Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
There is something incredibly comforting about a well-made meatloaf, and these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves take that coziness to a whole new level. Combining lean ground chicken with the rich, nutty flavors of parmesan cheese and the aromatic punch of garlic, this dish offers a wonderfully tender yet flavorful experience. Each bite brings a perfect balance of savory herbs and a hint of garlic warmth, making these meatloaves a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves lies in a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. Each ingredient plays a unique role, whether it’s providing moisture, texture, or that signature savory bite that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- Ground chicken (1 lb): Lean and tender, this is the perfect base for a juicy meatloaf without heaviness.
- Bread crumbs (1/2 cup): Helps bind the meatloaf and keeps it from drying out during baking.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Provides that classic bold garlic aroma and taste that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Egg (1): Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatloaves firm but tender.
- Finely chopped onion (1/2 small): Contributes sweetness and subtle crunch for extra texture.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Adds a herbal earthiness that complements the parmesan and garlic.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Brings a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, rounding out the herb profile.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate chicken.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a gentle spiciness to balance the richness.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used for greasing your pan to prevent sticking and adding a slight crisp edge.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook the meatloaves through without drying them out. Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to ensure your savory loaves slide off with ease once cooked. If you prefer, a loaf pan works just as well for shaping, but the baking sheet lets them get a little crustier on the edges, which is delightful.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together your ground chicken, bread crumbs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, egg, finely chopped onions, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here because that can make the meatloaves tough; you want them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Form the Meatloaves
Divide your mixture evenly into four portions. Roll each into an oval shape, roughly the size of your palm, and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. This size makes them perfect as individual servings and allows the flavors and juices to concentrate nicely during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the meatloaves in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. To ensure they’re perfectly cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). No thermometer? No worries—just cut into one to make sure there’s no pink in the center and the juices run clear. This step ensures safe, tender, and flavorful meatloaves every time.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves rest for a few minutes outside the oven—this helps retain their juices and makes slicing easier. For an extra visual and flavor boost, sprinkle fresh parsley or extra parmesan over the top before serving. These little touches add an inviting pop of color and enhance the overall experience.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make excellent garnishes, adding a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the rich meatloaves. You can also sprinkle a little more parmesan cheese on top while they are still warm so it melts slightly and intensifies the cheese flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish as well.
Side Dishes
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a cozy, classic meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables. If you want something a bit lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with garlic and lemon would be perfect. The versatility of these meatloaves means they fit seamlessly into many meal plans.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your individual meatloaves into sliders by serving them on mini buns with a smear of pesto or aioli. Alternatively, slice them thinly and use as a protein-packed topping for salads or on toasted crostini for a tasty appetizer. These creative presentations make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves a fun option for parties or casual family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping them well-covered ensures they maintain their moisture and flavor without absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully if you want to make a batch ahead. Wrap each cooked meatloaf individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the meatloaves in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through—about 10 to 15 minutes depending on size. You can also microwave them on medium power, covering them to retain moisture, but be careful not to overcook and dry them out. A splash of broth or a small pat of butter during reheating helps keep them juicy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you want just a slightly different flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s lean to keep the meatloaves from becoming too dense or dry.
Is it necessary to use parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese is a key component that gives these meatloaves their distinct flavor, but if you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano or even a mild cheddar can work. The flavor won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
Can these meatloaves be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the binding effect without the gluten.
How can I add moisture if the meatloaves feel dry?
If you find the meatloaves dry, adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a little plain yogurt to the mixture can boost moisture. Also, avoid overbaking as that tends to dry them out.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely. Just double all ingredients and either bake in larger loaf pans or use multiple baking sheets. Keep an eye on the cooking time—it may vary slightly with larger quantities but should remain close.
Final Thoughts
Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves is one of those kitchen wins that brings both comfort and excitement to your dinner table. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a flavor profile that please all palates, this dish is sure to become one of your family’s favorites. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delicious satisfaction that comes with every bite of these delightful meatloaves!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 individual meatloaves 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves recipe offers a flavorful and lean alternative to traditional meatloaf using ground chicken, infused with garlic and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, these individual meatloaves are easy to prepare and bake to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing or cooking)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Optionally, you can use a loaf pan for easier shaping of the meatloaves.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, finely chopped onion, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix together thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaves tender.
- Form the Meatloaves: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval-shaped loaf and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each loaf for even cooking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure there is no pink in the center and the juices run clear.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy a delicious, protein-packed meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground chicken for a healthier option and to reduce fat content.
- For gluten-free meatloaves, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
- Make sure not to overmix the mixture to prevent the meatloaf from becoming dense and tough.
- Resting the meatloaves after baking helps retain their juices and enhances flavor.
- You can add chopped fresh parsley or other herbs to the meat mixture for extra freshness.
- Leftover meatloaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatloaf (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf, chicken meatloaf recipe, healthy meatloaf, baked chicken meatloaf, low fat meatloaf
