This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a savory and cheesy twist on the classic meatloaf. With a combination of ground chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan, it’s baked to golden perfection and topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a crispy Panko breadcrumb topping. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This meatloaf is a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatloaf but still packed with flavor. The mozzarella stuffed in the center makes each slice extra cheesy and delicious, while the Parmesan adds a rich, savory depth. The crispy topping gives a delightful contrast to the tender meatloaf, making every bite a treat. It’s perfect for a hearty family dinner and great for meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/3 cup finely diced onion
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 pounds ground chicken
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1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
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2 teaspoons milk
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into 1/2-inch slices
For the Topping:
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1/2 cup marinara sauce
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2 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs
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1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon melted butter
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
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Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
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Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a baking dish and shape it into a loaf. Insert the mozzarella cheese slices into the center of the meatloaf, pressing them slightly into the meat.
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Add the Toppings: Spread marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle with Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the top is golden brown.
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Rest and Slice: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds together.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6 servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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Ground Turkey or Beef: Swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey or lean ground beef if you prefer.
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Veggie Add-ins: Add finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
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Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free or lower-carb version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it the night before. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add the marinara sauce and toppings just before baking.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, check for juices running clear and a firm texture.
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
What can I serve with this meatloaf?
Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. It’s also great with some garlic bread on the side.
Conclusion
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a comforting, cheesy twist on a classic dinner dish. With a tender, flavorful chicken base, gooey mozzarella in the middle, and a savory topping of marinara and melted cheese, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!
Print
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful, cheesy twist on the classic meatloaf. Made with ground chicken, mozzarella cheese in the center, and a crispy topping of marinara, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella, this comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional meatloaf without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup finely diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground chicken
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tsp milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into 1/2-inch slices
For the Topping:
1/2 cup marinara sauce
2 tbsp Panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
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Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a baking dish and shape it into a loaf. Insert the mozzarella cheese slices into the center of the meatloaf, pressing them slightly into the meat.
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Add the Toppings: Spread the marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
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Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
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Rest and Slice: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds together.
Notes
Ground Meat Variations: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or lean ground beef if preferred.
Veggie Add-ins: Add finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour in place of breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free or lower in carbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
