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Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Savory Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf for Cozy Family Dinners

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a comforting and family-friendly dish featuring a gooey mozzarella center.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used for sautéing aromatics; you can substitute any cooking oil if needed.
  • 80 g Onion, finely diced Adds sweetness and moisture; shallots work well for a milder flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Provides aroma and depth; garlic powder could work in a pinch.
  • 900 g Ground Chicken Keeps the meatloaf moist and succulent; swap it for ground turkey or lean beef if preferred.
  • 60 g Seasoned Breadcrumbs Provides structure and texture; plain breadcrumbs with added herbs can be a good substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons Milk Adds moisture; you can replace it with chicken broth or non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 30 g Parmesan Cheese, grated Enhances flavor with a nutty twist; using pecorino or nutritional yeast makes it dairy-free.
  • 1 egg Egg Acts as a binder; for a vegan alternative, use a flax egg or applesauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped Adds freshness; swap with basil or oregano for a herbal kick.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Brings an herbal flavor; a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and sage will suffice if you’re out.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor; feel free to adjust it to your taste.
  • 3 strings Mozzarella Cheese, cut into 1cm slices Provides a melty center; shredded mozzarella or other melting cheeses are acceptable substitutes.
For the Topping
  • 120 ml Marinara Sauce Adds acidity and depth; homemade or store-bought works well.
  • 2 tablespoons Panko Breadcrumbs Adds a delightful crunch to the topping; can replace with regular breadcrumbs if necessary.
  • 1 tablespoon Butter, melted Adds richness to the topping; olive oil can replace it for a non-dairy option.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped For a finishing touch and extra flavor; optional but recommended.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
  1. In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes, or until they're softened and fragrant. Once done, remove them from heat and allow to cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients in the Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled onion and garlic mixture with ground chicken, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, and egg. Add chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  3. Prepare a lined baking sheet and spread about two-thirds of the meat mixture into a loaf shape, creating an indentation down the center for the mozzarella. Carefully cover the cheese with the remaining meat mixture.
  4. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread marinara sauce evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf, then bake for 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through.
  5. To add the topping, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and optional parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the meatloaf, then return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes.
  6. Once cooking is complete, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slicesCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is sure to be a classic in your home, creating warm family memories with every bite!

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