Italian Chicken Meatloaf Recipe: Quick & Delicious Family Meal
Short introduction
Italian Chicken Meatloaf is a light and flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf. This dish combines ground chicken with Italian herbs and cheeses, creating a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a family dinner, with the added benefit of being lighter than beef meatloaf. With just under an hour of baking time, you can serve a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
Why you’ll love it
There are many reasons to love Italian Chicken Meatloaf. First, it’s a healthier option compared to traditional meatloaf, as ground chicken is lower in fat. The flavors from the Italian herbs and marinara sauce make it a standout dish on the dining table. Additionally, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, on a sandwich, or alongside vegetables, this meatloaf is sure to please!
Ingredients
To make Italian Chicken Meatloaf, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Substitutions & key variations
You can easily adapt the ingredients in Italian Chicken Meatloaf. Here are a few options:
- Ground chicken: Substitute with ground turkey or even ground beef for a heartier meatloaf.
- Cheese: Instead of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or omit it for a dairy-free version. You can also use your favorite cheese in place of mozzarella.
- Herbs: Feel free to add dried Italian herbs like oregano or basil if fresh parsley isn’t available.
- Vegetables: Incorporate some finely chopped bell peppers or spinach into the loaf for added nutrition and flavor.
Step-by-step
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
Step 3
Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Make sure it’s compact to hold its shape during baking.
Step 4
Spread the remaining marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle with extra breadcrumbs for a nice crunchy topping.
Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
Step 6
Once done, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it maintain its shape and moisture. Serve hot.
Success tips
- Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Texture: Proper mixing helps create a tender meatloaf. Don’t overmix, or it may become tough.
- Common mistakes: Avoid using too much breadcrumbs, as this can make the loaf dry. Also, don’t skip resting time after baking; it’s essential for slicing.
How to serve
Italian Chicken Meatloaf is delicious served in several ways:
- Pair it with a side of pasta and marinara sauce for a cozy Italian meal.
- Serve it on sandwich rolls with extra marinara and mozzarella for a fantastic meatloaf sandwich.
- Accompany it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a light dinner.
Storage & reheating
To store leftover Italian Chicken Meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze Italian Chicken Meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking or after it’s cooked. Wrap tightly and it will last up to 2-3 months.
2. What should I serve with meatloaf?
Italian Chicken Meatloaf pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
3. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
4. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf, providing lean protein from chicken and vital nutrients from herbs and cheese. Plus, the use of marinara sauce adds flavor without excessive calories.
Conclusion + CTA
Italian Chicken Meatloaf is not only simple to prepare but also brings a delightful twist to a classic dish. Its delicious taste and healthier ingredients make it a perfect choice for family dinners. Don’t wait any longer; gather your ingredients and whip up this comforting recipe today!
Links to related recipes
Italian Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken Can substitute with ground turkey or beef.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use as needed for texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Can substitute with Pecorino Romano or omit.
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Use your favorite cheese if desired.
- ½ cup marinara sauce For mixing into the loaf.
- 1 large egg To bind the ingredients.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley Can add dried Italian herbs if fresh is not available.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to personal preference.
- ½ cup marinara sauce For topping the meatloaf.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs For topping the meatloaf.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape into a compact loaf.
- Spread remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with extra breadcrumbs.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to maintain shape and moisture.