Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a lighter twist on the classic comfort food, combining ground chicken with flavorful cheeses and Italian herbs. It’s tender, moist, and topped with marinara sauce for extra zest, making it perfect for a family dinner that everyone will enjoy.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish with melted cheese on top, covered in golden brown and slightly crispy with an orange-red sauce spread beneath and over the top. The cheese layer is thick and bubbly, stretched slightly down with gooey strings over the edges. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. The base layer appears dense and firm with a browned texture, likely containing a savory filling. The dish sits on a light brown wooden surface, but the background is changed to a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup marinara sauce (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Mix well.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture into the chicken mixture and combine until everything is well incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  5. Step 5: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf for added flavor and moisture.
  6. Step 6: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
  7. Step 7: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its moisture.
  8. Step 8: Slice the meatloaf and serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad, drizzling any remaining marinara sauce over the top.

Tips & Variations

  • For an extra moist meatloaf, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture before baking.
  • Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Add chopped bell peppers or spinach to the mixture for added nutrition and color.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through, or microwave slices on medium power. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a rectangular pan filled with three large pieces of baked meatloaf covered in melted, bubbly white cheese with slightly browned spots, and covered in a thick red tomato sauce that pools around the base. Each meatloaf piece shows a rough, textured brown exterior with a juicy, soft inside. Fresh green chopped herbs are scattered generously on top and around the meatloafs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will produce a similar texture and flavor in the meatloaf.

What can I serve with Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf?

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Print

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a deliciously moist and flavorful dish featuring ground chicken mixed with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, cheeses, fresh parsley, and aromatic garlic and onions. Topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection, it makes a perfect comforting main course served alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

  • Author: lea
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1/3 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Mix all ingredients well to distribute evenly.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture into the meat mixture and blend thoroughly until fully incorporated.
  4. Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf shape, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking.
  5. Add Marinara Sauce: Spread the marinara sauce evenly across the top of the meatloaf to add flavor and moisture during baking.
  6. Bake: Place the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat juices run clear, indicating it’s fully cooked.
  7. Rest & Slice: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This will help retain moisture when slicing.
  8. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve with your choice of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Drizzle any remaining marinara sauce on top for added taste.

Notes

  • Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor or plain breadcrumbs with a pinch of Italian herbs as a substitute.
  • Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps it hold together and remain juicy.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the cheeses or substitute with dairy-free alternatives.

Keywords: Parmesan chicken meatloaf, chicken meatloaf recipe, baked chicken meatloaf, Italian chicken meatloaf, easy meatloaf, healthy meatloaf

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