Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground chicken; ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1 small onion, finely chopped; ¼ cup milk; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Optional: ¼ cup shredded mozzarella (for a melty center!); Optional topping: Extra Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic butter

Posted on May 12, 2025

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf on a serving plate, sliced and topped with fresh parsley.

Dinner

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There’s something so comforting about a warm, flavorful meatloaf—and this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is the ultimate twist on a classic. It’s juicy, tender, and loaded with bold garlic and cheesy Parmesan flavor in every bite. Best of all? It’s super easy to throw together with pantry staples and bakes up beautifully for a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or slicing it for a sandwich the next day, this chicken meatloaf is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is comfort food made easy—and with a flavorful twist! Instead of the usual heavy beef, we’re using ground chicken for a lighter, protein-packed option that stays incredibly moist and tender. The garlic and Parmesan combo adds a rich, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the juicy texture. It’s great for busy weeknights, kid-approved, and perfect for meal prep. You can even dress it up for a casual dinner party or keep it simple for a cozy night in. And trust us—leftovers (if you have any!) are just as delicious the next day.

Ingredients

This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf comes together with simple, flavorful ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ lbs ground chicken
¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
¼ cup milk
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Optional: ¼ cup shredded mozzarella (for a melty center!)
Optional topping: Extra Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic butter

Instructions

This garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf is as easy to make as it is to devour. With just a bit of mixing and baking, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dinner on the table in no time. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
Sauté the onion and garlic (optional step, but recommended for extra flavor): In a small pan over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant—about 3–4 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, sautéed (or raw) onion and garlic, milk, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Form the loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf on your prepared baking sheet or press it into a loaf pan. If adding mozzarella, make a shallow trench in the center, stuff with cheese, and cover with more meat mixture.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If desired, sprinkle with extra Parmesan or brush with garlic butter in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest & slice: Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in all the juices!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes a perfectly sized meatloaf that’s great for both small families and meal preppers. It serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size, and pairs well with just about any side—from mashed potatoes to a crisp green salad.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Rest time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some fun tips and tasty twists to try:

Swap the meat: You can substitute ground turkey if you don’t have chicken—it’s just as juicy!
Cheesy center: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or provolone in the middle for a melty surprise.
Low-carb option: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Veggie boost: Mix in finely grated zucchini or carrots for extra moisture and nutrition.
Topping idea: Try a thin layer of marinara and shredded cheese on top for a chicken parm-style finish.
Make it mini: Form into muffin tins for individual servings—perfect for portion control or freezing!

Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you—this meatloaf is just as good the next day (if not better)! Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerator: Store cooled meatloaf slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix and shape the loaf up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

2. Is ground chicken dry?
Not in this recipe! The milk, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings keep it moist and flavorful.

3. Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
Yes! While fresh garlic has a stronger flavor, jarred garlic works in a pinch.

4. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, oats, almond flour, or even cooked quinoa are great substitutes.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan or divide into two loaves and adjust baking time slightly.

6. What sides go well with this?
Mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or even mac and cheese are perfect pairings.

7. How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—once the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C), it’s done!

Conclusion

There you have it—your new go-to comfort food: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf! It’s savory, juicy, cheesy, and just bursting with flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to impress guests. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving it fresh from the oven, this dish brings a satisfying twist to the traditional meatloaf.

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