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If you are in the mood for a comforting, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is what you need. This delightful twist on classic meatloaf combines tender ground chicken with the savory richness of Parmesan cheese and a bold garlic punch, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Each bite is packed with herbs, a creamy glaze, and that irresistible garlic-Parmesan combo that makes this dish an instant favorite for weeknights or special dinners. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet every element plays a vital role in crafting its irresistible flavor and satisfying texture. From the juicy ground chicken to the sharp Parmesan cheese, each ingredient elevates the dish in its own special way.
- Ground chicken (or turkey or lean pork): The lean base that keeps this meatloaf light yet meaty and moist.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth that beautifully complements the garlic.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Light, airy crumbs ensure a tender, not dense, texture.
- Eggs: Essential binders that hold everything together without heaviness.
- Minced garlic: Fresh and fragrant, it’s the heart of the dish’s bold flavor profile.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Layered seasoning for complexity and warmth.
- Dried basil and parsley: Herbs that bring freshness and an aromatic contrast.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic seasoning duo to highlight all flavors.
- Whole milk (or plant milk): Adds moisture and softness to the meatloaf’s crumb.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation for a luscious, garlicky Parmesan glaze.
- Additional Parmesan: Sprinkled in the glaze for extra cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley: Bright, herbal garnish that makes the dish visually appealing and fresh on the palate.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan. This simple step ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and releases cleanly without sticking. Having your tools ready lets you move effortlessly to the next steps.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and milk. Gently stir everything until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, so a light touch keeps it tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape the Loaf
Using your hands or a spatula, form the mixture into a neat loaf shape and transfer it onto your prepared baking surface. Whether you use a loaf pan for a classic shape or a baking sheet for a rustic look, aim for an even thickness so it cooks uniformly throughout.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The goal is to hit an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F), which guarantees safe and succulent poultry. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and meat thickness.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Glaze
While the meatloaf bakes, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden. Then stir in the additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, developing a creamy glaze that will deepen the flavor and add a luscious finish.
Step 6: Glaze and Final Bake
Remove your meatloaf from the oven and generously brush the garlic Parmesan glaze over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. This final bake sets the glaze into a beautifully glossy crust that enhances every bite.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes once out of the oven. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the slices moist and tender rather than crumbly. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and sprinkle additional Parmesan if you like, then slice and serve warm.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend for garnishing this meatloaf. It adds a pop of color and a herbal brightness that balances the rich, cheesy flavors. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top after glazing is a simple way to elevate presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The savory, garlicky profile of the meatloaf is perfect alongside lighter or buttery sides that soak up the meat’s juices, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatloaf sliced on buttery toasted bread or alongside garlic-infused rice. You can also turn it into sliders with a touch of aioli and fresh greens for a party platter that’s sure to impress. The versatility of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe means it can adapt to casual meals or elevated dinners with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, tightly wrap slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making heated leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This meatloaf freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, gently reheat slices in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can cover with foil to prevent drying out. Microwaving is quicker but may cause some loss of moisture, so add a sprinkle of water or broth if using that method.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a wonderful substitute and will give you a similar light texture and mild flavor that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
Is there a dairy-free option for the Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan itself is a cheese, you can experiment with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free shredded cheese in this recipe to maintain that cheesy flavor while keeping it dairy-free.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work just fine, though panko adds a bit more airiness and crunch to the texture. You could also try crushed crackers or oats as alternatives in a pinch.
How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of panko. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is one of those dishes that manages to feel both comforting and special at the same time. Its blend of fresh garlic, sharp Parmesan, and tender ground chicken makes it truly stand out from typical meatloaf recipes. I hope you give this a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner that gets everyone asking for seconds!
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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 Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful and moist dish made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and garlic. Baked to perfection and topped with a rich garlic Parmesan glaze, this hearty meatloaf is perfect for a comforting family dinner. It’s easy to prepare and serves six, combining classic meatloaf flavors with a delicious twist.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 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
- 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 Ingredients
- 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). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan to ensure the meatloaf doesn’t stick during baking.
- 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 just combined to avoid making the meatloaf dense.
- Form Loaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or into the greased loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly shaped for uniform cooking.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), confirming it is fully 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. Cook the mixture until it thickens slightly to create a creamy garlic Parmesan glaze.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the garlic Parmesan glaze evenly over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven for another 5-7 minutes to allow the glaze to set and boost the flavor.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Slice and garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with turkey or lean pork depending on preference.
- Adjust garlic amounts to suit your taste; more garlic can intensify flavor.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture, but regular breadcrumbs also work well.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Resting the meatloaf before slicing helps retain juices and improves texture.
- The glaze adds a rich flavor, but can be omitted if preferred.
