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Are you ready to impress your family with a dish that’s easy and bursting with flavor? My Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf combines juicy ground chicken with rich parmesan, fresh garlic, and savory herbs. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice cook, you’ll find joy in this delightful meal. Let’s dive into the details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Profile: This meatloaf combines the savory taste of garlic and the rich nuttiness of Parmesan, creating a mouthwatering dish that everyone loves.
- Healthier Alternative: Using ground chicken makes this meatloaf a leaner option compared to traditional beef, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
- Versatile Serving Options: This meatloaf pairs beautifully with various sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, allowing for a customizable meal experience.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned for extra flavor)
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 small onion, finely diced
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
To make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, gather these ingredients. Start with one pound of ground chicken. This lean meat gives the loaf a nice texture. Next, grab one cup of breadcrumbs. I prefer seasoned ones for added flavor.
Then, you’ll need half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a rich taste. You also want a quarter cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped. It gives a burst of color and freshness.
Don’t forget two cloves of garlic, minced, and half a small onion, finely diced. Both ingredients bring strong, tasty notes to the dish. You’ll also need one large egg, beaten. The egg helps bind the meatloaf together.
Next, add two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. This sauce adds depth and umami to the mix. You’ll need one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings make the flavors pop.
Finally, have half a cup of marinara sauce ready for topping. This keeps your meatloaf moist while baking. Each ingredient plays an important role in making this dish delicious and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat cooks the meatloaf evenly.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking.
3. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, and onion.
4. Add the beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine everything gently. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatloaf may become tough.
6. Shape the mixture into a loaf. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking Instructions
1. Spoon the marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf. This keeps it moist while cooking.
2. Bake the meatloaf for 45-50 minutes. You want a meat thermometer to show 165°F (75°C).
3. After baking, take it out and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps keep the juices in when you slice it.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Moisture and Flavor
To keep your meatloaf moist, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Mixing too much can make the meatloaf tough. Just blend until everything is combined, and you’ll get a tender result.
If you want to switch things up, try different toppings. Instead of marinara sauce, you can use barbecue sauce or a mix of ketchup and mustard. These options add a nice twist to the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For side dishes, I suggest serving roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Both pair well with meatloaf and add color to your plate.
To make your dish look appealing, garnish with fresh parsley after slicing. It adds a touch of green and enhances the dish’s visual appeal. You can also serve it with a side salad for extra crunch and freshness.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley will enhance the flavor of your meatloaf significantly. Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf that lacks the desired texture.
- Resting Time: Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf, resulting in a moister final product.
- Variation with Vegetables: Add finely chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots to the mixture for added moisture and flavor. These additions can also boost the nutritional value of your meatloaf.

Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch out the ground chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey works well. It has a similar taste and texture. You can also use lean beef or pork if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit.
For those needing dairy-free options, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also use egg replacers like flaxseed meal or applesauce. This keeps your meatloaf moist while making it dairy-free.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Chopped bell peppers or grated carrots mix well. You can also add spinach for extra color and health benefits. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend into the meatloaf.
You can play with seasoning blends too. Try adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Or mix in some chili flakes for heat. Each of these changes can make your meatloaf unique and tasty.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in flavor and moisture. It will stay good for up to three days.
If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer bag. This method prevents freezer burn. The meatloaf can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips
To reheat meatloaf, you have a few methods. The oven is the best way. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaf in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
To avoid dryness, do not overheat. Always check the temperature. Keep the meatloaf juicy by adding a splash of broth or water when reheating.
FAQs
How long to bake Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf?
Bake your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf for about 45 to 50 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check. You want it to reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken cooks all the way through.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this meatloaf ahead of time. Prepare it, shape it, and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors blend well. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly and store it for up to three months.
What can I serve with meatloaf?
Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. A fresh salad also works well. For a fun touch, try garlic bread or a warm baguette. These add a nice balance to the dish.
This blog post covered a tasty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. We listed the key ingredients, shared step-by-step instructions, and included useful tips for best results. I shared ideas for variations based on your taste. We also discussed how to store leftovers and answered common FAQs.
Now you can enjoy a delicious meal. Get creative with flavors and share it with others! Cooking should be fun and satisfying. You can make this recipe your own. Happy cookin
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
A flavorful meatloaf made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, topped with marinara sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and finely diced onion.
Add the beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture. Gently mix everything together until just combined; take care not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense meatloaf.
Once combined, shape the mixture into a loaf form and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon the marinara sauce generously over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it is evenly coated to keep it moist during baking.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help retain its juices.
After slicing, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Keyword chicken, garlic, meatloaf, parmesan
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