Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf (Printable Version)
Tender chicken meatloaf with Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian spices for a comforting family dinner.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground chicken
→ Cheeses
02 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
03 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Vegetables and Herbs
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
→ Binders and Fillers
07 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
08 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
09 - 1/4 cup milk
→ Sauces and Seasonings
10 - 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for topping
11 - 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, mozzarella, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
03 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently press it in to form an even, compact loaf.
04 - Spread a few additional tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly over the top for extra flavor and moisture.
05 - Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is golden, set, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional warm marinara sauce on the side if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The Parmesan acts like a secret flavor bomb that keeps the chicken incredibly moist from the inside out.
- It slices beautifully, reheats like a dream, and tastes even better the next day tucked into a sandwich.
02 -
- Overmixing the chicken mixture will make the loaf rubbery and dense, so stop as soon as everything looks evenly distributed.
- Letting it rest the full 10 minutes is not optional, because slicing too early means all those wonderful juices run right out onto the board.
03 -
- Wet your hands slightly before pressing the mixture into the pan, because it prevents sticking and helps you get a smooth, even surface.
- A dusting of extra Parmesan on top of the marinara before baking creates an irresistible golden crust that everyone will fight over.