Dinner time often feels like a beautiful chaos in our house. Between soccer practice, homework, and a never-ending laundry pile, I treasure simple recipes that bring everyone together. This Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf instantly became a family hero.
I remember the first time I served it; my youngest, usually a picky eater, asked for seconds! That’s when I knew this garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf was a keeper. It’s light yet incredibly satisfying, packed with savory flavor, and stays perfectly moist. You will love how easily this juicy chicken meatloaf comes together, making busy weeknights delicious.
Table of Contents
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Total Time: 90 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights. It transforms humble ground chicken into a savory, satisfying, and incredibly moist meal, packed with irresistible garlic and parmesan flavor. It's an easy-to-make dish that impresses without the fuss and makes fantastic leftovers.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs Ground Chicken (93% lean)
1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 large Egg
1/4 cup Milk
4 cloves Minced Garlic
1/2 small Finely Diced Onio
2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 cup Ketchup (for glaze)
1 tbsp Brown Sugar (for glaze)
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, milk, minced garlic, diced onion, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix
- Shape the mixture into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze
- Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the chicken meatloaf
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute
Notes
Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture; gentle handling prevents a tough texture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness.
Letting the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes after baking results in a moister slice.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat slices gently in the microwave, skillet, or oven, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Serve with classic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, a garden salad, fluffy rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or creamy polenta.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 55-65 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: chicken, dinner, meatloaf
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS JUICY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN MEATLOAF RECIPE
You need simple, flavorful meals that impress without the fuss. This Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf delivers exactly that. It transforms humble ground chicken into a taste sensation.
We skip the heavy beef often found in traditional meatloaf, opting for a leaner, equally delicious alternative. The parmesan cheese and garlic infuse every bite with irresistible flavor. This garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf truly elevates dinner.
Plus, it is incredibly versatile and makes fantastic leftovers. You will find yourself adding this juicy chicken meatloaf to your regular rotation immediately. It’s a nourishing dish everyone devours!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Chicken | 1.5 lbs (93% lean) |
| Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular) | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Onion (finely diced) | 1/2 small |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Ketchup (for glaze) | 1/4 cup |
| Brown Sugar (for glaze) | 1 tbsp |
| Worcestershire Sauce (for glaze) | 1 tsp |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
This Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe offers fantastic flexibility. Feel free to adapt it to your family’s preferences or pantry staples. For breadcrumbs, if you are gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
Try different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a sharp cheddar instead of parmesan for a unique spin on this garlic Parmesan meatloaf. Add finely grated zucchini or carrots to sneak in extra veggies; they disappear into the chicken meatloaf beautifully. Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also swap the ground chicken for ground turkey for another lean, juicy meatloaf option.
Exploring ingredient substitutions can truly elevate your cooking, just as adapting methods ensures perfect results. For instance, achieving incredibly juicy and crispy results, even with different meats, often comes down to precise cooking techniques, much like perfecting a dish such as Air Fryer Brats.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Creating this Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, milk, minced garlic, diced onion, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing toughens the chicken meatloaf.
Next, shape the mixture into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This creates a beautifully shaped garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce for the glaze.
Spread this glaze evenly over the top of your juicy garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked chicken meatloaf. Finally, let the juicy meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Mastering these critical steps ensures your chicken meatloaf is tender and perfectly cooked throughout. Similarly, achieving that ideal balance of crispy skin and incredibly juicy interior in other chicken preparations, like Southern-Style Fried Chicken Legs, also relies on specific techniques and careful timing.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Leftovers of this Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf are a treat! Store any remaining chicken meatloaf slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave, in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Add a splash of broth if reheating in the oven or skillet to maintain the juicy meatloaf texture. This garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf reheats beautifully.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
Choosing the right accompaniments elevates any main dish, transforming a simple meal into a delightful feast. If you enjoy a robust, flavorful experience that pairs well with classic sides, you might also appreciate the satisfying and incredibly Juicy Crack Burgers, loaded with ranch and cheese.
FAQS
Can I prepare this Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix and shape the Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf mixture a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Then, apply the glaze and bake as directed.
Why is my chicken meatloaf dry?
Overmixing the ground chicken or overbaking are common culprits. Make sure you mix just until combined and use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking this Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly in this Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe. Choose 93% lean ground turkey for the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when the Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the chicken meatloaf; it should read 165°F (74°C).
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can use garlic powder as a substitute for this Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 3-4 cloves of fresh garlic.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Definitely! Finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers are excellent additions to this Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. They add moisture and extra nutrition.
Meatloaf, a popular ground meat dish, is cherished in many cultures for its comforting and adaptable nature. It typically involves combining ground meat with various binders and seasonings, shaping it into a loaf, and then baking it to create a hearty and flavorful meal.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |