When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a perfectly made meatloaf. But if you’re looking to elevate this classic into something extraordinary, then look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. This melt-in-your-mouth creation combines tender, juicy ground chicken with the rich, savory flavors of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a touch of herbs. Topped with a creamy, flavorful garlic Parmesan glaze, this meatloaf is the perfect balance of indulgent and light, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for special occasions.
Not only does this recipe deliver the satisfying comfort of traditional meatloaf, but it also adds a fresh twist that will have your taste buds begging for more. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is sure to impress. It’s a delicious way to make a classic dinner recipe feel new and exciting, while still maintaining that warm, homestyle essence we all love.
Why Chicken Meatloaf?
While beef meatloaf is a traditional favorite, chicken meatloaf offers a lighter, leaner alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Ground chicken is mild yet rich in protein, making it a great base for the bold and savory ingredients in this recipe. The garlic Parmesan glaze on top gives the meatloaf a creamy finish that ties everything together, making every bite irresistible. If you’re looking to cut down on red meat without sacrificing taste, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup whole milk
For the Garlic Parmesan Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Pinch of salt
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking dish by either lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing a loaf pan for a more classic meatloaf shape.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and whole milk. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until fully incorporated. Be sure not to overmix, as this could make the meatloaf tough. The mixture should be moist but still hold its shape.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet or press it into a loaf pan for a more uniform appearance. Make sure the meatloaf is evenly shaped so it cooks uniformly.
4. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should be slightly crispy, giving you that perfect contrast of textures.
5. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Glaze
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the garlic Parmesan glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Add a pinch of salt to taste. This glaze is the secret to making the meatloaf truly decadent.
6. Glaze the Meatloaf
Once the meatloaf is done baking, remove it from the oven. Brush the garlic Parmesan glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring it gets a nice even coat. Return the meatloaf to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and become golden.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf, keeping it juicy and tender. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. This dish is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Tips and Notes
1. Choosing the Right Chicken
When making chicken meatloaf, it’s essential to use ground chicken rather than chicken breast, as the latter can be too dry. Ground chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful result, while ground chicken breast is leaner but might need additional moisture (like the whole milk in this recipe) to prevent dryness. Choose the option that best suits your dietary preferences.
2. Breadcrumbs and Bindings
Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for meatloaf because they create a lighter, fluffier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs. They help the meatloaf maintain its tenderness without becoming too dense. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine.
3. Don’t Overmix
Mixing the ingredients until just combined is key to a tender meatloaf. Overmixing will cause the meatloaf to become tough, as it activates the proteins in the meat. Handle the mixture gently, and you’ll achieve a perfect texture.
4. Glaze Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can experiment with different flavors for the glaze. Try adding a touch of lemon zest, chopped rosemary, or balsamic vinegar for a unique twist. The garlic Parmesan glaze is versatile and can be customized to your tastes.
5. Make-Ahead Option
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf can be made ahead of time! Prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Simply bake it from frozen, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
6. Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting classic
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers
- Garlic bread or crispy roasted potatoes for the ultimate hearty meal
- A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meatloaf
7. Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or in a warm oven until heated through. Leftover meatloaf can also be sliced and used for sandwiches or wraps the next day—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Conclusion
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is everything you want in a comforting, flavorful meal—moist, tender, and bursting with savory goodness. The garlic Parmesan glaze elevates this dish to something extraordinary, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a special meal for guests, this meatloaf is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Give this recipe a try, and we guarantee it will become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. With its rich, creamy texture and bold, herby flavors, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is destined to be a hit at your dinner table.
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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
When you think of comfort food, meatloaf is likely one of the first dishes that comes to mind. But imagine a meatloaf that’s not only comforting but also bursting with savory garlic and Parmesan flavors. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a juicy, tender twist on the classic, with the added richness of a garlic Parmesan glaze. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or even a special occasion. Paired with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, this meatloaf will quickly become your new favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup whole milk
For the Garlic Parmesan Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until fully incorporated—do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet (or press into a loaf pan).
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, brush generously with garlic Parmesan glaze, and return to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For a juicier meatloaf, use ground chicken thighs rather than chicken breast.
- Panko breadcrumbs help create a light texture, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
- Don’t overmix the meatloaf to prevent it from becoming tough.
- This meatloaf can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- The garlic Parmesan glaze can be customized with extra herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes