– **Title**: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into small loaves (about the size of your palm) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each meatloaf for added moisture and flavor.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the meatloaves are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
7. Serve the meatloaves warm, drizzled with marinara sauce, and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star ingredient here, bringing lean protein. If you want a different flavor, you can swap it for ground turkey, beef, or pork. Just adjust cooking times if the fat content differs!
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using plain breadcrumbs for a neutral base. If you’re avoiding gluten, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. You could even pulse some crackers if you have them on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano works well too and adds a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a fun vegan option that still offers that cheesy taste!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is wonderful for flavor. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. Adjust based on your taste. I love using roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Italian Seasoning: This adds a classic flavor profile. If you don’t have it, combine equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Fresh herbs can be substituted, but use double the amounts since they’re milder.
How Do I Ensure My Meatloaves Stay Moist and Flavorful?
One important part of making juicy meatloaves is to mix the ingredients without overworking them. Overmixing can result in dense loaves. Here’s what to do:
- Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and veggies gently until just mixed.
- Add the egg and milk, which helps keep them moist. Make sure they’re at room temp for best results!
- Form your loaves without packing them too tightly; they need room to cook evenly.
Letting the meatloaves rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender. I like setting a timer for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best results!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaves:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by 45 minutes of baking. It’s a simple process: mix the ingredients, shape the meatloaves, bake them, add cheese, and return to the oven. In no time at all, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a baking dish or loaf pan to help prevent the meatloaves from sticking.
2. Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. This step is crucial for ensuring all the flavors blend nicely.
3. Shaping the Meatloaves:
Once your mixture is ready, divide it into two equal portions. Shape each part into a loaf shape and place them in your prepared baking dish. Make sure they are spaced out a bit so they cook evenly.
4. Baking the Meatloaves:
Pop the meatloaves into your preheated oven and let them bake for 30 minutes. During this time, they will become flavorful and start to firm up.
5. Adding the Cheese:
After 30 minutes, carefully take the meatloaves out of the oven. Now it’s time to sprinkle that delicious shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each loaf. Spread it evenly to cover as much surface as possible.
6. Finishing the Baking:
Return the meatloaves back to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and become bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese looks delicious!
7. Resting Before Serving:
Once finished, remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will make them easier to slice and serve!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
For a pop of color and flavor, garnish the meatloaves with additional chopped parsley if you like. Serve them warm and enjoy your tasty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey serves as a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. Just ensure that you maintain the same cooking time, as turkey may require a similar baking duration while still achieving that delicious golden topping.
How Can I Make These Meatloaves Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Additionally, check the labels on your Parmesan cheese and any sauces you use to ensure they are gluten-free as well!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you want to freeze them, wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag; they can last up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Mixture?
Definitely! You can enhance the flavor and nutrition by adding finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the mix. Just make sure to keep the total volume similar so that the meatloaf maintains its structure while baking!
