GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN MEATLOAVES EASY

I’ll never forget the first time I tried meatloaf; a family friend, bless her heart, served up a rather dry and uninspired version that nearly turned me off the dish forever, but I knew there was more to it than that–and I’m so glad I persevered because today we’re making something truly spectacular: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. Forget everything you think you know about meatloaf, because these are packed with flavor, incredibly moist, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience meatloaf magic!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Okay, let’s be real, meatloaf sometimes gets a bad rap. People think of it as boring or bland, but that’s just because they haven’t tried this recipe. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a game-changer. Here’s why:

• Flavor Explosion: Garlic and parmesan are a match made in heaven, and they infuse every bite of these meatloaves with savory, cheesy goodness.
• Moist and Tender: No dry meatloaf here! We’ll use a few tricks to keep these meatloaves incredibly moist and delicious.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these meatloaves. The subtle garlic flavor and cheesy topping are irresistible.
• Versatile: You can serve these meatloaves with just about any side dish, making them a super versatile meal option.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples.

For the Meatloaves:

• Ground Chicken: This is the star of the show! Opt for lean ground chicken to keep things healthy, but don’t go too lean, or your meatloaves might dry out. About 93% lean is perfect.
• Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko breadcrumbs for their light and airy texture, but regular breadcrumbs will work too.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is a must! It adds so much flavor and melts beautifully. Avoid the pre-grated stuff if you can.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, minced, is essential for that signature garlic parmesan flavor. Don’t skimp on it!
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaves together.
• Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps to create a tender texture.
• Italian Seasoning: This adds a touch of herbaceousness and complements the garlic and parmesan perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste! Don’t be afraid to season generously.
• Optional: A little bit of finely chopped onion or parsley can add extra flavor and texture.

For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:

• Mayonnaise: This might sound a little strange, but trust me, it creates a creamy and flavorful topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: More parmesan! We want that cheesy goodness on top as well.
• Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder enhances the garlic flavor of the topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! Here’s how to make these amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the meatloaves from sticking.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaves tough.
3. Shape the Meatloaves: Divide the mixture into individual meatloaves, about ½ cup each. Shape them into oval or round shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix well.
5. Top the Meatloaves: Spread the garlic parmesan topping evenly over each meatloaf.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatloaves are cooked through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest: Let the meatloaves rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful meatloaf.

Tips and Tricks for Meatloaf Perfection

Want to make sure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks.

• Don’t Overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing the meatloaf mixture will result in a tough meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your meatloaves are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatloaf and check the temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Add Moisture: If you’re worried about your meatloaves being dry, you can add a little extra milk or even some grated zucchini to the mixture.
• Get Creative with Toppings: While the garlic parmesan topping is amazing, feel free to experiment with other toppings! A simple tomato sauce glaze or a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese would also be delicious.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to bake them when you’re ready to eat.
• Freezing: These meatloaves freeze beautifully! Bake them according to the recipe, let them cool completely, and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in a preheated oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with the right side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the savory meatloaves.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious side dish.
• Green Beans: Simple steamed or sautéed green beans are a quick and easy option.
• Salad: A fresh green salad adds a touch of lightness to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic!
• Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the meatloaves with Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Ultimate Recipe.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own

Want to put your own spin on these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves? Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:

• Use Ground Turkey: If you prefer turkey, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground chicken.
• Add Cheese to the Mixture: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese to the meatloaf mixture for extra cheesy flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture for a little heat.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
• Make Mini Meatloaves: Shape the mixture into smaller meatloaves for a fun and kid-friendly option. These will also cook faster.
• Try a Different Topping: Instead of the garlic parmesan topping, try a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Troubleshooting: Common Meatloaf Problems and Solutions

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are some common meatloaf problems and how to fix them:

• Dry Meatloaf: If your meatloaf is dry, it could be because you overcooked it, used too lean of ground meat, or didn’t add enough moisture. Next time, use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook it, choose a ground meat with a little more fat, and add a little extra milk or grated zucchini to the mixture.
• Tough Meatloaf: A tough meatloaf is usually the result of overmixing the ingredients. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined.
• Meatloaf Falls Apart: If your meatloaf falls apart, it could be because you didn’t use enough binder (egg or breadcrumbs) or because you didn’t let it rest long enough before slicing. Make sure to use the correct amount of binder and let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
• Bland Meatloaf: A bland meatloaf is simply under-seasoned. Don’t be afraid to season generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. You can also add extra garlic or herbs for more flavor.
• Unevenly Cooked Meatloaf: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate. Consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through baking.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’re always looking for new and exciting ways to prepare it. Here are a few more of my favorite chicken recipes that I think you’ll enjoy:

• Chicken Casserole Recipe: A comforting and easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
• Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken: A tangy and flavorful chicken recipe that’s surprisingly delicious.
• Oven-baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken: A healthier alternative to fried chicken that’s just as crispy and flavorful.
• Crispy Parmesan Chicken: Another fantastic crispy chicken recipe that’s always a winner.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe

Here is the recipe, all in one place for easy reference.

Yields: 6 meatloaves

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaves:

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into meatloaves. Place on prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix well.
5. Spread topping evenly over each meatloaf.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until meatloaves are cooked through and topping is golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it! Delicious, moist, and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves that are sure to impress. This recipe is a testament to how even a classic dish can be elevated with simple, yet impactful ingredients, and I know you’ll enjoy making and eating them as much as I do!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with savory garlic and cheesy parmesan, they’re a guaranteed family favorite and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs ground chicken
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Equipment

• Large bowl
• small bowl
• baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoons
• Oven
• Meat Thermometer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into meatloaves. Place on prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix well.
5. Spread topping evenly over each meatloaf.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until meatloaves are cooked through and topping is golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture to avoid a tough meatloaf. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaves are cooked through. For added moisture, add a little extra milk or grated zucchini to the mixture. Meatloaf mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Baked meatloaves freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.