If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful dish that elevates classic meatloaf, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with juicy ground chicken, rich Parmesan, and a punch of garlic, it balances tenderness and savory goodness perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe brings cozy vibes and incredible taste to your table, proving meatloaf can be anything but boring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is simpler than you might think. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, ensuring the perfect texture and that gorgeous golden crust you’ll love.
- 2 pounds Ground Chicken: The lean base that keeps the meatloaf moist yet light.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded: Provides a nutty, salty richness that’s essential to the flavor profile.
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the meatloaf without weighing it down.
- 2 large Eggs: Act as a natural binder to hold everything together.
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic: Infuses the meatloaf with that signature garlic punch, adjustable to your taste.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Boosts the garlic flavor for depth.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil: Adds an herbal brightness.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley: For color and a mild fresh note.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Just enough bite without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk: Keeps the mixture tender – plant milk works great too if you prefer dairy-free.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: For making the luscious garlic Parmesan glaze.
- 1/4 cup Additional Parmesan: Sprinkled on top to melt into a savory crust.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 190°C (375°F). This temperature ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and develops a nice color. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan—either option works well depending on your preferred shape.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and milk. Be careful not to overmix here because handling the meat too much can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. Just stir until everything is incorporated and looks uniform.
Step 3: Form the Meatloaf
Once mixed, shape the mixture into a loaf—a classic shape that helps it cook evenly throughout. Transfer your formed loaf onto the baking sheet or into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top gently to create an even surface for baking.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The key here is to reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it’s fully cooked and juicy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out—that perfect balance of cooked through yet moist is what we want.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Glaze
While the meatloaf is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this takes about a minute and fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. Stir in the additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly. This creamy sauce will elevate the meatloaf, adding a glossy finish loaded with savory garlic and cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish Baking
When the baking time is almost up, remove the meatloaf from the oven and gently brush the garlic Parmesan glaze across the top. Slide it back into the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. This step sets the glaze, creating a beautiful flavorful crust that’s irresistible.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause helps all those juicy flavors settle, making it easier to slice without crumbling. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and maybe a few more Parmesan shavings for that final flourish.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the golden-brown meatloaf. Don’t shy away from an extra dusting of Parmesan for an extra hit of cheesy richness right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a vibrant green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, also make excellent companions, balancing hearty flavors with a bit of crispness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatloaf sliced open-faced on toasted crusty bread with a smear of garlic aioli or on warm pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and wilted spinach. Turning leftovers into sliders with melted cheese and fresh tomato slices is another delicious way to enjoy this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the meatloaf tender and flavorful, perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatloaf whole or in individual slices by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months, maintaining its texture and taste when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, bake slices in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave on a medium setting until warmed through. Adding a little extra Parmesan on top before reheating can help revive that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe, offering a similarly lean texture with a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
Is it possible to make this meatloaf gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely ground oats. The texture will stay wonderful, and the taste will remain true to the garlic Parmesan essence.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best indicator is an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F), which you can check with a meat thermometer. This ensures it’s safe to eat while keeping it juicy and tender.
Can I make the garlic Parmesan glaze dairy-free?
Definitely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a plant-based Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor that keeps the glaze creamy and delicious.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?
Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute with extra dried parsley or a bit of fresh basil or chives for a slightly different herbaceous note.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so warm and satisfying about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe that keeps you coming back for more. It’s straightforward, loaded with flavor, and perfect for both weeknights and special dinners. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a deliciously moist and savory dish combining ground chicken with flavorful Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic. Enhanced with herbs and a creamy garlic Parmesan glaze, this meatloaf is easy to prepare, baked to perfection, and ideal for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds Ground Chicken or ground turkey or lean pork
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded (or Romano cheese)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 2 large Eggs (for binding)
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk or plant milk (if dairy-free)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup Additional Parmesan Cheese (for sprinkling)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan for the meatloaf.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and milk. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form Loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf form and transfer it onto the prepared baking sheet or place it in the greased loaf pan, ensuring an even shape for uniform cooking.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the loaf in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), indicating the meat is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
- Prepare Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, stir in the additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, cooking the mixture until it thickens slightly to form a creamy glaze.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven, brush the prepared garlic Parmesan glaze evenly over the top, and return it to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to set the glaze and enhance the flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Then, slice the meatloaf and garnish with extra fresh parsley. Serve warm, optionally with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for added flavor.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or lean pork as alternatives to ground chicken for different flavor variations.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste preference.
- Make sure not to overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- The glaze adds flavor and moisture but can be omitted if dairy-free; consider substituting with olive oil and herbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
