Description
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a tender, juicy twist on classic meatloaf made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it is an easy and comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or Italian style
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional, for topping
- ½ cup marinara sauce, optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, milk, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan or on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until the center is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top, if using.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overmix the ground chicken mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs add extra seasoning, while plain breadcrumbs allow you to control the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Marinara sauce and mozzarella are optional but create a delicious chicken Parmesan-style topping.
- Fresh parsley provides the best flavor, but dried parsley can be used when needed.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so the juices can redistribute and the slices hold together better.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American