This juicy and flavorful chicken Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It's the perfect comfort food with a healthier twist! Whether you're looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaf delivers every time.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, milk, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this could make the meatloaf tough.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it in evenly.
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the meatloaf for extra flavor and moisture.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds together.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Variations
Ground Turkey: If you prefer turkey, you can easily swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey for a slightly leaner alternative.
Add Vegetables: Try mixing in some finely chopped vegetables, like onions, carrots, or bell peppers, for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy twist.
Cheese Swap: If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute with another cheese, like Romano, for a similar sharp flavor.
Storage/Reheating
To store, place any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I recommend covering it with foil and heating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
If you want to freeze it, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until fully heated.
FAQs
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
I always check the internal temperature of the meatloaf with a meat thermometer. When it reaches 165°F (75°C), it's done and safe to eat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the meatloaf as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is great for meal prepping or making dinner a little less stressful.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey or lean beef if you prefer. Ground chicken is a healthier option, but any of these will work well in this recipe.
Why is my meatloaf dry?
This can happen if the meatloaf is overmixed or overcooked. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined and to check the internal temperature to avoid overbaking.
How can I make my meatloaf more flavorful?
If you want to up the flavor, try adding more garlic, fresh herbs, or even some grated cheese inside the mixture. The olive oil drizzle on top also adds moisture and flavor during baking.
Conclusion
This melt-in-your-mouth garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaf is a perfect balance of comfort and health. It’s simple to make and delivers big on flavor, with a tender, juicy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish that’s great for meal prep, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to store or reheat, making it a true staple in my kitchen. Enjoy!
Recipe:

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A juicy and flavorful chicken meatloaf made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for comfort food with a healthier twist.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, milk, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this could make the meatloaf tough.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it in evenly.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the meatloaf for extra flavor and moisture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds together.
Notes
Can substitute ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
Add chopped vegetables like onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Substitute Parmesan with Romano cheese for a similar sharp flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg