Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground chicken; ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ yellow onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup milk; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

This delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Made with ground chicken, savory Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic, this meatloaf is lighter than traditional beef versions but packed with Italian-inspired flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. It’s lighter than traditional beef meatloaf but doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The combination of Parmesan cheese and garlic creates a savory, aromatic profile that transforms simple ground chicken into something special. It’s easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The meatloaf stays moist thanks to the addition of milk and eggs, and the optional mozzarella topping creates a deliciously cheesy crust. Plus, it pairs beautifully with countless side dishes, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground chicken forms the base of this meatloaf, offering a leaner alternative to traditional beef. It has a mild flavor that beautifully absorbs the garlic and herbs in this recipe.

Seasoned breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf while adding texture and flavor. They also absorb moisture, helping to keep the meatloaf tender.

Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty depth that elevates the entire dish. It incorporates perfectly throughout the meatloaf, infusing each bite with savory goodness.

Eggs work as a crucial binding agent, holding everything together while adding richness and moisture to the lean chicken.

Garlic provides aromatic flavor that’s essential to this Italian-inspired dish. Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor, but pre-minced will work in a pinch.

Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth when finely chopped and mixed throughout. It becomes tender during cooking, adding moisture and flavor.

Milk helps keep the meatloaf moist, which is especially important when using leaner ground chicken instead of fattier meats.

Fresh parsley brightens the flavor profile and adds a pop of color. If you don’t have fresh, dried parsley can be substituted at a ratio of 1 teaspoon dried for 1 tablespoon fresh.

Italian seasoning brings in classic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme in one convenient blend, giving the meatloaf its distinctive Italian flair.

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together and properly seasoning the meat.

Mozzarella cheese, while optional, creates a deliciously gooey, golden top that makes this meatloaf extra special.

Olive oil brushed over the top helps achieve a beautiful golden crust during baking.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, milk, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatloaf tough.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or into the loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and gently press it into the loaf. Brush the top with olive oil to help create a golden crust.
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist meatloaf that holds its shape when cut.
Serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner with potential leftovers. Preparation takes about 10 minutes to chop ingredients and mix the meatloaf. Cooking time is 50 minutes, with a total time of approximately 1 hour from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 290 calories, making it a relatively lighter meatloaf option.

Variations

Mediterranean Chicken Meatloaf: Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of chopped Kalamata olives to the mixture.

Spinach and Cheese: Fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach (with excess moisture squeezed out) and substitute the mozzarella topping with provolone cheese.

Herbed Chicken Meatloaf: Double the fresh herbs, adding 2 tablespoons each of chopped basil, rosemary, and thyme for an herb-forward flavor profile.

Spicy Variation: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce to give your meatloaf a kick.

Gluten-Free Option: Replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Mini Meatloaves: Instead of one large loaf, form the mixture into individual mini meatloaves for faster cooking (about 25-30 minutes) and easier portion control.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the meatloaf has cooled completely before refrigerating.

Freezing: This chicken meatloaf freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire (cooled) meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Label with the date for easy reference.

Thawing: For best results, thaw frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Whole Meatloaf: To reheat a whole meatloaf, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating Slices: Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on medium power. For a better texture, reheat slices in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat until warmed through, or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking it cold from the refrigerator.

FAQs

Why is my chicken meatloaf falling apart?

Chicken meatloaf can fall apart if there aren’t enough binding agents. Make sure you’re using the recommended amount of eggs and breadcrumbs. Also, letting the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavor profile and cooking time remain essentially the same, though turkey can sometimes be slightly more moist depending on the fat content.

How do I know when my chicken meatloaf is done?

The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf. It should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center – the meat should be completely opaque with no pink areas.

Can I make this meatloaf without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute crushed crackers, rolled oats, or almond flour for the breadcrumbs. Each will affect the texture slightly differently, but they all work as binders. If using oats, pulse them briefly in a food processor for a finer texture.

Is chicken meatloaf healthier than beef meatloaf?

Generally, chicken meatloaf is lower in fat and calories than traditional beef meatloaf, making it a lighter option. This particular recipe has about 290 calories per serving, which is typically less than beef versions.

Can I add vegetables to this meatloaf?

Absolutely! Finely diced bell peppers, grated zucchini, or carrots work well. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from vegetables like zucchini before adding them to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too wet.

My meatloaf seems too wet. What should I do?

If your mixture seems too wet after combining all ingredients, add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs until it reaches a consistency that holds together when shaped.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can omit the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses and replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk or chicken broth. The flavor profile will change, but the meatloaf will still be delicious.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the meatloaf?

Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough. When proteins in the meat are worked too much, they can become compact and chewy rather than tender. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken meatloaf?

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a simple garden salad. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower mash or a side of sautéed spinach.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf offers a delightful twist on a comfort food classic. By using ground chicken instead of beef, you get a lighter version that’s still packed with savory flavors thanks to the Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasonings. The recipe is straightforward enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough for guests.

What makes this meatloaf special is its versatility – it can be adapted with different herbs and cheeses, made ahead of time, and even frozen for future meals. The leftovers are just as delicious and can be repurposed in sandwiches or crumbled into pasta sauce.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate more poultry into your diet or simply want to try something different from traditional beef meatloaf, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken version is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf