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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf – Juicy, Flavor-Packed & Easy

Upgrade your dinner with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf! Juicy ground chicken is infused with savory garlic, rich Parmesan, and herbs, baked to perfection for a flavorful, comforting meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family-friendly meals, this meatloaf is moist, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a classic, hearty dinner!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Italian-inspired
Servings 8
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Knife + cutting board
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Small bowl (for glaze)

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf:

  • 1½ lbs ground chicken
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (or 1½ tsp fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs
  • Optional: ¼ cup finely chopped onion, ¼ cup bell pepper, ¼ cup zucchini or spinach
  • Optional: pinch red pepper flakes for heat

Glaze:

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
  • Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, Parmesan, herbs, breadcrumbs, eggs, and optional vegetables or spices. Gently fold until evenly mixed.
  • Shape Loaf & Apply Glaze: Transfer to pan, shape into a loaf, and brush glaze evenly on top.
  • Bake: Bake 50–60 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest: Remove from oven and rest 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve: Slice and pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or salads. Optional: drizzle extra glaze over slices.

Notes

  • Moisture Tip: Don’t overmix; vegetables and eggs keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Cheesy Variation: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside for a melty center.
  • Make Ahead: Shape loaf and refrigerate overnight; bake the next day.
  • Freezing: Freeze whole loaf or slices for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in oven for best texture.
  • Mini Loaf Muffins: Use muffin tin for individual portions; bake 20–25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Keyword Chicken meatloaf, easy family dinner, garlic Parmesan meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, lean protein dinner