Hey y'all! If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting dinner that’s loaded with flavor, you’re in for a treat with these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. They strike the perfect balance between juicy ground chicken, savory garlic, and bold parmesan, making them a sensational alternative to classic beef meatloaf. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a cozy Sunday supper, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Super Juicy & Tender: The combination of ground chicken and parmesan keeps these meatloaves moist every time.
- Packed with Bold Flavor: Garlic, herbs, and cheese ensure every bite is rich and savory.
- Easy & Quick: 10-minute prep time and a single baking sheet make cleanup a breeze.
- Kid & Family Friendly: Mild flavors and a fun individual size make these meatloaves a hit with picky eaters.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: They reheat beautifully and are great for next-day lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add in the minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Chicken & Dry Ingredients
Add the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the wet mixture. Drizzle with olive oil. Use your hands or a spatula to gently mix until just combined—avoid over-mixing for the juiciest meatloaves.
Step 4: Form Mini Meatloaves
Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each into a small oval loaf. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one for even cooking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
Step 6: Serve
Let the meatloaves rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be gentle when mixing to avoid dense meatloaves—just combine until ingredients are incorporated.
- If your mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
- For even cooking, make sure to shape the meatloaves in uniform size and thickness.
Variations
- Cheesy Spinach: Mix in ½ cup chopped fresh spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Turkey Swap: Substitute ground turkey for an equally delicious (and lean) variation.
- Mushroom Medley: Fold in ⅓ cup finely chopped sautéed mushrooms for added umami and moisture.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Oven mitts
Storage Instructions
Store leftover meatloaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap each cooked meatloaf tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal.
- Pair with garlic butter noodles or roasted veggies for a lighter dinner.
- Slice leftovers for easy meatloaf sandwiches on crusty rolls the next day.
Pro Tips
- Brush the tops of meatloaves lightly with olive oil before baking for a perfectly golden finish.
- Let meatloaves rest a few minutes after baking; this helps them set and keeps juices inside.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—165°F (74°C) means perfectly cooked chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these meatloaves ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prep and shape them up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
- Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even finely crushed cornflakes all work as substitutes.
- Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
- Yes! This recipe works well with ground beef or turkey if you want to switch things up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, parsley, milk, salt, and black pepper.
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3Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, but do not overmix.
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4Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a mini loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
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5Bake for 30 minutes, or until the meatloaves are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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6Let the meatloaves rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
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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