The Best Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Crispy parmesan chicken meatloaf brings comfort and excitement to your weeknight dinner routine.

Succulent meat blends with rich, nutty cheese for an unexpected twist.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.

Classic meatloaf gets a delightful upgrade with this cheesy version.

Herbs and seasonings dance through each tender bite, creating a memorable meal.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that doesn’t require complicated techniques.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future kitchen adventures.

Everything You’ll Need for Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

• Ground Chicken: Lean and light base for the meatloaf.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add rich flavor and creamy texture.

• Egg: Helps bind the meatloaf together.
• Italian Breadcrumbs, Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide structure and crispy texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance overall flavor profile.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy flavor.
• Melted Butter: Creates golden and crispy topping.

How to Prep and Bake Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create The Chicken Magic

• Ground chicken
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently blend everything until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 3: Craft The Perfect Loaf

Shape the mixture into a beautiful loaf right on the prepared baking sheet.

Send it into the oven for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pull the meatloaf out and generously spread marinara sauce across the top.

Sprinkle a blanket of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

Step 5: Create A Crispy Crown

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Melted butter

Scatter this crunchy mixture over the cheese layer.

Step 6: Final Baking Flourish

Return the meatloaf to the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Watch the cheese melt and the topping turn golden.

For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the meatloaf relax for 5-10 minutes.

Slice and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side if you’re feeling extra saucy!

Pro Tips for Juicy Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

• Use dark meat ground chicken or mix with ground turkey to maintain moisture and enhance flavor profile.
• Sauté minced garlic and diced onions before mixing into meat for deeper, more developed taste and aroma.
• Always check internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure chicken is fully cooked without becoming tough or dry.
• Combine panko and Italian breadcrumbs for a crispier exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Prepare meatloaf mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow seasonings to meld and intensify flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Meatloaf

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice cooled meatloaf, wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep moisture.
• Reheat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, stopping midway to rotate. Drizzle extra marinara sauce to prevent dryness and maintain flavor.

What Goes Well with Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

• Pair Perfectly with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the Parmesan chicken meatloaf. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness while enhancing the herb-infused meat.
• Create a Fresh Herb Salad Side: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts. The bright, peppery greens provide a crisp contrast to the hearty meatloaf and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. These colorful, caramelized vegetables echo the meatloaf's Mediterranean-inspired flavors and add nutritional balance to the meal.
• Match with Crisp Pinot Grigio: For white wine lovers, a chilled Pinot Grigio offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich meatloaf. Its light, citrusy notes cut through the cheese and provide a clean, palate-refreshing experience.

Fun Ways to Switch Up This Chicken Meatloaf

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use cornstarch or almond flour as a binding alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Reduce marinara sauce quantity and use a low-carb tomato sauce variant.
• Turkey Substitution: Replace ground chicken with lean ground turkey for a similar protein profile. Maintain the same seasoning and cooking instructions.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground chicken with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-based protein. Adjust cooking time and add extra herbs for enhanced flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute with similar texture and lean protein. The recipe will work perfectly with ground turkey.

• How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry?

Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Using an egg and Parmesan cheese helps maintain moisture. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs or almond flour as a replacement.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. Most kitchens have these basic herbs.

What Makes Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf So Tasty

• Combine all ingredients in one bowl, shape into a loaf, and bake for a hassle-free meal that comes together quickly.
• Packed with Italian-inspired seasonings like garlic powder, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, this chicken meatloaf delivers bold, exciting taste in every bite.
• Kids and adults will love the cheesy topping, crispy panko crust, and familiar comfort food format that makes this dish a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
• Ground chicken provides a leaner alternative to traditional beef meatloaf, offering a nutritious meal without sacrificing incredible flavor and texture.

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf brings Italian comfort to classic American dinner tables with its irresistible blend of ground chicken and savory cheese. Home cooks discover a mouthwatering twist on traditional meatloaf that delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture in one delightful dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground chicken

Breadcrumbs and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) black pepper
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and heat the oven to 375°F for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Combine ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl, gently blending ingredients until just incorporated to prevent overworking the meat.
3. Carefully shape the meat mixture into a uniform loaf on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
4. Bake the meatloaf for 35-40 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 160°F, which guarantees safe and thorough cooking.
5. Remove from oven and generously spread marinara sauce across the surface, creating a flavorful base layer.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara-covered meatloaf, allowing for complete coverage.
7. Create a crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and melted butter, then distribute the mixture uniformly over the cheese layer.
8. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and topping turns golden brown, with an optional 2-3 minute broil for extra crispiness.
9. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps settle juices and makes slicing easier, then serve with additional marinara sauce if desired.

Notes

• Ensure ground chicken is fresh and not too lean to maintain moisture and prevent dryness in the meatloaf.
• Add grated zucchini or finely chopped spinach for extra nutrition and to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
• For a gluten-free version, swap Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to maintain the texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg