There’s something truly heartwarming about meatloaf. For me, it brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the savory aroma of meatloaf would greet us after school. She had that magical touch of making comfort food seem like a gourmet experience. Today, I want to share my take on that classic dish Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in food form!

What Makes This So Good:

Juicy and Flavorful: The combination of minced garlic and Parmesan creates an explosion of flavor.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip this up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can easily adapt it to fit dietary needs or ingredient availability.

Ingredients:

2 pounds (900 g) Ground Chicken (or ground turkey or lean pork)
1 cup (100 g) Parmesan Cheese (shredded; or Romano cheese)
1 cup (100 g) Panko Breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
2 large Eggs (for binding)
4 cloves Minced Garlic (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon (5 g) Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (5 g) Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (1 g) Dried Basil
1 teaspoon (1 g) Dried Parsley
1 teaspoon (6 g) Salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon (2 g) Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup (120 ml) Whole Milk (or plant milk if dairy-free)
2 tablespoons (28 g) Unsalted Butter (for glaze)
1/4 cup (25 g) Additional Parmesan (for sprinkling)
2 tablespoons (8 g) Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Smart Swaps:

For a lower-carb option, swap Panko breadcrumbs for almond flour.
Try ground turkey for a leaner alternative or a mix of ground meats for added flavor.
Substitute whole milk with plant milk for a dairy-free version.

Sourcing Tips:

When selecting ground chicken, look for packages labeled “lean” for a healthier option.
Fresh garlic bulbs should feel firm and be free from soft spots; choose Parmesan that’s made from 100% real cheese without fillers.

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For an air fryer, set it to 320°F (160°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
Melt the unsalted butter and brush it over the top of the meatloaf to add moisture during cooking.
Sprinkle the additional Parmesan over the glazed surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the top is golden brown. In the air fryer, cook for about 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial for keeping it juicy and avoiding a crumbly texture.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Safety Note: Always handle raw chicken with care; keep surfaces and utensils clean to prevent cross-contamination.

Serving, Storage, and Reheat Guidance

This savory meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad. Serve it warm, and watch the smiles as family members dig in!

For leftovers, store meatloaf tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Pro Tips:

Make-Ahead: Mix ingredients and shape the meatloaf a day in advance; simply bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Transport: Perfect for potlucks! Just keep it covered in a cooler during transportation for freshness.
Re-Crisping: To re-crisp the top, briefly broil the meatloaf in the oven for a couple of minutes before serving.

Variations:

Italian Meatloaf: Add Italian seasoning and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
BBQ Meatloaf: Mix in BBQ sauce and top with more BBQ sauce instead of butter.
Veggie-Loaded: Add finely shredded carrots or chopped spinach for extra nutrition.

Whether you’re rekindling memories or creating new ones, this Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is bound to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine! Enjoy!

Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Print Recipe

A heartwarming meatloaf packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.

Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds (900 g) Ground Chicken
1 cup (100 g) Parmesan Cheese, shredded
1 cup (100 g) Panko Breadcrumbs
2 large Eggs
4 cloves Minced Garlic
1 teaspoon (5 g) Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (5 g) Onion Powder
1 teaspoon (1 g) Dried Basil
1 teaspoon (1 g) Dried Parsley
1 teaspoon (6 g) Salt
1/2 teaspoon (2 g) Black Pepper
1/2 cup (120 ml) Whole Milk
2 tablespoons (28 g) Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup (25 g) Additional Parmesan
2 tablespoons (8 g) Fresh Parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For an air fryer, set it to 320°F (160°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until well incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
Melt the unsalted butter and brush it over the top of the meatloaf.
Sprinkle the additional Parmesan over the glazed surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lower-carb option, swap Panko breadcrumbs for almond flour. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

Author: soukaina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs)