Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
A lighter, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf using ground chicken and Parmesan cheese, perfect for hearty family dinners and quick weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds ground chicken (lean but not extra lean)
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned; panko works well)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your loaf pan lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Whisk the eggs and milk together in a small bowl, then pour into the meat mixture. Add fresh parsley last and fold gently until combined.
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Press it down gently and shape it into a neat loaf. Spread ketchup or tomato sauce on top if desired.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve warm, ideally with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense, dry meatloaf. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Let the meatloaf rest after baking to keep it juicy. Tent with foil if browning too quickly. Prepare mixture ahead and refrigerate to save time. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and almond milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
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