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Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf


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  • Author: Cheryl
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with Italian-inspired flavors from Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, and fresh herbs. Finished with a golden, cheesy topping and optional marinara sauce, it's a comforting, family-friendly dinner.


Ingredients

2 pounds ground chicken

3/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

1/2 cup whole milk

1 large egg

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x4-inch loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs and whole milk. Let stand for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs soften and absorb the milk.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the soaked breadcrumbs, half of the Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, most of the parsley, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
  4. Add the ground chicken and half of the shredded mozzarella. Gently fold the ingredients together using clean hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  5. Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top, or shape it into an evenly sized loaf on the lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread marinara sauce over the top if using. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
  7. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or longer if necessary, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden and the center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley, slice into thick portions, and serve warm.

Notes

Ingredient quantities are estimated because the original recipe does not specify exact measurements.

For a moist meatloaf, soak the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing them with the chicken and avoid overworking the meat mixture.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 165°F (74°C) without unnecessary overcooking.

For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

For a spicy variation, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce.

For an extra-cheesy version, add additional shredded mozzarella to the center of the loaf before baking.

For a spinach variation, add finely chopped spinach, squeezing out excess moisture from cooked spinach first.

For a Mediterranean-inspired variation, replace some mozzarella with crumbled feta and add oregano and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Ground turkey can replace ground chicken. Cook to the same safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For make-ahead preparation, assemble the meatloaf, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, spaghetti with marinara, or a fresh garden salad.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking and store for 3–4 days.

Freeze individually wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat in the oven, place slices in a baking dish with a little marinara sauce or broth, cover with foil, and heat at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 15–20 minutes or until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).

To reheat in the microwave, cover slices loosely and heat in short intervals until thoroughly heated to 165°F (74°C).

Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to help prevent crumbling.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 250 g)
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg