Introduction

This chicken meatloaf is a flavorful and lighter twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Made with ground chicken and a blend of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, it’s tender, moist, and easy to prepare for a satisfying family meal.

This close-up image shows a thick meatloaf cut into several pieces, revealing two layers inside with visible bits of fresh green herbs mixed throughout. The outside crust is golden-brown and crispy with a glossy glaze coating the top, which oozes slightly down the sides. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the top layer, adding color contrast to the glazed surface. The meatloaf rests on a wooden board with a blurred white marbled background visible behind it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (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)
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for glaze)
1/4 cup Additional Parmesan (for sprinkling)
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. Stir gently until just combined.
Step 3: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet or greased loaf pan.
Step 4: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Step 5: While baking, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Mix in additional Parmesan and parsley, cooking until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Brush the creamy glaze over the cooked meatloaf and return to the oven for an extra 5-7 minutes.
Step 7: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes, then slice and garnish with extra fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan and whole milk with vegan cheese and plant-based milk.
Try adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the mixture for extra flavor and moisture.
Using panko breadcrumbs helps keep the meatloaf light and tender, but regular breadcrumbs work well too.
Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking to help it hold its shape when slicing.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a thick, rectangular meatloaf sliced into pieces, placed on a wooden surface. The meatloaf has a browned, slightly crispy outer layer with visible green herbs mixed inside the light brown meat. The surface is drizzled with a glossy light brown sauce and sprinkled with small fresh green herb bits, adding a fresh touch. One slice is slightly pulled out, revealing a soft, moist texture within and more herbs distributed evenly. In the blurred background, there is a glimpse of a white bowl with green leaves on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or lean pork can be used as substitutes with similar results. Adjust cooking time if needed, but an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) is key for safety.

What can I do if the meatloaf falls apart?

Make sure to use enough binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs, and mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly. Letting the meatloaf rest after baking also helps it hold together when sliced.