Description
This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a cheesy, comforting twist on classic meatloaf, featuring gooey mozzarella, parmesan, and a bubbly tomato sauce. It’s easy to make, family-approved, and perfect for weeknight dinners with delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground chicken (93% lean preferred)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing onion and garlic)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with olive oil or line with parchment paper.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, cooled onion/garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until evenly combined; mixture will be soft and sticky.
- Scoop half the chicken mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press down and up the sides to form a shallow trough.
- Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce down the center and top with 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella. Avoid edges to prevent cheese from burning.
- Add the remaining chicken mixture over the cheese and sauce, smoothing the top and sealing the sides.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. Remove from oven (it will look pale). Spoon the remaining 1 cup marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella.
- Tent lightly with foil and return to oven for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is golden, bubbly, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set.
Notes
Wet your hands before mixing to prevent sticking. Sautéing onion and garlic is key for flavor and texture. Seal the top layer well to keep cheese inside. Let the loaf rest before slicing for best results. For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs. Broil at the end for extra golden cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 23
Keywords: parmesan chicken meatloaf, chicken parmesan meatloaf, mozzarella meatloaf, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, weeknight dinner, cheesy meatloaf, Italian meatloaf, gluten-free option