Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

This Italian-inspired meatloaf perfectly combines the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan into a tender, juicy loaf, complete with a hidden mozzarella center and a crispy topping. It’s a complete meal featuring rich savory meat, melting cheese, and a zesty marinara sauce, making it an instant family favorite.

Using ground chicken creates a lighter texture than traditional beef, and the two-stage baking process ensures the top is beautifully crisp and golden while the inside remains moist and flavorful.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients for Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Chef’s Notes & Tips
• Pairing Suggestions
• Storage & Reheating Tips
• FAQs

Ingredients for Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Using fresh, grated Parmesan yields the best flavor and texture in the meatloaf mixture. This recipe serves 6 people:

• For the Meatloaf
  • 900 g ground chicken (or turkey/lean beef)
  • 80 g onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 60 g seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp milk
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into 1 cm slices
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing onion/garlic)
• For the Topping
  • 120 ml marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
  • 20 g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 120 g mozzarella cheese, shredded

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Aromatics

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened (about 5 mins). Let cool completely.

Step 2: Mix Meatloaf

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion mixture, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently just until all ingredients are combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Shape and Fill

Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Pat two-thirds of the chicken mixture into a rectangle ($20 \text{cm} \times 10 \text{cm}$). Arrange the mozzarella string slices down the center, then top with the remaining chicken mixture. Shape it into a loaf, ensuring the cheese is completely sealed inside.

Step 4: First Bake

Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5: Add Topping

While the meatloaf bakes, mix the panko breadcrumbs, 20g Parmesan, melted butter, and parsley for the topping. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf, top with the shredded mozzarella, and sprinkle the panko mixture over the cheese.

Step 6: Second Bake

Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the topping is golden and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for a clean slice and to keep the melted cheese inside.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• Meatloaf Tip: The secret to a tender meatloaf is not to overmix the ingredients; stop mixing as soon as the wet and dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe 74°C (165°F) before removing the meatloaf from the oven.
• Breadcrumbs: Use Panko in the topping for a crunchier texture, as Panko absorbs less moisture than regular breadcrumbs.

Pairing Suggestions

This Italian-inspired meatloaf pairs beautifully with comforting starches and fresh, complementary vegetables.

• Potatoes: Garlic mashed potatoes (or roasted garlic mashed potatoes) are an excellent choice, as are simple roasted potatoes.
• Pasta: A side of plain buttered pasta or spaghetti tossed with extra marinara sauce is a classic pairing.
• Vegetables: Since the oven is already on, consider tossing fresh vegetables with olive oil and Italian seasoning and roasting them alongside the meatloaf (e.g., roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans).
• Salad/Bread: A crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness, and garlic bread is always a welcome addition.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the entire baked and cooled meatloaf. Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave briefly.

FAQs

Why is resting the meatloaf important?

Resting allows the juices inside the meatloaf to redistribute. If you slice it immediately, the juices (and the melted mozzarella) will run out, resulting in a drier loaf and a messy slice.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground chicken and requires no change in the recipe.

What can I use instead of marinara sauce for the top?

You could use a simple ketchup glaze, but marinara complements the Parmesan Chicken theme best.

Erin Clark

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is an Italian-inspired, tender, and juicy meatloaf that captures the flavors of Chicken Parmesan. It features ground chicken, a hidden center of melted mozzarella cheese, and a crispy, cheesy panko topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Rest 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 900 g ground chicken (or turkey/lean beef)
• 80 g onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 60 g seasoned breadcrumbs
• 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated (for meatloaf)
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp milk
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for meatloaf)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into 1 cm slices
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing onion/garlic)
• 120 ml marinara sauce (for topping)
• 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 20 g Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
• 1 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for topping)
• 120 g mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)

Equipment

• Large bowl for mixing meatloaf
• Large baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed
• pan or skillet for sautéing aromatics

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to $200^{circ}text{C}$ ($400^{circ}text{F}$). Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened (about 5 mins). Let cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion mixture, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently just until all ingredients are combined. Do not overmix.
3. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Pat two-thirds of the chicken mixture into a rectangle ($20text{ cm} times 10text{ cm}$). Arrange the mozzarella string slices down the center, then top with the remaining chicken mixture. Shape it into a loaf, ensuring the cheese is completely sealed inside.
4. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes.
5. While the meatloaf bakes, mix the panko breadcrumbs, $20text{g}$ Parmesan, melted butter, and parsley for the topping. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf, top with the shredded mozzarella, and sprinkle the panko mixture over the cheese.
6. Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the topping is golden and the internal temperature reaches $74^{circ}text{C}$ ($165^{circ}text{F}$).
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for a clean slice and to keep the melted cheese inside.

Notes

Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing is crucial to ensure clean slices and to keep the melted cheese sealed inside. To avoid dry meatloaf, mix the ingredients gently and only until just combined—do not overmix. This loaf can be served with mashed or roasted potatoes, buttered pasta, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

Conclusion

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf offers all the flavor of the classic Italian casserole with the ease of a simple loaf. It’s a satisfying, comforting dish perfect for family dinner. Would you like the full recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a recipe for a quick Roasted Vegetable side dish?