These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a delicious and healthy twist on classic meatloaf! They’re made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a blend of savory spices, creating a flavorful and moist mini-loaf that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. I love how easy these are to make, and they’re a great way to sneak in some extra flavor without a lot of fuss. Plus, they’re individual servings, which makes portion control and cooking time a breeze!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Meatloaves
- Flavorful and Moist: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs creates a delicious and satisfying flavor, while the milk and egg keep the meatloaves moist.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Healthy: Ground chicken is a leaner alternative to ground beef, making these meatloaves a healthier option.
- Individual Servings: Mini meatloaves are perfect for portion control and cook faster than a large loaf.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these flavorful and cheesy meatloaves.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious mini loaves. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- Ground chicken (Meat)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (Dairy)
- Breadcrumbs (Bread)
- Finely chopped parsley (Herb)
- Garlic cloves, minced (Aromatic)
- Egg, beaten
- Dried oregano (Herb)
- Salt (Seasoning)
- Black pepper (Spice)
- Milk (Dairy)
- Olive oil (Oil)
- Grated mozzarella cheese (optional) (Dairy)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
I love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves recipe as is, but here are a few ways to customize it:
- Add Veggies: Finely chop some onion, bell pepper, or mushrooms and add them to the meatloaf mixture.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Different Cheese: Use a blend of Italian cheeses or try adding some crumbled feta cheese.
- Glaze: Brush the meatloaves with a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar during the last few minutes of baking for a sweet and tangy glaze.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
Let me show you how easy it is to make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves:
Preheat Oven
- First, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl, I combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. I mix everything until it’s well incorporated, but I’m careful not to overmix.
Add Milk
- I pour in the milk and stir until everything is moist and evenly mixed.
Shape the Loaves
- I divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a small loaf. These individual servings are perfect for portion control and cook much faster than a large meatloaf.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
- I place the loaves on a greased baking sheet.
- I drizzle each loaf with olive oil. This helps them develop a nice golden crust as they bake.
Bake
- I pop the meatloaves into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Optional Cheesy Topping
- If I’m feeling extra cheesy (which is often!), I sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top of each loaf during the last five minutes of baking.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Chicken Meatloaves
Here are my secrets for making these meatloaves truly outstanding:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can make it tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer.
- Let them Rest: Let the meatloaves rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.
- Add the milk: Adding milk helps keep the meatloaf from dry
How to Serve
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are delicious served with:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
- Salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad would be a great accompaniment.
- Pasta: Serve the meatloaves over your favorite pasta with a tomato sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftover cooked meatloaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or a skillet.
FAQs about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
- Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken.
- Can I freeze these meatloaves?
- Yes, you can freeze these meatloaves either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap each loaf individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. To freeze after baking, let the meatloaves cool completely, then wrap them individually and freeze as described above.
- What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
- You can use dried parsley, but fresh parsley has a brighter flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley instead of 1/4 cup of fresh.
Enjoy these Easy and Flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves! They’re a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Description
These individual Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Milk: Pour the milk into the mixture and stir until everything is well combined and evenly moistened.
- Shape Meatloaves: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a small, individual loaf shape.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Place the shaped meatloaves on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each loaf.
- Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top of the meatloaves. This will help them brown nicely and develop a slightly crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaves reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, during the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each meatloaf. Continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve
Notes
- Ground Chicken: You can substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give the meatloaves a slightly crispier texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these meatloaves with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a salad, or your favorite side dish.