Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Craving something hearty and comforting, but with a lighter twist? Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are the answer! These mini meatloaves are made with ground chicken, creating a juicy and flavorful base that’s complemented by the rich taste of parmesan cheese and aromatic garlic. They bake up golden brown on the outside, tender on the inside, and are guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, these meatloaves are the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

This recipe is perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd. Here’s why these meatloaves will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

Light yet Savory:

Made with ground chicken instead of beef, these meatloaves are a lighter alternative but still bursting with flavor. The garlic and parmesan create a savory profile that everyone will love.

Quick & Easy:

You won’t be spending hours in the kitchen with this recipe. The ingredients are simple, and the meatloaves bake up in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time.

Customizable:

Love a little heat? Add red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper to spice it up. Want to make them even creamier? Add a little cream cheese to the mixture. These meatloaves are perfect for adding your own personal touch.

Kid-Friendly:

With a subtle flavor that’s not too overpowering, these mini meatloaves are great for kids and adults alike. They’re easy to eat and full of delicious flavors, making them a hit with picky eaters.

Perfect for Leftovers:

Leftovers taste just as good the next day, and you can easily reheat them for a quick lunch or dinner. They also freeze wonderfully, so you can make a big batch and store some for later.

Ingredients in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these savory meatloaves:

• Ground Chicken: The main ingredient, providing a lean, flavorful base. Ground chicken keeps the meatloaf tender without being overly fatty.
• Breadcrumbs: They help bind the ingredients together while keeping the meatloaf moist. You can use regular or panko breadcrumbs depending on your texture preference.
• Egg: This binds all the ingredients together, giving the meatloaf a rich, tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: The star ingredient! Adds richness and umami flavor. Freshly grated parmesan works best for a creamy texture.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh, minced garlic gives the meatloaf that bold, aromatic punch.
• Milk: Helps to keep the meatloaf moist and tender. You can use any kind of milk, from whole to skim, or even a dairy-free alternative.
• Italian Seasoning: A combination of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, this seasoning mix adds a balanced herb flavor to the meatloaf.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out all the flavors in the meatloaf. Adjust to your taste.
• Olive Oil: For drizzling on top to help the meatloaf get golden and crispy while baking.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor once the meatloaf is baked.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and bring these savory mini meatloaves to life!

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the meatloaves bake evenly and get that golden, crispy exterior.

2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, garlic, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatloaf tough.

3. Shape the Meatloaves:

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, oval loaves—about 6-8 meatloaves, depending on your desired size.

4. Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Place the meatloaves on the sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Drizzle olive oil over the tops of the meatloaves to help them brown and crisp up.

5. Bake the Meatloaves:

Pop the meatloaves into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once out of the oven, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the meatloaves for a pop of color. Serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

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Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

These mini meatloaves are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to serve them up:

Mashed Potatoes:

A creamy side of mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food to pair with these meatloaves. You can even make garlic mashed potatoes for an extra boost of flavor.

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or a medley of veggies pair beautifully with the garlic parmesan flavors in the meatloaf. Roast them in olive oil, salt, and pepper for the perfect accompaniment.

Fresh Green Salad:

For something light to balance the richness of the meatloaf, a fresh salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette will do the trick.

Pasta:

Serve your meatloaves with pasta and marinara sauce. The savory chicken and parmesan will pair perfectly with a simple pasta dish.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead:

You can make these meatloaves ahead of time! Shape them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Don’t Overmix:

Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can result in a dense, tough texture. Mix just until combined for the best results.

Experiment with Herbs:

Feel free to play with the herb mix in the recipe. Fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme can all add great flavor to the meatloaf.

Swap the Chicken:

If you prefer, you can swap the ground chicken for ground turkey, which works just as well in this recipe. You can also use a mix of chicken and pork for extra juiciness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute ground chicken with another type of meat?

A1: Yes! You can use ground turkey or a combination of ground chicken and ground pork for a juicier meatloaf. Ground beef works, too, if you prefer a richer flavor.

Q2: How do I keep the meatloaf from drying out?

A2: Adding milk, breadcrumbs, and egg helps keep the meatloaf moist. Don’t overcook it, and consider drizzling a little olive oil over the top before baking to lock in moisture.

Q3: Can I freeze these meatloaves?

A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped meatloaves before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to cook, just bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking.

Q4: How can I make these meatloaves gluten-free?

A4: Simply swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use oat flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Q5: Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?

A5: Yes, you can! Just make sure you’re using plain breadcrumbs without added seasoning or spices, so you control the flavor in the meatloaf.

Q6: What side dishes go best with these meatloaves?

A6: Some great side dish ideas include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even garlic bread to soak up the savory flavors.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mix?

A7: Yes! Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or onions would add great flavor and moisture to the meatloaf. Just make sure to cook the veggies beforehand to release any extra moisture.

Q8: Can I make this in a loaf pan instead of individually?

A8: Absolutely! You can bake it in a loaf pan, just make sure to adjust the baking time. It will likely take a little longer—about 40-50 minutes.

Q9: How long will leftovers last?

A9: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

Q10: Can I make these meatloaves ahead of time?

A10: Yes, you can! Prepare and shape the meatloaves, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for later use. Just bake when you’re ready!

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are sure to impress with their tender texture, savory flavor, and golden crust. Perfect for any occasion, they make a cozy meal for your family or a standout dish at a dinner party.

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