Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines lean ground chicken with savory Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a lighter yet juicy twist on classic meatloaf. Easy to prepare, adaptable to various dietary needs, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it delivers a satisfying meal your whole family will love.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic, roughly chop fresh parsley, and grate the Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated. Gather the remaining ingredients to streamline your cooking process.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of milk to keep the mixture moist. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon, being careful not to overwork to maintain tenderness.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish or loaf pan. Shape it into an approximately 8-inch long and 4-inch wide loaf, pressing lightly for an even surface.
- Glaze and Bake: Spread a thin layer of ketchup or tomato sauce evenly over the top for a tangy glaze. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top is nicely caramelized.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute for cleaner, juicier slices before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Incorporate milk and Parmesan to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
- Customize the glaze by mixing ketchup with Worcestershire sauce or honey for extra depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Parmesan chicken meatloaf, lean meatloaf recipe, easy chicken meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, family friendly meatloaf