Hey there! I’m so excited to share my Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe with you. This cozy dish has quickly become a favorite in our household, and I love making it because it’s both comforting and satisfying. My husband raves about it, and even our little furball enjoys the smell wafting through the kitchen! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending forever in the kitchen.
The flavors are just divine! Imagine tender chicken mixed with savory Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and just the right spices – it’s like a warm hug on a plate. The best part? It’s super simple to throw together, and it’s a dish that the entire family will love. Plus, leftovers make for a delicious sandwich the next day! If you’re in the mood for something extra comforting, pair it with some creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Deliciously cheesy with both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses
- Moist and tender thanks to the ground chicken and added milk
- Easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients
- Filled with flavorful herbs and spices for an authentic Italian taste
- Perfectly topped with marinara sauce and extra gooey cheese
- Great for meal prep – makes delicious leftovers!
- Versatile: serve it with pasta, a salad, or on a bun as a meatloaf sandwich
This meatloaf not only packs a punch of flavor, but it’s also a lighter option compared to traditional beef meatloaf, making it a smart choice for your dinner table!
How to Make Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic dish, adding a cheesy, herby flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds! It’s not only easy to make but also a great way to get some protein into your meal. Perfect for family dinners!
What You’ll Need:
- Ground chicken – 1 lb. I recommend using a good quality ground chicken, preferably organic for the best flavor.
- Breadcrumbs – 1 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. These add a great depth of flavor, but if you only have plain, just toss in some Italian herbs!
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup. I love using freshly grated Parmesan as it melts beautifully and adds a richer taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1/2 cup plus extra for topping, because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
- Chopped parsley – 1/4 cup. Fresh parsley brightens up the flavors and adds color!
- Onion – 1/4 cup, finely chopped. This will give your meatloaf some nice texture.
- Milk – 1/4 cup. Whole milk works best for moisture and flavor.
- Egg – 1 large egg. This helps bind your meatloaf together.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Garlic makes everything better, right?
- Marinara sauce – 1 cup, divided (3/4 cup for topping and 1/4 cup for mixing). Use your favorite jarred sauce or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
- Italian seasoning – 1 tsp, for that classic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper – to taste. Always a must in any dish!
- Fresh parsley for garnish – to add a touch of color and freshness when serving.
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, onion, milk, egg, minced garlic, 1/4 cup of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until everything is just combined—overmixing can make it tough.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture to your prepared loaf pan, shaping it evenly so it cooks through nicely.
- Spread the remaining 3/4 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This adds great flavor and moisture!
- Sprinkle some extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce—because let’s face it, more cheese is always a good idea.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep those juices inside!
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf warm!
This meatloaf is great on its own or served with a side salad or garlic bread. Dig in and enjoy!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer it over chicken. Just keep in mind that turkey can sometimes be drier, so you may want to add a bit more milk or an extra egg for moisture if needed.
What Type of Breadcrumbs Can I Use?
If you don’t have Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, you can easily use plain breadcrumbs. Just add a pinch of dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder to the mix to replicate the Italian flavor. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Meatloaf?
Yes, feel free to add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor! Just make sure to sauté them first to soften their texture before mixing them into the meatloaf.
