Description
This Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines lean ground chicken with aromatic garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Baked to perfection and topped with a creamy garlic butter glaze, it’s a perfect meal for family dinners or meal prepping. The meatloaf is tender, moist, and packed with savory goodness, making it a delightful comfort food classic with a wholesome twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf
- 2 pounds Ground Chicken or ground turkey or lean pork
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded (or Romano cheese)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- 2 large Eggs for binding
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk or plant milk if dairy-free
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter for glaze
For the Glaze
- 1/4 cup Additional Parmesan for sprinkling
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken (or your choice of ground meat), shredded Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the mixture, which keeps the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it onto the prepared baking sheet or into the greased loaf pan, ensuring it’s evenly shaped for consistent cooking.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Prepare Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, cooking the mixture until it slightly thickens, creating a flavorful glaze.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: After the initial baking, brush the creamy garlic Parmesan glaze liberally over the meatloaf. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to set the glaze with a delicious golden finish.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist. Slice the meatloaf, garnish with extra fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for added flavor.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.
- Adjust the garlic quantity to suit your taste preference.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and omit butter or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
- Ensure the meat mixture isn’t overmixed to maintain tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
