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

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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