When you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious meal, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves might just be the perfect choice. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a weeknight meal for yourself, these mini meatloaves are packed with flavor and require minimal effort. Plus, their individual serving sizes make them both adorable and convenient! Let’s dive into how you can whip up this savory dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
From the rich, cheesy flavor of Parmesan to the aromatic garlic, these chicken meatloaves are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these tasty morsels.
- Healthier Alternative: Using ground chicken instead of beef makes this a leaner option.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or substitute ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these flavorful meatloaves, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Ground chicken | 1 lb (450g) | Protein base for the meatloaf. |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | Adds richness and savory flavor. |
Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup | Binds the meat mixture together. |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Infuses aromatic depth. |
Egg | 1 | Helps bind ingredients together. |
Milk | 1/4 cup | Moistens the mixture for tenderness. |
Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tablespoon | Brightens the flavor profile. |
Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | Adds a classic Italian touch. |
Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Boosts savory depth. |
Salt | To taste | Enhances all the flavors. |
Pepper | To taste | Provides a mild kick. |
Marinara sauce (for topping) | 1/4 cup | Tangy topping for each meatloaf. |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1/4 cup | Melts into a gooey finish. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or mini loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, milk, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix everything until evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaves
Divide the mixture evenly into the muffin tin or mini loaf pan. Press each portion gently into shape, ensuring a smooth top for even cooking.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaves
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatloaves are golden and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Remove the meatloaves from the oven. Spoon a dollop of marinara sauce on top of each meatloaf, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the meatloaves from the tin, garnish with more fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves with your favorite sides for a complete meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the savory meatloaves beautifully.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans make for a nutritious addition.
- Garlic Bread: Keep the garlic theme going with a crusty loaf of garlic bread.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can balance the warmth of the meatloaves.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can make the meatloaves dense. Combine the ingredients just until everything is evenly distributed.
- Customize Your Seasonings: Add chili flakes for heat, or swap oregano for thyme or basil.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 |
Protein | 20g |
Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 10g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 400mg |
FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and provides a slightly different flavor profile.
2. Can I freeze these meatloaves?
Absolutely! Once cooked and cooled, wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
3. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour for a low-carb option.
4. How do I know if the meatloaves are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use unsweetened almond milk.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatloaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold flavors packed into a convenient, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, these mini meatloaves will quickly become a household favorite. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’re just a few steps away from enjoying this mouthwatering meal!
PrintFlavorful Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini meatloaves
Description
Indulge in these bite-sized Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves, a quick and flavorful twist on classic comfort food. Juicy ground chicken mixed with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs is baked to perfection, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or mini loaf pan.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, milk, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape Meatloaves: Divide the mixture evenly into the muffin tin or mini loaf pan, pressing gently to shape.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the meatloaves are golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Add Toppings: Remove from the oven, spoon marinara sauce on each meatloaf, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the pan, garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- These meatloaves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Customize the seasoning by adding chili flakes for a spicy kick or thyme for an earthy flavor.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American