Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf (Printable)
Savory ground chicken blended with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, baked until golden with a cheesy topping.
# What you'll need:
→ Meat
01 - 1 ½ lbs ground chicken
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dairy
05 - ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - ½ cup milk
07 - 1 large egg
→ Binders & Fillers
08 - ¾ cup breadcrumbs
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
→ Topping
12 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, ¾ cup Parmesan, milk, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix gently until just incorporated—avoid overmixing to prevent dense texture.
03 - Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets and create an even surface.
04 - In a small bowl, combine ½ cup grated Parmesan with melted butter. Mix until evenly distributed.
05 - Sprinkle Parmesan-butter mixture evenly over meatloaf surface. Bake for 45–50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and topping forms a golden-brown crust.
06 - Remove from oven and let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Ground chicken makes this lighter than beef loaf while still delivering serious flavor
- The Parmesan crust creates the most satisfying salty crunch in every bite
- One loaf feeds a family of six with zero complaints, even from picky eaters
02 -
- Overmixing the ground chicken makes the texture tough and rubbery, mix just until combined
- The resting period is not optional, cutting too soon releases all the juices and leaves you with dry meat
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, visual cues alone can be misleading with poultry
03 -
- Grate extra Parmesan and freeze it in small portions so you always have some on hand
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother texture