Tired of the same old boring dinners? Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, juicy meatloaf bursting with savory Parmesan flavor, but made healthier with lean ground chicken. This Baked Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious and satisfying twist on a classic comfort food, and I promise, it’s easier to make than you think!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (¾ cup for meatloaf, ¼ cup for topping)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce (Optional):
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Let’s Gather Our Gear: Kitchen Essentials
Before we dive into the magic, let’s make sure we have everything we need. A well-prepared kitchen is a happy kitchen! You’ll want:
- A large mixing bowl: For combining all the meatloaf ingredients.
- A 9×5 inch loaf pan: This is the classic size for meatloaf, but you can also use a baking sheet.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for consistent results.
- A cutting board and knife: For chopping the onion, garlic, and parsley.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional): For easy cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Our Masterpiece
Getting Started: Prep Work is Key
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier removal of the meatloaf.
- In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce (if using), Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Mixing the Meatloaf Magic
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
Shaping and Baking to Perfection
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently shape it into a loaf.
- Spread the tomato sauce mixture (if using) evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
Troubleshooting: Common Meatloaf Mishaps (and How to Avoid Them!)
Meatloaf seems simple, but there are a few pitfalls you might encounter. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
- Dry Meatloaf: This is usually caused by overbaking or using too lean of ground chicken. Make sure to use a meat thermometer and don’t overcook it. You can also add a little extra milk or breadcrumbs soaked in milk to the mixture to help retain moisture.
- Dense Meatloaf: Overmixing the ingredients can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix gently until just combined.
- Meatloaf Falling Apart: This could be due to not enough binding ingredients (like egg and breadcrumbs) or using too much liquid. Make sure to follow the recipe closely and adjust the amount of breadcrumbs if needed.
- Meatloaf Sticking to the Pan: Grease the loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Flavor Boosters: Taking Your Meatloaf to the Next Level
Want to personalize your Baked Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf? Here are some fun and tasty additions you can try:
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Add about 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the meatloaf mixture for a burst of intense flavor.
- Spinach: Sauté some fresh spinach and add it to the mixture for extra nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms also add a delicious savory element.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or the tomato sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal
This Baked Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some complementary side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing!
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are all great choices.
- Green Beans: Simple and delicious.
- Salad: A fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.
- Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread?
Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Leftovers
Leftover Baked Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). To reheat, simply slice the meatloaf and microwave it, bake it in the oven, or pan-fry it until heated through.
More Delicious Chicken Creations
If you love chicken as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite chicken recipes! For a quick and easy meal, try Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken. If you’re craving a comforting casserole, the Chicken Parmesan Casserole is always a winner. And for a similar flavor profile, but with a unique twist, give the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf or Garlic Parmesan Chicken a try!
Meatloaf Mania: Other Meatloaf Recipes to Explore
Branch out and explore other meatloaf recipes beyond chicken! The classic Meatloaf Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. For a super cheesy indulgence, try the Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole. These will surely satisfy any meatloaf craving you might have.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Homemade Goodness!
There you have it – a delicious and easy Baked Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!
What can I do to prevent my chicken meatloaf from being dry?
To prevent a dry chicken meatloaf, ensure you don’t overbake it by using a meat thermometer and cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also add a little extra milk or breadcrumbs soaked in milk to the mixture to help retain moisture.
What are some ways to add more flavor to the Baked Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf?
You can add flavor by incorporating ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed spinach or mushrooms, red pepper flakes for a kick, or experimenting with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this chicken meatloaf?
The article suggests serving the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts), green beans, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread.
How long can I store leftover chicken meatloaf and how should I reheat it?
Leftover Baked Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and microwave it, bake it in the oven, or pan-fry it until heated through.
Baked Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional)
- Small bowl
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided ¾ cup for meatloaf, ¼ cup for topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned preferred
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for sauce, optional
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for sauce, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier removal of the meatloaf.
- In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently shape it into a loaf.
- Spread the tomato sauce mixture (if using) evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
