Name: Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490799H57M16S
Total time: PT-490799H57M16S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 80 g onion (finely diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 900 g ground chicken; 60 g seasoned breadcrumbs; 2 teaspoons milk; 30 g Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 egg; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 mozzarella cheese strings (cut into 1 cm slices); 120 ml marinara sauce; 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs; 20 g Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 tablespoon butter (melted); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 120 g mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with juicy ground chicken, melted mozzarella, and a savory Parmesan crust, it makes a perfect family dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.

The image shows four thick slices of golden brown cheesy garlic bread arranged neatly on a white wooden board, revealing multiple layers of melted white cheese oozing between light golden toasted bread layers with green herb specks. The bread edges are crispy and slightly charred, while the cheese is bubbly with some browned spots, topped with finely chopped parsley scattered all over. A small bunch of fresh parsley sits beside the bread on the board, which rests on a white marbled textured surface with a deep burgundy cloth in the blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
80 g onion (finely diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
900 g ground chicken
60 g seasoned breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons milk
30 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
3 mozzarella cheese strings (cut into 1cm slices)
120 ml marinara sauce
2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
20 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tablespoon butter (melted)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
120 g mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Let this cool completely.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion mixture, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Pat two-thirds of the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a rectangle about 20cm by 10cm. Arrange the mozzarella cheese string pieces down the centre, then top with the remaining chicken mixture. Shape into a proper loaf, sealing the cheese inside.
Step 5: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Meanwhile, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and parsley for the topping.
Step 7: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Top with the shredded mozzarella, then sprinkle over the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 8: Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden and the centre reaches 74°C (165°F).
Step 9: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of seasoned ones for a milder flavor and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Substitute fresh mozzarella strings with small mozzarella cubes if you can’t find the strings.
Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the onion mixture for extra veggies and flavor.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 175°C (350°F) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also slice and microwave individual portions but baking helps retain moisture and texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of six thick slices of golden-brown garlic bread on a white plate, arranged diagonally. Each slice has a crispy, toasted crust with a mix of light brown and darker, almost burnt spots. Between two layers of bread in each slice, there is a melted white cheese layer that looks creamy and bubbly. The bread is sprinkled with chopped green parsley on top and around the edges for a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some parsley leaves for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and works similarly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s cooked to the same internal temperature for safety.

How can I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?

Mixing the onion and garlic sauté, breadcrumbs, and milk into the meat helps keep it moist. Also, avoid overmixing the meat, shape the loaf gently, and don’t overbake. Covering the loaf with marinara sauce adds extra moisture as well.