Let me introduce you to a dish that’s perfect for any night of the week – a divinely juicy and flavorful Chicken Meatloaf Recipe. This is your new go-to recipe that’s packed with cheesy goodness and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Nothing beats the nostalgic flavor of meatloaf, but with a modern twist using chicken.
- Healthy and Delicious: Made with lean ground chicken, this meatloaf is a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the glaze makes this dish a hit with the little ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, most of which are probably already in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a meatloaf that’s perfectly moist, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!
- Ground Chicken: Lean and light, a great protein base for this meatloaf.
- Breadcrumbs: These give structure to the loaf, making it hearty and cohesive.
- Onion: Finely chopped to add subtle sweetness and moisture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a deliciously nutty and salty kick.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the flavor profile.
- Milk: Keeps your meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Eggs: Work as binding agents to hold everything together.
- Tomato Paste: Enhances the umami flavor in every bite.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth with a savory complexity.
- Glaze Ingredients: Ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce blend into a lick-the-plate-clean topping.
Variations
Customizing this Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is as easy as pie. Feel free to get creative and make it your own based on dietary needs, seasonal ingredients, or personal taste preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for some heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Swap Parmesan with cheddar or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or dill instead of parsley for a different herbaceous twist.
How to Make Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want it to be nice and warm to ensure that our meatloaf cooks evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, Parmesan, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add in the milk, eggs, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients blend into a cohesive mixture.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
In a separate bowl, blend together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. This glaze will add the perfect sweet and tangy finish to your meatloaf.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon a bit of the glaze into the bottom of your loaf pan to prevent sticking and add flavor. Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the pan, pressing down gently, then top with the remaining glaze. Bake for 80-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow your Chicken Meatloaf to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is as moist as possible.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- Glaze Genius: Double the glaze recipe if you love extra sauce for dipping the slices.
- Texture Secrets: For a finer texture, sauté the onions before mixing them into the meatloaf.
- Moisture Balance: Adjust the milk amount depending on how moist you prefer your meatloaf—just be cautious to keep it firm enough to hold its shape.
- Herbaceous Uplift: If fresh herbs aren’t on hand, dried ones can work in a pinch—just remember to use less, as they are more concentrated.
How to Serve Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Top with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan before serving to add a pop of color and an additional layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this Chicken Meatloaf Recipe with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple side salad to round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon individual servings of the meatloaf mixture into muffin tins for cute, portable portions—a hit at gatherings or with kids!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often intensify, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices or the whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, or in the microwave for a speedy warm-up.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or beef if you prefer; the cooking method remains the same.
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Is it okay to omit the cheese?
Yes, you can leave out the Parmesan if cheese isn’t your thing, or replace it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
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How can I tell if my meatloaf is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature of your meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
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What gluten-free options are there for the breadcrumbs?
For a gluten-free version, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is destined to become a favorite staple in your household. Easy to make, deliciously comforting, and with plenty of room for customization—what’s not to love?
Print
Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 80-90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This delicious chicken meatloaf recipe combines lean ground chicken with savory seasonings and a tangy tomato glaze. It’s a healthier twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for a comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare. The recipe features a moist texture, enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, then topped with a sweet and savory glaze for added flair.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Glaze:
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the meatloaf.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, milk, eggs, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Make glaze: In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze that will add a sweet and tangy topping.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the glaze into the bottom of an 8×4-inch loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the meatloaf mixture into the pan and press lightly. Spread the remaining glaze on top of the meatloaf. Bake in the preheated oven for about 80-90 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its shape and keeps it juicy when served.
Notes
- Start with 1/2 cup of milk and add more as needed until the mixture reaches a workable consistency.
- Avoid packing the meatloaf mixture too firmly into the pan to keep it moist and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness; 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 4 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of the loaf)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
