Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this parmesan chicken meatloaf! It’s a savory twist on the classic meatloaf that’s not only packed with flavor but also super easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made it; I had some friends over for dinner, and as soon as I pulled it out of the oven, the smell filled the whole house—talk about mouthwatering! The ground chicken combined with rich parmesan cheese creates this delightful texture that’s both juicy and satisfying. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to traditional meatloaf, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your rotation!
Ingredients for Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Gather these simple yet delicious ingredients before you start. Trust me, they’re going to come together beautifully!
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Make sure to get fresh ingredients to really elevate the flavors. You’re going to love how they all come together in the oven!
How to Prepare Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Getting this parmesan chicken meatloaf ready is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. I promise, it’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because you want that oven nice and hot when it’s time to bake!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and milk. Oh, and make sure to mix everything until it’s well combined—don’t be shy, get in there with your hands!
- Once mixed, transfer the mixture into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf; you want it to look nice and inviting!
- Now, here comes the fun part—spread the marinara sauce on top of your meatloaf. This adds a lovely layer of flavor and keeps it moist.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Trust me, that’s the sweet spot!
- After it’s baked, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep all those juicy flavors locked in!
And there you have it! A perfectly cooked parmesan chicken meatloaf that’s ready to be enjoyed. Can’t wait for you to taste it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a healthier twist on traditional meatloaf, using lean ground chicken and rich parmesan.
- Preparation is quick and straightforward—perfect for busy weeknights!
- The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, with the savory cheese and aromatic garlic shining through.
- It’s versatile! Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Leftovers taste amazing and can be used in sandwiches or salads the next day!
Tips for Success
To ensure your parmesan chicken meatloaf turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t overmix the ingredients once they’re combined; you want a tender meatloaf, not a tough one! Also, make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it’s the best way to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy. If you find the mixture is too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it. And remember, letting it rest after baking is key—it allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delicious parmesan chicken meatloaf is approximately 220 calories, with about 10g of fat and 25g of protein. It’s low in carbs, too, with around 11g per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the specific ingredients used, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will still give you that delicious flavor in your meatloaf.
How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked through?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat and perfectly juicy!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it in the loaf pan, then cover it and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What should I serve with parmesan chicken meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies, a fresh salad, or even mashed potatoes. It’s all about your personal taste!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just wrap the sliced meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Serving Suggestions
You’ll want to make this parmesan chicken meatloaf truly shine on your dinner table! I love serving it alongside some roasted vegetables—think carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil and herbs. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs perfectly, adding a crisp contrast to the savory meatloaf. And if you’re in the mood for comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes or a side of garlic bread will take your meal to the next level. Trust me, whatever you choose, it’s going to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this parmesan chicken meatloaf is super simple! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t feel like cooking! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat slices in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just be careful not to dry it out—nobody wants that! Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken or Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner.
Print
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: 5 Savory Secrets to Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A savory meatloaf made with chicken and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and milk.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Spread marinara sauce on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with a side of vegetables or a salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: parmesan chicken meatloaf
