Description
This melt-in-your-mouth Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic meatloaf. Made with ground chicken, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, it offers a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Topped optionally with melted mozzarella and fresh basil, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and bakes to perfection in just under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the meatloaf doesn’t stick.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, milk, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a uniform mixture.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf form, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) indicating it is safe to eat.
- Add Cheese Topping: If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the meatloaf in the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to melt and create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute, ensuring moist, tender slices.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the sliced meatloaf with fresh chopped basil before serving for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- The internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is crucial to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to consume.
- Using fresh herbs like parsley and basil enhances the flavor but you can substitute dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
- Optional mozzarella topping adds a cheesy texture but can be omitted for a lighter meal.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking improves juiciness and makes slicing easier.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the meatloaf but can be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
