze the Meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze cooked meatloaf! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave.
