There’s something genuinely comforting about cozying up with a hearty meatloaf. It brings back memories of family dinners, laughter, and the warm aroma of something delicious wafting through the house. Today, I’m excited to share my beloved Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe with you. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen, and for a good reason! It’s simple, full of flavor, and makes for fantastic leftovers, if you can manage to have any.
Why you’ll love this recipe
What makes this meatloaf special? Oh, let me count the ways! First off, it’s a mash-up of juicy ground chicken and that savory punch of garlic. But it doesn’t stop there—there’s a glorious layer of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs that keeps everything together and adds a delightful texture. The moment you take a bite, you’ll be enchanted by how moist and flavorful it is.
And let’s talk about the soy sauce! It infuses the meat with a rich umami flavor that elevates this dish beyond your typical meatloaf. Plus, it’s a bit lighter since we’re using ground chicken instead of beef, an added bonus for those of us who are health-conscious. It turns a classic comfort food into something a little more satisfying without compromising on taste.
Gather these ingredients
Ground Chicken: The star of the show! Opt for lean ground chicken to keep it flavorful yet light. You can even substitute it with ground turkey if you’d like—both work wonders here.
Garlic: Four cloves of fresh garlic, minced like a champ! This ingredient is what gives the meatloaf that garlicky goodness that you’ll crave. Don’t shy away from the garlic; it’s the secret weapon in this recipe.
Parmesan Cheese: You’ll need a cup of freshly grated Parmesan. It melts beautifully and lends a lovely nutty flavor. Pre-grated cheese will work in a pinch, but I promise, the freshly grated version makes a world of difference.
Breadcrumbs: One cup will help hold everything together. You can use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs—either way will add just the right touch!
Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring your meatloaf stays intact and doesn’t crumble upon slicing.
Onion: A medium onion, diced to deliciousness. Sautéing it before combining brings out that sweet flavor that complements the garlic and chicken perfectly.
Soy Sauce: Just 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce adds depth without overwhelming the dish. Don’t skip this step—it’s magic!
Salt and Black Pepper: These will enhance every flavor. One teaspoon of each is standard for seasoning, but feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
How this recipe comes together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for achieving that perfect bake.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until it’s soft—this will take about 5 minutes. Trust me, this little task brings out the onion’s sweetness, turning it into pure gold.
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, those fabulous sautéed onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that!
Shape this delightful mixture into a loaf. Place it in your greased baking dish, feeling like a true chef in the process.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss on a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning for that extra burst of flavor.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps keep the juices intact.
Best way to enjoy it
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is its versatility. Serve it simply on a plate, drizzled with a bit of your favorite sauce, or reach for classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. The leftover slices (if you’re lucky enough to have them) make for a killer sandwich the next day. Just add some lettuce and a slice of tomato, and you’ve got yourself a grab-and-go lunch that’ll impress.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep them fresh, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. This meatloaf actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just wrap it well and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator, then pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to warm it up.
Pro chef tips
Add some green: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a pop of color and flavor. Toss them into the mix for a vibrant finish!
Check doneness: Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. It’s a game-changer when it comes to meat dishes, especially poultry.
Spice it up: Play with spices! A dash of cumin or red pepper flakes can turn the flavor profile on its head. Experiment to see what suits your palate!
Creative Twists
How about putting a twist on this recipe? You could blend in some finely chopped spinach for an extra health kick or perhaps swap in feta cheese to bring a Mediterranean flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for bursts of flavor. There are endless options, and I encourage you to make it your own!
Ingredients list
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Sauté diced onions in a skillet over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, sautéed onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf form in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Optionally add paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Your questions answered
Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that beef meatloaf will be richer.What can I serve with meatloaf?
Think mashed potatoes, green beans, or a light salad.Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Just wrap tightly before storing.How do I know when it’s done?
Use a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C) at the center.Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a day in advance and bake it the next day!
The healthful properties of ground chicken combined with garlic (which boasts numerous benefits) make this dish not only delicious but also a great choice for nourishing your body. When you finally make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, I encourage you to get a little creative yourself—tweak the spices, forge new side dishes, and make it unique to your tastes. It’s about making it yours. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out! So, roll up your sleeves, enjoy the process, and remember—every great meal comes from a great story. Let’s keep sharing those delicious moments!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delightful combination of moist ground chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.Sauté Onion
Sauté diced onions in a skillet over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes).Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, sautéed onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese until combined.Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf.Shape and Bake
Shape the mixture into a loaf form in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Optionally add paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.Bake
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 300mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 250 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.1 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
