Description
This garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf is a cozy, Italian-inspired twist on classic meatloaf, featuring juicy ground chicken, nutty parmesan, and plenty of garlic for bold, crowd-pleasing flavor. It’s easy, quick, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep, with a golden cheesy crust and tender, moist interior.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken (preferably a mix of dark and white meat)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated (plus 1/4 cup extra for topping)
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain or panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%, or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: Zest from 1 lemon
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (for cheesy center)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Oil or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment for easy removal.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes until soft and mushy.
- In a large bowl, mix minced garlic, 1 cup parmesan, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or lemon zest.
- Add ground chicken and eggs to the bowl. Pour in soaked breadcrumbs (with any extra milk). Gently mix until just combined; do not overwork.
- If using mozzarella, spoon half the mixture into the pan, sprinkle mozzarella in the center, then top with remaining chicken mixture. Press down gently to shape.
- Sprinkle an extra 1/4 cup parmesan over the top and pat lightly.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, checking at 40 minutes. Meatloaf should be golden and a thermometer in the center should read 165°F (74°C). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Remove from oven and let rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Run a knife around the edges, lift out, slice thickly, and serve. Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
For best results, use a mix of dark and white meat chicken for juiciness. Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender. Let the loaf rest before slicing to retain moisture. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Add grated veggies for extra nutrition. Leftovers are great in sandwiches or salads. Freeze extra slices for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 24
Keywords: chicken meatloaf, garlic parmesan, easy dinner, Italian meatloaf, family meal, gluten-free option, meal prep, comfort food