Italian-Inspired Chicken Meatloaf

Looking for a delightful twist on traditional meatloaf that’s perfect for busy weeknights? Italian-Inspired Chicken Meatloaf is the answer! It’s a comforting dish that’ll fill your family’s bellies and make your dinner feel a bit more special without a lot of extra effort.

This savory meatloaf features ground chicken loaded with aromatic garlic, zesty Italian seasoning, and gooey cheese. Topped with marinara sauce, it’s moist, tender, and bursting with flavor. What sets it apart is the blend of cheesy goodness and the rich Italian-inspired flavors that come together beautifully.

You should definitely try this recipe because it’s not only quick to prepare but also uses simple ingredients that you can find in your pantry. Plus, it’s an excellent option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy hearty leftovers throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 1 hour
• Made with pantry staples
• Perfect for weekly meal prep
• Deliciously comforting for the whole family

Ingredients for Italian-Inspired Chicken Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup additional marinara sauce for topping
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions of Italian-Inspired Chicken Meatloaf

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it.
2. Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, marinara sauce, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Mix everything together gently until well combined don’t overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Spread the additional marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Top with the extra breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
7. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh herbs if you have them; they enhance the flavor even more.
• Make sure not to overbake the meatloaf, as it can dry out check with a meat thermometer for the best results.
• Feel free to add some chopped veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Substitutions & Variations of Italian-Inspired Chicken Meatloaf

To Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.

Variations:

• Mix in some chopped fresh basil or oregano for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Add a diced bell pepper or shredded carrots for extra veggies and sweetness.

Storage Instructions of Italian-Inspired Chicken Meatloaf

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: This meatloaf freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Italian-Inspired Chicken Meatloaf

Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe!

Is there a dairy-free option for this meatloaf? You can simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy-free.

How can I make this meatloaf spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick!

Final Toughts

This Italian-Inspired Chicken Meatloaf is a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy all tastes at your dinner table. It’s easy to make, hearty, and uniquely flavorful, making it a perfect fit for family gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. Don’t wait to try it out your taste buds will thank you! If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your own creations. Try it and leave a comment with a star rating!

Italian-Inspired Chicken Meatloaf

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A delightful twist on traditional meatloaf featuring ground chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, and gooey cheese, topped with marinara sauce.

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup additional marinara sauce for topping
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it.
2. Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, marinara sauce, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Mix everything together gently until well combined.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf pan.
5. Spread the additional marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Top with the extra breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
7. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor; avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten-Free option available