Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dinner with loads of flavor, this Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is about to become your new favorite. It’s juicy, cheesy, and packs all the savory goodness of classic Chicken Parmesan—without all the fuss! Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual get-togethers, this recipe delivers all the comfort-food feels and a crispy Parmesan crust you’ll crave. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

• Deliciously tender and juicy texture with a golden Parmesan crust.
• Easy to make in just over an hour with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
• Packed with cheesy, garlicky flavor in every bite—comfort food at its best!
• Family- and freezer-friendly, making leftovers a breeze to enjoy.
• A healthy twist on classic meatloaf by using lean ground chicken and less fat.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Prep the Ingredients (Prep time: 15 minutes)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and tomato sauce. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the chicken mixture.
4. Add the shredded mozzarella, and gently mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to over-mix or the meatloaf could get dense.

Shape and Bake (Cook time: 50-55 minutes | Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes)

5. Transfer the mixture onto the prepared sheet, shaping it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide (or press it evenly into your loaf pan).
6. Brush the top with olive oil, then sprinkle over the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese for a crispy, flavorful crust.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
8. Remove meatloaf from the oven; spoon ¼ cup extra tomato sauce over the top and return to oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden and bubbling.

Rest and Serve

9. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing; garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Make sure not to over-mix the meatloaf mixture—gentle handling ensures a soft, juicy loaf.
• If using a high-moisture ground chicken, pat it with paper towels before mixing to avoid sogginess.
• Letting the meatloaf rest makes slicing cleaner and keeps the juices inside.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in ½ cup finely diced bell peppers or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
• Classic Italian: Top meatloaf with sliced fresh mozzarella and basil leaves in the last 10 minutes of baking.

Required Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or loaf pan
• Parchment paper (if baking free-form)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven-safe thermometer

Storage Instructions

• Store leftover Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To freeze, wrap cooled slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat slices gently in the microwave or a 300°F oven until heated through.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

• Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread for a comforting meal.
• Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.
• Add roasted seasonal vegetables or simple sautéed greens to round out the plate.

Pro Tips for Perfect Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

• For even cooking, make sure your loaf is a uniform thickness throughout.
• Use a digital thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F for food safety.
• For extra cheese pull, sprinkle a bit more mozzarella on top in the last few minutes of baking.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well—just follow the recipe as written.

Why is my chicken meatloaf falling apart?

Too little binder (breadcrumbs or egg) or slicing before it's rested can both cause crumbling. Make sure to let it cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

Can I prep this Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf ahead?

Yes! Assemble the loaf up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

★★★★★ 4.50 from 37 ratings

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

yield: 6 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 45 mins

total: 50 mins

A flavorful and moist chicken meatloaf infused with Parmesan cheese, herbs, and spices, perfect for a hearty family dinner.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground chicken
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup marinara sauce (for topping)

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. 3
   Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly and shaping into a loaf.
4. 4
   Spread marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. 5
   Bake for 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and golden on top.
6. 6
   Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 320cal

Protein: 30 gg

Fat: 15 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 17 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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