A juicy, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is packed with savory herbs, rich Parmesan, and a crispy, cheesy crust. Perfect for a healthy, protein-packed dinner that’s anything but boring.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Lighter than beef but just as satisfying
✔ Crispy, golden crust from Parmesan & mozzarella
✔ Meal-prep friendly—great for leftovers
✔ Gluten-free adaptable (see FAQs)
Ingredients
Main Meatloaf Mix
- 1 ½ lbs ground chicken (or turkey)
- ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Crispy Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2️⃣ Mix the Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground chicken
- Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs
- Garlic, onion powder, basil, oregano, salt & pepper
- Milk & olive oil
- Mix gently (don’t overmix, or meatloaf will be dense).
3️⃣ Shape & Bake
- Transfer mixture to the baking sheet and shape into a loaf (or press into a loaf pan).
- Bake 35-40 mins until internal temp reaches 165°F.
4️⃣ Add the Crispy Cheese Topping (Optional)
- Last 5 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella on top for a golden crust.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
- Let rest 5-10 mins before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 Pair with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted veggies (asparagus, broccoli)
- A crisp green salad
Storage & Reheating
❄️ Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
🔥 Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 10-15 mins
- Microwave: 1-2 mins per slice
❄️ Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
✅ Yes! Ground turkey works great—just ensure it’s not too lean (85-90% fat for juiciness).
2. How do I make this gluten-free?
✅ Swap breadcrumbs for:
- Gluten-free panko
- Crushed pork rinds (for keto)
- Oat flour + 1 tsp baking powder
3. Why is my meatloaf dry?
⚠️ Overmixing or overbaking can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer (165°F is perfect).
4. Can I add veggies?
✅ Yes! Try:
- Finely diced bell peppers
- Grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- Sautéed mushrooms
5. Can I make this ahead?
✅ Mix & shape the loaf, then refrigerate overnight before baking.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
⏰ Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 50 mins
🔥 Calories: ~320 kcal | Servings: 6
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf, with bold flavors and a crispy, cheesy crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Tried it? Let us know in the comments! 👇😊
Enjoy! 🍽️🧀✨
