Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe

Flavorful Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors and crispy garlic parmesan chicken meatloaves that satisfy hunger with every bite.

The aroma of herbs and cheese wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful meal.

Tender ground chicken blends seamlessly with classic seasonings and a golden, crunchy exterior.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance of savory notes and irresistible texture.

Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty depth that elevates this comfort food classic.

Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet or muffin tin to create the perfect home for your savory chicken meatloaves.

  • Mix and Mingle

In a spacious bowl, toss ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Gently blend everything together, keeping the touch light to ensure super tender meatloaves.

  • Shape Your Flavor Bombs

Craft 4-6 adorable mini meatloaves, placing them carefully on your prepared baking surface. Each little bundle should be packed with delicious potential.

  • First Bake Blast

Send those meatloaves into the hot oven for 20 minutes, letting them start their transformation into golden deliciousness.

  • Cheese Crown

Pull out the meatloaves and shower them with melty mozzarella. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese turns gloriously golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

  • Serve with Flair

Dust your meatloaves with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Plate alongside creamy mashed potatoes or crisp roasted veggies for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Ingredient Essentials

For Protein and Binding:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that ensures a lighter meatloaf texture and healthier option.
  • Egg: Natural binder that helps hold the meatloaves together and adds richness.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender, soft meatloaf texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory undertone to the meatloaves.
  • Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate overall taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and creates golden crispy exterior.
For Texture and Structure:
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and provides light, airy texture to meatloaves.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, creamy topping.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh color and subtle herbal notes.

Equipment for Chicken Meatloaf with Garlic & Parmesan

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect flavor balance.
  • Baking sheet or muffin tin: Creates ideal shape and size for individual meatloaves.
  • Cheese grater: For fresh Parmesan and mozzarella cheese preparation.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps gently mix ingredients without overworking the meat.
  • Meat thermometer: Guarantees chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
  • Sharp knife: For chopping fresh parsley as a final garnish.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Meatloaf That Wows

  • Gently mix ingredients to prevent tough, dense meatloaves – overmixing can make chicken dry and rubbery.
  • Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to create a keto-friendly version of these mini meatloaves.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, fontina, or gouda to add unique flavor dimensions to the dish.
  • These meatloaves freeze beautifully – wrap individually in foil after cooling and store in freezer bags for quick weeknight meals that reheat perfectly in the oven or microwave.

Ways to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

  • Mealtime Companions: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory chicken meatloaves, soaking up all those delicious cheesy juices.
  • Veggie Flavor Explosion: Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition, creating a perfectly balanced plate.
  • Fresh and Zesty Salad: A crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheesy meatloaves, providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Carb Lovers' Delight: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or buttered pasta to soak up the flavorful cheese and meat juices, making every bite irresistibly satisfying.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Meatloaf

  • Prepare multiple meatloaves in one session. Cook extra and refrigerate or freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Keep cooked meatloaves in airtight containers for 34 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator away from raw ingredients.
  • Wrap each meatloaf separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Best when consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Warm meatloaves in the oven at 350F for 1015 minutes to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. Add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to keep the meatloaves juicy and delicious.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the same seasonings and cooking method.

  • How do I know the meatloaves are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), which ensures the chicken is safely cooked through.

  • Is it okay to make these meatloaves ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatloaves and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking, making meal prep easier.

  • What if I don't have breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers or rolled oats make great alternative binders that will help hold the meatloaves together just as effectively.

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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken meatloaves showcase a comforting classic with Italian-inspired flair. Hearty protein-packed portions deliver robust flavors that satisfy home cooks craving a simple yet elegant meal you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • ⅓ cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet or muffin tin with non-stick spray or light greasing.
  2. Mixing: In a large bowl, blend ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix gently to maintain a light, tender consistency without compacting the meat.
  3. Forming: Craft 4-6 uniform mini meatloaves with delicate handling, ensuring consistent shape and size for even cooking. Position the meatloaves on the prepared baking surface with slight separation to allow optimal heat circulation.
  4. Initial Roasting: Slide the meatloaves into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and develop a gentle golden exterior.
  5. Cheese Topping: Extract the meatloaves and crown each with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a luscious, melting surface.
  6. Final Baking: Return the cheese-adorned meatloaves to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer and the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
  7. Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese over the meatloaves. Present immediately with complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a vibrant garden salad.

Notes

Prevent Meat Compression: Gently mix ingredients to avoid dense, tough meatloaves by using a light touch and stopping mixing when ingredients are just combined.

Moisture Maintenance: Add milk and egg to keep chicken meatloaves juicy, preventing dry and crumbly texture during baking.

Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring chicken is fully cooked without overcooking and losing tenderness.

Cheese Melting Technique: Allow mozzarella to melt during the final 5-7 minutes of baking, creating a golden, bubbling surface that enhances overall flavor and presentation.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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