There’s nothing quite like the savory aroma of Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf filling your kitchen on a cozy evening. Each bite is a warm hug, bringing together cheesy goodness with comforting familiarity. This dish has become a favorite, perfect for any busy weeknight when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Picture this: a blend of ground chicken, melty parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, all baked until golden brown. It’s a cozy dish reminiscent of traditional meatloaf, but with a twist that’s lighter and packed with flavor. This recipe comes together easily using pantry staples, making it not just comforting but super practical for your dinner table.
I started making this meatloaf recipe back in 2015 after a long day of recipe testing for my blog. The first time I served it, my husband couldn’t stop raving about how juicy it was! I learned that adding a little olive oil keeps it tender, and now it’s a family staple. With years of kitchen experimenting behind me, I know this cheesy chicken loaf is a winner for any dinner.
Yesica Andrews
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: An Easy and Delicious Recipe
This parmesan chicken meatloaf recipe offers a cheesy chicken loaf bake that is both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this tender juicy chicken meatloaf combines savory herbs and garlic with a crispy topped chicken loaf glaze, making it a comforting meal everyone will love.
2 pounds Ground Chicken or ground turkey or lean pork
1 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded or Romano cheese
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
2 large Eggs for binding
4 cloves Minced Garlic adjust to taste
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Dried Basil
1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
1 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust to taste
1/2 cup Whole Milk or plant milk if dairy-free
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter for glaze
1/4 cup Additional Parmesan for sprinkling
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley for garnish
Method
Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) and get a baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, shredded Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil and parsley, salt, pepper, and milk until just mixed.
Shape the mixture into a loaf form and place it on the prepared baking sheet or into the greased loaf pan.
Bake the meatloaf for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
While the meatloaf bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant.
Stir in the additional Parmesan and fresh parsley, letting the glaze thicken slightly before removing from heat.
Once the meatloaf has baked, brush the garlic Parmesan butter glaze evenly on top.
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes to set the glaze.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve each slice garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This meatloaf keeps well and is perfect for meal prepping, making ahead of time is convenient for busy schedules.
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
This parmesan chicken meatloaf is not just a twist on tradition; it’s a reminder of cozy dinners at home.
With a delightful balance of flavor and texture, it’s a cheesy chicken loaf bake that your family will request time and time again!
This recipe uses ground chicken, making it a lighter yet satisfying alternative to classic meatloaf. Perfect for a hearty easy chicken meatloaf dinner.
It’s incredibly versatilefeel free to explore different herbs or even make it a keto chicken meatloaf by adjusting the breadcrumbs.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Ingredient
Purpose
Ground Chicken
The star of the meatloaf, juicy and tender.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds rich flavor and a cheesy crust that everyone will love!
Panko Breadcrumbs
Helps bind the meatloaf while keeping it light and fluffy.
Garlic
Infuses the meatloaf with delightful aroma and taste.
Loaf Pan
Essential for shaping the meatloaf perfectly.
How It Works, Step-by-Step
Preheat the oven: Get that cozy environment going at 375°F.
Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, and herbs. Stir gently until just combined!
Shape and bake: Form your mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the greased loaf pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes until beautifully golden.
Add a glaze: Melt butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, then stir in more parmesan and parsley. Brush this luscious glaze onto your meatloaf and return it to the oven for the last 5-7 minutes.
Rest and serve: Let your masterpiece rest before slicing. Garnish with extra parsley for that finishing touch!
Troubleshooting Tips
If your meatloaf is too dry, try adding a splash more milk next time or adjust the baking time.
Overcooked? Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.
For a more flavor-packed experience, increase the garlic or add your favorite herbs!
Tweaks for Variety
For an Italian chicken meatloaf vibe, add Italian seasoning and marinara sauce for the glaze.
Mix in chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Feel free to swap the ground chicken with ground turkey or lean porkboth make for a delicious herb parmesan chicken loaf.
Serving & Storage Tips
Tip
Details
Serving Suggestions
Pair with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Storage
This comfort food chicken bake lasts up to 3 days in the fridgeperfect for leftovers.
Freezing
Freeze slices individually for quick meals on busy nightsjust reheat in the oven!
Expert Says
A well-crafted Parmesan chicken meatloaf benefits from the addition of grated Parmesan, which not only enhances flavor but also provides a boost of umami. This cheese’s saltiness can help reduce the need for extra sodium, making the dish both delicious and a bit healthier when balanced properly with other ingredients.
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My Journey to Perfect Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Creating the perfect Parmesan chicken meatloaf took more attempts than I’d care to admit! I remember one batch being so dry that it could’ve doubled as a doorstop. But each failure brought me closer to a moist, flavorful dish that my family now loves, making all the trials worth it!
FAQs ( Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf )
What is the best way to serve this dish?
This meal pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad. A drizzle of balsamic reduction can elevate the flavors nicely. For a complete dinner, consider adding steamed vegetables on the side.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. It can provide a leaner option while still maintaining the flavorful outcome. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed.
How do I keep the meatloaf moist?
To keep the meatloaf moist, be sure not to overmix the ingredients. Adding breadcrumbs soaked in milk or a bit of extra chicken broth also helps retain moisture during baking. Cover with foil during the first half of baking if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can bake it, let it cool, and then reheat it before serving. This helps develop the flavors even more.
Conclusion
This parmesan chicken meatloaf is a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken and cheesy goodness that your family will adore! With just 45 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a comforting meal that fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. You’ll love how it turns outgolden and oh-so-inviting!
Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or add a splash of marinara for an Italian twist! If you want to save time on busy nights, just pop leftovers in the microwave, and they’ll taste just as good the next day. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen: drizzling a bit of olive oil on top before reheating keeps it nice and moist.
I’d love to hear how your meatloaf turns out! Did you grow up with a special family recipe? Snap a photo or drop a comment below. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved onesthere’s nothing like homemade meals to bring us all together!
