Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: Comfort Food Delight
Short introduction
This Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish. With its tender texture and savory flavors, it offers a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Packed with garlic and cheese, this meatloaf is sure to satisfy your cravings for home-cooked goodness.
Why you’ll love it
There are countless reasons to love this garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf. For starters, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf, as it uses ground chicken or turkey, making it lower in fat. The addition of parmesan cheese not only elevates the flavor but also adds a rich creaminess to the dish. It’s easy to prepare and bakes in one pan, which cuts down on cleanup time. Moreover, the recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite herbs and spices. This dish is perfect for meal prepping, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1/4 cup Additional Parmesan (for sprinkling)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or even lean pork for a slightly different taste. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. If you’re reducing dairy, plant-based milk can easily replace whole milk. You can also play around with herbs; try adding Italian seasoning, or even some chopped spinach for an extra twist.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the meatloaf mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the eggs and milk to the mixture. Use your hands to gently combine all the ingredients until fully mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
Step 2: Shape the meatloaf
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the mixture is well combined, transfer it to a baking dish or a lined loaf pan. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape, smoothing the top.
Step 3: Bake and glaze
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes.
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, melt the unsalted butter and brush it over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Success tips
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your meatloaf. This ensures it reaches the right temperature without becoming dry.
- The texture should be moist yet firm. If it crumbles too easily, you may have overmixed the meat.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain its juices.
How to serve
Slice the meatloaf and serve it hot. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Drizzle some gravy over it for an extra layer of flavor or serve with a side of vegetables for a balanced meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & reheating
Let any leftover meatloaf cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the center.
Q2: Can I freeze the meatloaf?
A: Yes! Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q3: Is it possible to make this meatloaf in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
Using ground chicken makes this meatloaf a leaner option, providing a good source of protein with lower fat content compared to traditional beef meatloaf. Parmesan cheese adds calcium, while the herbs and spices are rich in antioxidants.
Conclusion
This Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a fantastic way to bring comfort food to your table with a nutritious twist. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it will surely become a family favorite. Try it out today and taste the delightful goodness for yourself!
Links to related recipes
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Chicken (or ground turkey or lean pork) Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded; or Romano cheese) Adds richness to the flavor.
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs) Panko gives a lighter texture.
- 2 large Eggs (for binding) Use fresh eggs for better binding.
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Enhances the garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh basil can be used if available.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Optional for garnishing.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
- ½ cup Whole Milk (or plant milk if dairy-free) Choose based on dietary preference.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for glaze) Melt for glazing before baking.
- ¼ cup Additional Parmesan (for sprinkling) For a cheesy topping.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (for garnish) Chop before garnishing.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the eggs and milk to the mixture. Use your hands to gently combine all the ingredients until fully mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
Shaping
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the mixture is well combined, transfer it to a baking dish or a lined loaf pan. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape, smoothing the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes.
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, melt the unsalted butter and brush it over the top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).