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
- 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
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet or muffin tin with non-stick spray or light greasing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cheese Topping: Extract the meatloaves and crown each with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a luscious, melting surface.
- 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).
- 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