Description
This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy ground chicken blended with savory Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and Italian seasonings. It’s baked to perfection with a flavorful marinara sauce and a crispy mozzarella and breadcrumb topping, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Meatloaf 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
Topping
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking pan with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before mixing it into the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion and garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, milk, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and the mozzarella cheese slices. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture onto a loaf pan and shape it into an 8×4 inch square or rectangle for even cooking.
- Add Marinara and Bake: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Prepare Topping: While the meatloaf bakes, combine the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and chopped parsley in a small bowl to create the breadcrumb topping.
- Add Cheese and Topping, Continue Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 45 minutes. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then evenly distribute the breadcrumb topping. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making for a tender and juicy slice.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption of poultry.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy in cooking time.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking improves texture and juiciness.
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Italian
