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- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 large eggs - 1/4 cup milk - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping) Every ingredient in garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaf plays a key role. The ground chicken is the base. It gives the meatloaf its shape and texture. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf and keep it moist. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor. Fresh parsley brings brightness and color. Garlic gives it that tasty kick, while onion adds sweetness. Eggs are important for binding. Milk keeps the meatloaf juicy. Italian seasoning adds depth with herbs. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Finally, marinara sauce on top adds moisture and taste. You can swap ground chicken for turkey if you like. Whole wheat breadcrumbs work well too. Instead of Parmesan, try mozzarella for a different taste. You can also use dried parsley if fresh is not available. For garlic, garlic powder can be a quick fix. If you want a milder onion taste, use green onions. Instead of milk, any plant-based milk can substitute. This way, you can make the meatloaf fit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, onion, eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now, lightly grease a loaf pan to keep the meatloaf from sticking. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and onion. This blend gives your meatloaf great flavor. Next, take a small bowl. In this bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Once mixed, add this to the chicken mixture. Then, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands to combine. Be careful not to overwork it; you want a tender meatloaf. Transfer the meat mixture to your greased loaf pan. Press it gently to shape it and smooth the top with a spatula. Now, take the marinara sauce and spread it evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This adds moisture and flavor as it bakes. Place the loaf pan in your oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The top should be nicely browned. After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. To achieve a great meatloaf texture, do not overmix. Mixing too much can make it tough. Use your hands to gently combine the ingredients. The right moisture is also key. The eggs and milk help keep the meatloaf moist. If you want a softer loaf, add a bit more milk. One common mistake is using too lean of meat. Ground chicken is lean, but it needs fat for flavor. Mixing in breadcrumbs helps balance this. Another mistake is not letting it rest. Allow the meatloaf to sit after baking. This helps it hold its shape when you slice it. Lastly, don’t skip the marinara sauce. It adds flavor and keeps the top moist. Serve your meatloaf with a side of steamed veggies. Green beans or broccoli work great. You can also add mashed potatoes for a classic touch. For extra flavor, sprinkle more Parmesan on top. Garnish with fresh parsley to make it look nice and bright. Don't forget to serve some marinara sauce on the side for dipping! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh garlic and parsley instead of dried. Fresh herbs and aromatics elevate the taste of your meatloaf. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture in the meatloaf. Let it Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice and more flavorful. Customize the Topping: Feel free to experiment with different sauces on top, such as barbecue or a cheese blend, for a unique twist on this classic meatloaf. {{image_2}} You can mix in veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Try adding finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. They add color and a sweet taste. Just make sure to chop them small. This helps them cook evenly. You can add about 1 cup of these veggies without changing the recipe much. Remember, more veggies may mean more moisture. If so, add a bit more breadcrumbs to keep it together. Parmesan is great, but you can switch it up. Cheddar cheese adds a rich, sharp flavor. Mozzarella gives a creamy texture and melts nicely. For a bolder taste, try feta or blue cheese. Just use about 1/2 cup of your chosen cheese. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique dish that suits your taste. Want some heat? You can add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Start with 1/2 teaspoon for a mild kick. For more heat, add up to 1 teaspoon. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for a spicy twist. This variation keeps the garlic flavor strong while giving it a fun, fiery flair. To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to label it with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. When you're ready to eat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf on a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Slice the meatloaf and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot. To freeze the meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can use turkey. Ground turkey works well in this recipe. It keeps the meatloaf moist and adds a unique flavor. Just ensure to check the cooking time, as turkey can cook a bit differently. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or oats. You can also use ground nuts for a gluten-free option. Each will add a different texture, so choose what you like best. Check the meatloaf's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). The top should also look browned. If you cut into it, the juices should run clear. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing for the best results. This blog post covered everything you need to make a great meatloaf. We listed the key ingredients and their importance. You learned about preparation steps, baking instructions, and tips for perfect texture. We explored variations, storage, and answered common questions too. Now you have all the tools to create your own meatloaf. Enjoy the process and share your delicious results!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

A delicious and savory meatloaf made with ground chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, topped with marinara sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, and chopped onion.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Once mixed, pour this mixture into the chicken mixture.
  • Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the bowl and mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it gently to shape it before smoothing the top.
  • Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatloaf is browned on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve slices of the meatloaf on a platter garnished with fresh parsley and a side of steamed vegetables for a colorful and appealing meal.
Keyword chicken, garlic, meatloaf, Parmesan