Ready for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food? This Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is here to transform your dinner table. With its juicy, seasoned chicken and sweet, tangy glaze, it’s bound to become a staple in your weekly lineup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry.
- Healthy Twist: Lighter than traditional beef meatloaf, but just as satisfying.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet glaze and savory loaf.
- Freezable: Make it ahead and keep it in the freezer for a hassle-free dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Meatloaf Recipe brings together a blend of familiar, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays its role in making the meatloaf moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
- Ground Chicken: Lean and nutritious, providing a lighter base for our loaf.
- Breadcrumbs: These give the meatloaf its structure and help absorb all those tasty juices.
- Finely Chopped Onion: Adds moisture and a hint of sweetness.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty flavor that enhances the meatloaf’s richness.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of green and freshness in every bite.
- Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: These deepen the flavor profile into something wonderfully savory.
Variations
Feel free to make this Chicken Meatloaf Recipe your own! Whether you have dietary requirements or just want to try something new, here are some ideas to get you started.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to cater to gluten intolerances.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in some cheddar cheese for a melty surprise.
How to Make Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meatloaf bakes evenly and reaches perfection with a juicy inside and a satisfying crust outside.
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped onions, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, milk, eggs, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until everything’s well incorporated but be careful not to over-mix.
Step 3: Glaze and Assemble
Whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to form your glaze. Spread a few tablespoons at the bottom of your loaf pan, press in the meatloaf mixture, and finish with the remaining glaze on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 80-90 minutes until the internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Let it rest a few minutes before slicing; this helps retain the juiciness.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- Mixing Technique: Use your hands for gentle mixing to maintain the texture of the meatloaf.
- Glaze Double-Dip: For extra flavor, use half the glaze inside the pan and the other half on top.
- Thermometer Check: A thermometer ensures precision, aiming for the magic number—165°F.
- Resting Time: Allowing the loaf to rest ensures all juices are sealed within every slice.
How to Serve Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Chicken Meatloaf with freshly chopped parsley or a touch of parmesan cheese to elevate each bite and add a splash of color.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal that keeps comfort at the forefront.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on a bed of sautéed spinach or kale for a restaurant-quality presentation. Don’t forget a drizzle of the tasty glaze over the top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorsome.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatloaf for up to four months. Wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag to lock in moisture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your slices in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for around 20 minutes or until warmed through. Add a touch of water to the dish to prevent drying.
FAQs
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Can I make this Chicken Meatloaf Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the loaf and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze it for a more extended storage period.
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What’s the best way to ensure my meatloaf doesn’t fall apart?
Make sure your mixture is evenly combined but not overmixed, and always allow your meatloaf to rest before slicing for optimal firmness.
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Can I swap out the ground chicken for another meat?
Certainly! Ground turkey works well as a substitute if you’re looking to maintain a lighter meatloaf, though beef could be used for a heartier version.
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Why is it important to use a meat thermometer?
A thermometer provides accuracy to ensure your meatloaf is safely cooked through without overbaking, keeping it juicy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is a delightful twist on an old favorite, perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. With its easy preparation and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to win hearts (and stomachs) wherever it’s served. Give it a try, and make mealtime a celebration!
Print
Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 80-90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory chicken meatloaf combines tender ground chicken with flavorful herbs, cheese, and a sweet and tangy glaze, baked to perfection. It’s a comforting and healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf, easy to prepare, and perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatloaf
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Glaze
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, milk, eggs, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well integrated, but do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Make glaze: In a small bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and uniform.
- Assemble and bake: Spoon a few tablespoons of the glaze into the bottom of an 8×4-inch loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Add the meatloaf mixture into the pan, pressing it gently to shape, then spread the remaining glaze over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 80-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with additional glaze if desired.
Notes
- Start with 1/2 cup of milk and add more as needed to achieve your preferred mixture consistency.
- Avoid packing the mixture too tightly into the loaf pan to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and perfect doneness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 4 months for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 150g)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
