Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves! These adorable, flavor-packed mini meatloaves are the answer to quick weeknight dinners, meal prep cravings, and anyone who loves comfort food with a fresh spin. Juicy ground chicken mingles with nutty Parmesan, vibrant parsley, and plenty of aromatic garlic, all baked to golden perfection and topped (if you wish) with melty mozzarella. Whether you’re feeding the whole crew or just want delicious leftovers, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves promise a wow-worthy meal with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves is in how each simple ingredient layers in flavor and texture. Every component, from the Parmesan to the Italian seasoning, brings something essential to the table—making the end result truly irresistible.
- Ground chicken: Lean, tender, and the perfect blank canvas for all the savory flavors to shine.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch and keeps the mini loaves moist.
- Plain breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together, ensuring the meatloaves stay tender (use gluten-free if needed).
- Minced garlic: The star aroma, lending bold, savory notes in every bite.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the mixture unified and fluffy.
- Milk: A little splash softens the texture and adds moisture.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, herby color and flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers a blend of classic herbs for that comforting, familiar taste.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle for a golden, juicy finish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts into a gooey crown on top—totally optional, but highly recommended!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
Step 1: Heat Up the Oven and Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—the ideal temperature for juicy, evenly cooked meatloaves. Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal and cleanup. If you don’t have a muffin tin, a parchment-lined baking sheet works beautifully for shaping these into classic mini loaves.
Step 2: Mix Together the Meatloaf Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, milk, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to gently combine everything. The trick is to mix just until everything comes together—overmixing can make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves dense instead of tender.
Step 3: Shape and Portion
Divide the mixture evenly among 6 muffin cups, filling each one about three-quarters full. If you’re going the free-form route, shape the mixture into 6 mini loaves and place them on your lined baking sheet. Each mini meatloaf should be roughly the same size for even cooking. Drizzle the tops with a little olive oil to help them bake up golden and juicy.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the meatloaves reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they’re perfectly cooked—juicy inside and lightly golden on the outside. If you’re using mozzarella cheese for the topping, sprinkle it on in the last 3 minutes of baking so it gets wonderfully melty and bubbly.
Step 5: Let Them Rest, Then Serve!
Once the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are done baking, let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes them even easier to remove from the muffin tin or baking sheet. Serve warm and get ready for big smiles all around!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley gives these mini loaves a fresh, vibrant touch. For a little zing, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil. If you’re a cheese lover, an extra dusting of grated Parmesan just before serving makes them even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are deliciously versatile. Serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash—the flavors play so well together!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack the mini meatloaves on a platter with toothpicks for a party appetizer. Or, tuck them into slider buns with a dollop of marinara and fresh basil for the ultimate mini meatloaf sandwiches. You can even slice them up and serve over pasta for a cozy, Italian-inspired meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They make a fantastic grab-and-go lunch or quick protein addition to salads and grain bowls.
Freezing
These mini meatloaves are freezer-friendly. Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the meatloaves in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method helps retain their best texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will give you a similar result. Just make sure to use ground turkey with a little bit of fat for the juiciest meatloaves.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs to make this gluten-free?
You can swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or even rolled oats for a gluten-free version of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves.
How do I know when the meatloaves are done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The tops should look set and lightly golden.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Definitely! Try finely grated zucchini or carrot (squeeze out excess moisture first) for an extra boost of nutrition and color. Just don’t overload the mixture so the meatloaves hold together.
What’s the best way to meal prep with these mini meatloaves?
Make a double batch and portion them into containers with your favorite sides. They reheat beautifully and keep lunches exciting all week long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh twist on classic comfort food, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves will quickly become a favorite at your table. They’re easy, customizable, and packed with flavor—so go ahead, give them a try and share the love with every bite!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini meatloaves 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Made with lean ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic, these mini meatloaves are easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Baked to perfection and optionally topped with mozzarella, they offer a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s great for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, milk, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatloaves tender.
- Shape Meatloaves: Divide the mixture evenly into 6 portions. Place each portion into a muffin cup or shape them into 6 mini loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the tops of each meatloaf with olive oil to help them brown nicely during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Add Mozzarella (Optional): During the last 3 minutes of baking, sprinkle the tops of the meatloaves with shredded mozzarella cheese if you desire a cheesy topping.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaves rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- These mini meatloaves freeze well and are perfect for meal prep.
- Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to maintain a tender texture in the meatloaves.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
