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Delightful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
When you think of meatloaf, you might picture the classic beef version your grandmother made. But this garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf is about to change everything you thought you knew about this comfort food classic. Lighter than traditional beef meatloaf yet incredibly flavorful and moist, this recipe combines ground chicken with the irresistible flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels special, a meal prep champion that reheats beautifully, and a dish that will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf offers all the comfort of traditional meatloaf with a lighter, more delicate texture. Ground chicken provides a lean protein base that’s lower in fat than beef, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. The addition of fresh garlic and nutty parmesan cheese creates layers of savory goodness that permeate every slice. Unlike some chicken dishes that can turn out dry, this meatloaf stays incredibly moist thanks to a few secret ingredients that lock in moisture while adding flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for dinner tonight and sandwich filling tomorrow.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 pounds ground chicken
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup whole milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature ensures the meatloaf cooks through without drying out the exterior. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a standard loaf pan. While a loaf pan creates a more traditional shape, forming the meatloaf freeform on a baking sheet allows more surface area for that delicious garlic parmesan crust to develop.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about four minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. This step sweetens the onion and removes any harsh raw flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Mix the Meatloaf
In a large mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk, stirring to ensure the breadcrumbs absorb all the liquid. Let this mixture sit for about two minutes. This creates what’s called a panade, which is the secret to keeping your meatloaf incredibly moist and tender. The breadcrumbs act like tiny sponges, holding moisture throughout the cooking process.
Add the beaten eggs, grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and fresh parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. Now add the ground chicken and the cooled onion-garlic mixture. Here’s where technique matters: using your hands, gently mix everything together until just combined. Overmixing will result in a tough, dense meatloaf, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of separate ingredients.
4. Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. If using a baking sheet, shape it into a loaf about nine inches long, five inches wide, and three inches high. These dimensions ensure even cooking. The surface should be smooth and even—take a moment to pat it down gently and shape the edges. If using a loaf pan, press the mixture in evenly, being careful not to compact it too much.
5. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic. Brush this garlic butter generously over the entire surface of the meatloaf. The butter will help the top brown beautifully while infusing even more garlic flavor into every bite. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the top, followed by the fresh parsley. As the meatloaf bakes, this topping will form a golden, savory crust that’s absolutely irresistible.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your loaf and whether you’re using a pan or baking sheet. The meatloaf is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the center. Use a meat thermometer to check—this takes the guesswork out and ensures food safety. The top should be golden brown and the edges slightly caramelized.
7. Rest and Serve
Once your meatloaf reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for ten minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes slicing much cleaner. If you cut into it immediately, all those delicious juices will run out onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meatloaf where they belong.
Use a sharp knife to cut thick slices, about one inch each. If you used a baking sheet, you can use a spatula to transfer slices directly to plates. If you used a loaf pan, run a knife around the edges first, then carefully lift the whole loaf out before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Meatloaf
For extra moisture, you can add two tablespoons of mayonnaise or sour cream to the meat mixture. Don’t skip the milk-soaked breadcrumbs—this panade technique is what separates a dry meatloaf from a juicy one. If you prefer a firmer texture, substitute half the ground chicken with ground turkey. Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in this recipe, but if you only have dried parsley, use one tablespoon instead of two. You can also customize the cheese—try adding a handful of shredded mozzarella to the mixture for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic comfort sides. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional dinner. Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus complement the savory flavors perfectly. A simple garden salad with Italian dressing echoes the Italian-inspired seasonings in the meatloaf. For a carb-friendly option, serve slices over pasta with marinara sauce and extra parmesan. Leftover meatloaf makes incredible sandwiches—try it on toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of garlic aioli.
This garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf proves that comfort food can be both delicious and lighter. It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
