Name: Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; ⅓ cup finely diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 pounds ground chicken; ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs; 2 teaspoons milk; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into ½” slices; ½ cup marinara sauce; 2 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs; 1 ½ tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 44 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s a little lighter yet still indulgent, this Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Combining tender ground chicken with the rich tang of Parmesan cheese and the perfect touch of herbs, this meatloaf is juicy and packed with flavor. It’s simple to prepare but impressive enough to share with friends or family as a heartwarming meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl in the center holds a large amount of light pink ground chicken with a soft, textured surface. Surrounding the bowl are several small clear glass bowls and containers: to the top right, a dark beige onion, a head of garlic, and a white egg rest closely together; next to them is a small bowl filled with a dry, pale yellow breadcrumb mixture. Below, there are three sticks of pale yellow string cheese in clear plastic wrappers lined up side by side. Below the cheese, a small bowl of shredded white mozzarella cheese sits beside a small bowl of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese. Next to them, there is a round jar of chunky red tomato sauce. On the left side of the main bowl, there is a small bowl with finely chopped green parsley and a small metal container holding a colorful dried herb mix with green, red, and brown bits. A bottle of clear olive oil with a yellow tint and a small glass bottle of white liquid (likely milk) are placed near the onion and garlic. All items rest on a white marbled surface with a white towel with light gray stripes placed on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe plays an important role in creating that irresistible balance of taste, texture, and aroma. From the savory Parmesan to the fresh parsley, these components come together effortlessly to make a meatloaf that’s moist, flavorful, and full of character.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for sautéing onions and garlic to impart a rich base flavor.
⅓ cup finely diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
2 cloves garlic minced: Offers a punch of savory aroma that complements chicken beautifully.
2 pounds ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the meatloaf tender and light.
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs: Essential for binding the meat mixture and adding slight crunch.
2 teaspoons milk: Helps keep the meatloaf moist and tender during baking.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses an unmistakable nutty, salty flavor throughout the loaf.
1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the mixture together perfectly.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings a burst of fresh herbal brightness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adding complexity and a hint of warmth.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
3 mozzarella cheese strings cut into ½” slices: Add gooey cheesy pockets inside the meatloaf.
Topping Ingredients: ½ cup marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs, 1 ½ tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – these make the crust bubbly, golden, and irresistibly cheesy.

How to Make Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re soft and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base that infuses the meatloaf with subtle sweetness and depth. Once cooked, set them aside to cool completely before mixing.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the cooled onion and garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently just until everything is evenly combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense. Finally, fold in the mozzarella cheese slices to sprinkle pockets of melty cheesy surprise inside.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

Line a baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Shape the mixture into an 8″x4″ loaf right in the pan. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the top to keep it moist and add tangy flavor. Slide your meatloaf into the oven preheated to 400°F and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 4: Add Topping and Finish Baking

While the loaf bakes, mix Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and chopped parsley to create a golden, crispy topping. When the first baking phase is done, take the meatloaf out, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over it, then crumble the topping evenly atop. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the center registers 165°F and the topping turns beautifully golden.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the meatloaf rest at room temperature for 10 minutes after baking. This cooling period allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender, juicy, and ready to serve. Then slice into generous portions and enjoy the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and herby flavors.

How to Serve Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

A single rectangular-shaped raw meatloaf is placed on silver foil on a white marbled surface. The meatloaf has a light pink color mixed with flecks of green herbs and white bits of onion throughout, and it appears to have a coarse, crumbly texture with some dry seasoning sprinkled on top. Around the edges of the foil, a few scattered small green herb leaves add a touch of color. On the bottom left side of the image, there are two small white bowls, one filled with finely chopped green herbs and the other with black pepper. Part of a white and beige striped cloth is seen on the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that highlights the rich, cheesy meatloaf. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of your favorite marinara around the plate creates an inviting presentation and enhances the Italian-inspired flavors.

Side Dishes

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes or garlic roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the savory richness of the meatloaf.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices of this Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf open-faced on toasted ciabatta bread for a delicious sandwich twist. You can also cube leftovers into a hearty pasta bake or toss them into wraps with fresh greens and creamy dressing for next-day lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any uneaten Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It keeps well, allowing you to enjoy that comforting flavor at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

You can freeze the meatloaf before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, it will maintain its quality for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps retain moisture and restores that fresh-from-the-oven texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bread crumb topping crispy.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute that will keep the meatloaf lean and tender, with only a slight variation in flavor.

How can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?

Swap out the seasoned bread crumbs and Panko for gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers without compromising on texture or taste.

Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead?

Yes, mixing the ingredients a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover and refrigerate, then shape and bake when ready.

What’s the best way to check if the meatloaf is cooked through?

A meat thermometer is your best friend; the center should reach 165°F to ensure it’s safely cooked and perfectly juicy.

Can I omit the marinara sauce topping?

While the marinara adds great flavor and moisture, you can leave it off or substitute with your favorite tomato sauce or even a barbecue glaze for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is a gem that combines simplicity with rich, comforting flavors that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for both busy weeknights and special family dinners alike.