Table of Contents
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to share this wonderful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe with you. Seriously, it’s one of those comfort foods that will have your whole family asking for seconds. The blend of garlic and parmesan is such a delightful combo that brings a cozy feeling to the dinner table. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a good meatloaf? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up and even easier to devour.
What Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is exactly what it sounds like—a delicious twist on a classic meatloaf, featuring ground chicken combined with zesty garlic and cheesy parmesan. This dish not only offers a hearty meal but also packs flavor in every bite. Unlike traditional beef meatloaf, the chicken gives it a lighter touch while still keeping it juicy and comforting. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can slice it and enjoy it for lunch the next day, too.
Ingredients Overview for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Here’s what you will need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- Ground Chicken: The star of the show. Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier option, or go for a mix if you fancy more fat.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives it that lovely aromatic flavor. If you’re in a rush, garlic powder works too.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds that cheesy, nutty flavor. Pecorino can be a fun substitute if you’re looking for something a bit different.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together. You can use regular or whole wheat; even crushed crackers can work in a pinch.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent. If you’re vegan or have allergies, flax eggs can be a nifty alternative.
- Milk: Just a splash to keep things moist. Almond or oat milk can be used as substitutes.
- Onion: Chopped finely for a touch of sweetness. Feel free to use shallots instead for a milder flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: This brings in an extra layer of flavor. Dried herbs like oregano and basil can be great substitutes.
How To Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the meatloaf mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing—it should be tender and not tough!
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a nice loaf. You can also free-form it on a baking sheet if you prefer a crispy crust.
- Add Toppings: For extra flavor, sprinkle more parmesan on top or brush it with a bit of olive oil.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven and let it cook for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Once cooked, let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps all those tasty juices stay inside.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is fabulous on its own, but you can amp it up a notch with some fun side dishes. How about serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans? Or, if you’re feeling a little fancy, a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully. Don’t forget to drizzle some homemade gravy over the top for an extra splash of flavor!
Tips For The Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Do Not Overmix: Really, avoid this at all costs. A light touch keeps your meatloaf tender.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh is always best for that punchy flavor.
- Rest Before Slicing: This allows the flavors to settle, making each bite even tastier!
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with a mix of cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey texture.
- Make Mini Loaves: If you’d like quicker cooking times, try shaping them into mini meatloafs.
Q&A Section
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey also works beautifully and has a similar texture.
2. What can I serve with meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad are all perfect accompaniments.
3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Using a meat thermometer is best; it should reach at least 165°F (74°C) in the center.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and bake it when ready.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll adore Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf for its comforting flavors and the way it brings family together, just like a warm hug after a long day. It’s a dish that invites conversation and creates lasting memories. Plus, it’s versatile, making it easy to switch up depending on what’s in your pantry, so every slice can be a bit different and exciting!
Behind The Scenes
When I developed this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe, I must say, I had a couple of "oops" moments. At first, I accidentally added too much garlic (not a bad problem to have, though!), but it made the flavors too overpowering. After a few tests, I finally got the garlic to parmesan ratio just right. The satisfaction of pulling a perfectly baked meatloaf out of the oven is unmatched. I’d love for you to check out my Pinterest page for even more tasty inspirations! You can find me at MyRecipeCast. Happy cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier option.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Can substitute with Pecorino for a different flavor.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Regular or whole wheat; crushed crackers also work.
- 1 large Egg Acts as a binding agent; flax eggs can be used for vegan options.
- 1/4 cup Milk Almond or oat milk can be substituted for dairy-free.
- 1/2 cup Onion, chopped Shallots can be used for a milder flavor.
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Dried herbs like oregano and basil can be substituted.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, chopped onion, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a nice loaf, or free-form it on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle more parmesan on top or brush with olive oil for extra flavor.
Cooking
- Bake in the oven for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.
