Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe

If you’re searching for something hearty, flavorful, and just a little different for your dinner routine, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves deliver in every way. Imagine tender mini loaves packed with juicy ground chicken, nutty parmesan, and aromatic garlic, all baked to perfection with a golden-cheesy crown. This dish is pure weeknight comfort, easy enough for a busy evening but elegant enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a must-try twist on a classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves is that every ingredient plays a starring role, contributing to the savory depth, moist texture, and irresistible color of the finished dish. Gather these essentials for a meatloaf experience that’s anything but ordinary!

• Ground chicken (450 grams): The lean and juicy base that makes these loaves feel light but still filling.
• Parmesan cheese, grated (60 grams): Adds a rich, salty, and savory lift to every bite.
• Breadcrumbs (60 grams): Ensures the mini loaves are tender and hold their shape—panko or fine Italian both work.
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (15 grams): Brightens the mixture and adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Garlic cloves, minced (3): No skimping here; plenty of garlic means tons of aromatic flavor.
• Large egg, beaten (1): Helps everything bind together nicely without being dense.
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle herby depth and hints of the Mediterranean.
• Fine sea salt (0.5 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and ensures balance.
• Freshly ground black pepper (0.25 teaspoon): Just the right bit of warmth and kick.
• Whole milk (60 millilitres): Adds moisture, keeping the meatloaves succulent with every bite.
• Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Drizzled on top for golden color and rich flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese, grated (25 grams, optional): Perfect for that irresistible melty, gooey topping.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Before you get your hands dirty, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for super easy cleanup later and ensures your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves don’t stick.

Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix, making sure the ingredients are distributed evenly but avoiding overmixing—this keeps the loaves nice and tender.

Step 3: Add Milk for Moisture

Pour the milk into your bowl and gently fold it through the meat mixture. You’ll notice the texture becomes lighter and more cohesive, making it much easier to shape your loaves later on.

Step 4: Shape and Place Your Mini Loaves

Divide your glorious mixture evenly into four portions. With damp hands, shape each into a compact mini loaf and arrange them on your lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each so they bake up beautifully golden on all sides.

Step 5: Drizzle and Top

Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over each loaf to help them crisp and brown in the oven. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle a pinch of mozzarella on top of each loaf for a melty, golden finish that takes these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the hot oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know the loaves are ready when they’re lightly golden and a thermometer inserted into the center reads 74°C. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving—trust me, the flavor and texture will be spot on.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Garnishes

A shower of chopped fresh parsley or a light grating of extra parmesan on top just before serving really makes these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves feel special. If you love a dash of color, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or lemon zest for a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These mini meatloaves love good company! Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for balance. Garlic bread or buttery polenta are delicious partners, especially if you want to soak up every bit of that savory goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves into sliders by slicing them and tucking into soft rolls with a smear of marinara. Or, pack leftovers in wraps with some crunchy greens for a next-day lunch that totally wows. They make fabulous appetizers, too—just cut into smaller pieces and skewer with a toothpick.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), let the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh and full of flavor for up to three days—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

These mini loaves freeze beautifully! After cooling, wrap each individually in plastic wrap or foil, then pop into a freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves back to their delicious best, reheat them in the oven at 170°C (340°F) for 10–12 minutes, or until hot through. You can microwave them in a pinch, but the oven really helps restore that crispy edge and fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for chicken in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. The flavor profile will stay very similar, and the texture will still be wonderfully tender.

What’s the best way to keep these meatloaves moist?

The combination of milk, egg, and breadcrumbs ensures the loaves stay juicy. Be careful not to overbake—checking the internal temperature is key for succulence.

Do I have to use fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley adds the brightest flavor, but if you only have dried, use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. It’ll still taste fantastic!

Can Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves be made gluten-free?

Definitely—just swap the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so the change is easy.

Is the mozzarella topping essential?

While the mozzarella adds that extra melting goodness and visual appeal, the meatloaves are just as tasty without it. Customize to your liking—this recipe is wonderfully forgiving!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting meal with plenty of cheesy, garlicky goodness, you owe it to yourself to try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. They’re easy, delicious, and sure to become a firm favorite at your table—so gather those ingredients and get cooking!

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