Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, using ground chicken combined with Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and herbs. It's baked to perfection with a cheesy golden crust, making it a comforting and delicious main dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs (or plain)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup minced yellow onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×5×2-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced yellow onion, minced garlic, egg, whole milk, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix: Using clean hands or a large spoon, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until well combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and a consistent texture.
- Shape: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and gently press it into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the top, then garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. For a golden brown and slightly crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juiciness, then serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist; Italian breadcrumbs add extra herbs for flavor.
- Broil only briefly at the end to achieve a nice golden crust without drying out the meatloaf.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
