Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Mixture

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1/3 cup finely diced onion
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 pounds ground chicken
05 - 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
06 - 2 teaspoons milk
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 egg
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into 1/2-inch slices

→ Topping

13 - 1/2 cup marinara sauce
14 - 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
15 - 1 1/2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1 tablespoon butter, melted
17 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
18 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a loaf pan with foil and lightly grease with cooking spray.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and minced garlic until soft, then set aside to cool.
03 - In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, seasoned bread crumbs, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and the cooled onion-garlic mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
04 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into an 8"x4" loaf. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the top.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
06 - In a small bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and chopped parsley.
07 - Remove meatloaf from oven. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
08 - Return meatloaf to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
09 - Allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Notes:

01 - For a gluten-free version, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain consistency and flavor.