So, what exactly is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf? It’s your traditional meatloaf—reimagined. By swapping out the usual ground beef for lean, juicy ground chicken and infusing it with bold garlic and rich Parmesan, this recipe brings a modern, flavorful twist to classic comfort food. It’s a little bit Italian, a whole lot of cozy, and incredibly satisfying. They say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but this one will win over everyone’s heart. Ready to upgrade your meatloaf repertoire? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
1. Incredible Flavor Combo
Garlic and Parmesan are a match made in culinary heaven. Add ground chicken, fresh herbs, and melty mozzarella on top, and you’ve got a meatloaf that’s juicy, savory, and far from ordinary.
2. Budget-Friendly Meal
This dish is hearty and satisfying without breaking the bank. Ground chicken is often more affordable than beef, and everything else can be found in most home kitchens.
3. Delicious Toppings
Optional mozzarella on top takes it to another level. Whether you go classic or cheesy, this meatloaf pairs beautifully with salads, veggies, or your favorite comfort sides. Loved our Cheesy Chicken Casserole? Then this is your new favorite weeknight dinner.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Quick Overview
This recipe is simple, fast, and perfect for any home cook. In about an hour (with only 15 minutes of prep!), you’ll have a golden-baked, flavorful meatloaf that’s ready to serve. Moist, cheesy, and full of garlic-parmesan goodness—it’s comfort food done right.
Ingredients Needed
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 large eggs
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 yellow onion, finely chopped
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1 cup milk
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional topping)
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1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, onion, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!
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Shape and Transfer: Form into a loaf shape and place in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet. Smooth the top with a spatula.
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Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the top with olive oil to help it brown beautifully.
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Bake: Bake for 45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Add Cheese: (Optional) Sprinkle mozzarella on top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
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Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture and make clean cuts.
What to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf With
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Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles
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Steamed green beans, broccoli, or sautéed spinach
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Caesar or garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
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A cozy drink like iced tea or a light red wine pairs wonderfully
This meatloaf is also great for sandwiches the next day!
Top Tips for Perfecting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
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Use fresh garlic and Parmesan: The fresher your ingredients, the bigger the flavor payoff.
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Don’t skip the resting time: This keeps the meatloaf juicy and makes slicing easier.
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Customize the topping: Want more flavor? Try mixing in sun-dried tomatoes or topping with a drizzle of pesto or marinara.
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Substitutions: Use ground turkey for a leaner option or dairy-free cheese if needed.
Storing and Reheating Tips
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap slices or the entire loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes. Add a splash of broth for extra moisture if needed.
FAQs
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the meatloaf mixture earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What if I don’t have Parmesan?
Try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just divide it into two loaves and adjust cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a fresh and flavorful take on a beloved classic. Juicy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s the kind of meal that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table. Easy enough for a weeknight, delicious enough for guests—this meatloaf is ready to steal the spotlight. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Loaf Pan
- Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 1 cup Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 large Eggs
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, milk, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; don’t overdo it!
- Transfer the mixture into a greased loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- If you’re feeling fancy, brush the top lightly with olive oil to help it get a beautiful golden color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for that perfect melty finish.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps retain those juicy flavors.