Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

$For this tasty meatloaf, you'll need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup milk - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup ketchup (for glaze) - Extra Parmesan and parsley for topping These ingredients make a moist and flavorful meatloaf. The ground chicken gives it a light texture. The breadcrumbs help hold everything together. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick. Fresh parsley and garlic bring in fresh flavors. You can add other ingredients for extra taste: - Chopped bell peppers - Diced mushrooms - Crushed red pepper flakes - Worcestershire sauce These options can change the flavor profile. Bell peppers or mushrooms add moisture and depth. Red pepper flakes give a bit of heat, while Worcestershire sauce adds umami. To make a complete meal, consider these sides: - Mashed potatoes - Fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables - Garlic bread Mashed potatoes go well with meatloaf. They soak up the juices. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. Steamed veggies provide color and nutrients. Garlic bread can round out the meal nicely. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, grab a large mixing bowl and add these ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup finely chopped onion - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup milk - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all the ingredients well. I like to use my hands for this part. Just be gentle; overmixing can make it tough. Once the mix is ready, transfer it into a greased loaf pan. Shape it into a nice loaf. This is where you can get creative. Smooth the top for a nice finish. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup ketchup with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly on top of the meatloaf. Then, sprinkle some extra Parmesan and parsley on top for more flavor. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You're looking for that golden brown color on top and an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). To check if your meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the center. This ensures it’s safe to eat. When it’s done, take it out and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to settle, making it more tasty. After resting, slice it up and enjoy! To keep your meatloaf moist, use ground chicken with some fat. You can blend chicken thighs with chicken breast for better moisture. Adding milk and egg helps too. These ingredients bind and add moisture. Don’t overmix your meatloaf. Mix just until combined. This prevents it from becoming tough. Let it rest after baking. This allows juices to settle. When mixing ground chicken, use your hands for the best feel. Ensure all ingredients blend well without overworking the meat. Start with dry ingredients, then add chicken. Pour in wet ingredients, mixing gently. This keeps the meatloaf tender. Always wash your hands before and after mixing to stay clean. Seasoning makes your meatloaf shine. Use salt and pepper as a base. Italian seasoning adds depth. Fresh herbs like parsley bring brightness. You can add minced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra flavor. Grated cheese can add richness too. A touch of Worcestershire sauce gives a savory kick. Explore different spices to make it your own. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic will elevate the flavor of your meatloaf significantly compared to dried or pre-minced alternatives. Don't Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf. Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps retain its juices and makes for cleaner slices. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize the glaze by mixing in different sauces or spices to suit your taste preferences. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to make the meatloaf healthier. Try adding finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. These add color and taste. You want to chop them small so they mix well. About one cup of veggies is a good amount. They will keep the meatloaf moist and add nutrients. Parmesan cheese is great, but you can mix it up. Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Feta adds a nice tangy flavor too. You can even use cheddar cheese for a sharp, bold taste. Just use about 1/2 cup of your chosen cheese. Each option brings a new twist to the dish. If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Both work well in the recipe. Just make sure to check the labels. They should be certified gluten-free to be safe. This way, everyone can enjoy your meatloaf! After you bake your meatloaf, let it cool down. Leave it on the counter for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier. Once it cools, wrap the leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Store the meatloaf in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can also slice it before freezing for easy meals later. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to label it with the date! When you're ready to eat your leftover meatloaf, reheating properly is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps it moist. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes or until warm. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy your tasty meatloaf just like it was fresh! Yes, you can make this meatloaf ahead! Prepare the mixture, shape it, and place it in the loaf pan. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to one day. When you are ready, bake it as usual. This saves time on busy days. If you want a different flavor, try ground turkey or ground beef. Both work well in this recipe. Ground pork also adds a nice twist. Just adjust the cooking time if you change the meat type. Each option brings its own taste to the dish. To check if the meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer. The center should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the loaf. The meat should be no longer pink, and juices should run clear. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is easy to make and full of flavor. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for the best texture. You learned about adding vegetables and using different cheeses for variety. Proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh and tasty. With these insights, you can cook a meatloaf your family will love. Use this dish to impress at dinner or simply enjoy a comforting meal today. Let's make dinner memorable!$

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

A delicious and savory meatloaf made with ground chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, topped with a flavorful ketchup glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 5

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 cup breadcrumbs
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup finely chopped onion
1 large egg
0.25 cup milk
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
0.25 cup ketchup (for glaze)
to taste Extra Parmesan and parsley for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix all the ingredients together until well combined, using your hands for best results, but be careful not to overmix.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
In a small bowl, mix the ketchup with a pinch of salt and pepper, and then spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and parsley over the top for added flavor and presentation.
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden brown.
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve slices of the meatloaf on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, garlic, meatloaf, Parmesan