Savory Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

This Parmesan chicken meatloaf transforms ordinary ground chicken into a cheesy, Italian-inspired comfort food masterpiece. The combination of savory Parmesan, aromatic herbs, and gooey mozzarella creates a dish that's both familiar and exciting—perfect for family dinners when you want something beyond the usual beef meatloaf.

I first made this recipe when I was trying to cut back on red meat but still craving comfort food. My family was skeptical at first but now they request this Parmesan version more often than my traditional beef recipe.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: 2 pounds, choose high-quality ground chicken with some fat content for moisture and flavor
• Seasoned bread crumbs: ½ cup, adds texture while helping bind the meatloaf
• Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup grated plus extra for topping, provides that incredible umami flavor that makes this dish special
• Onion: ⅓ cup finely diced, creates a sweet aromatic base
• Garlic: 2 cloves minced, adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon, an essential herb blend that gives this dish its signature Italian flair
• Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped plus extra for topping, brightens the flavor and adds color
• Mozzarella cheese: strings plus shredded mozzarella, creates those irresistible melty cheese pockets throughout
• Marinara sauce: ½ cup, adds moisture and tangy flavor to the top of the meatloaf
• Panko bread crumbs: 2 tablespoons, creates a delightful crispy topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a loaf pan with foil for easy cleanup. Spray lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This preparation step ensures your meatloaf will release perfectly once cooked.

Sauté The Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add your diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant but not browned. Allow this mixture to cool completely before adding to your meat mixture to prevent partially cooking the ground chicken.

Mix The Meatloaf Base:

In a large bowl combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and the cooled onion mixture. Use your hands to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients but avoid overmixing which can make the meatloaf tough. The texture should be uniform but still somewhat loose.

Form And Begin Baking:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf. Spread marinara sauce evenly across the top which will help keep the meatloaf moist during baking. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Prepare The Crispy Topping:

While the meatloaf bakes combine panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. This topping will add a wonderful textural contrast to the tender meatloaf and melty cheese.

Add The Cheese Layer:

After the initial baking period remove the meatloaf from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top followed by the prepared breadcrumb mixture. This creates that incredible cheesy crust that makes this recipe special.

Finish Baking:

Return the meatloaf to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the topping is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be completely melted and bubbly around the edges.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat ensuring each slice remains moist and holds together perfectly.

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The mozzarella cheese strings are my secret weapon in this recipe. When sliced and added to the meatloaf they create pockets of melty cheese throughout that absolutely delight everyone who tries it. My nephew who normally refuses to eat anything with chicken actually asked for seconds last time I made this.

Make It Gluten-Free

This recipe can easily be adapted for those with gluten sensitivities. Simply substitute the regular bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Crushed gluten-free crackers or certified gluten-free panko crumbs work wonderfully in this recipe maintaining the texture and binding properties needed for a perfect meatloaf. The flavor profile remains virtually identical and most people cannot tell the difference between the original and gluten-free versions.

Storage and Reheating

Once cooled store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 4 days. For longer storage wrap individual slices in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat refrigerated meatloaf place slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave on medium power until just heated through. For frozen slices thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming without drying out the meat.

Serving Suggestions

This Parmesan chicken meatloaf pairs beautifully with so many side dishes. For a complete Italian-inspired meal serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans with almonds. It also works wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the meatloaf. For a lighter option try it with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes tossed with olive oil and herbs. The leftover slices make incredible sandwiches on ciabatta bread with additional marinara sauce and melted provolone cheese.

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Enjoy this simple, cheesy twist on a meatloaf classic for your next family dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply shape, add the topping and bake according to instructions, adding 5-10 extra minutes since you're starting with cold ingredients.

→ How do I know when the chicken meatloaf is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. Your chicken meatloaf is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Without a thermometer, ensure the meat is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes an excellent substitute for ground chicken in this meatloaf. The cooking time and temperature remain the same, and you'll still achieve a delicious result with similar texture and flavor.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf?

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a simple side salad. The Italian flavors also complement pasta with a light sauce or garlic bread for a heartier meal.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

→ Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the Parmesan and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use a non-dairy milk instead of regular milk, and replace the butter in the topping with olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.