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Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf featured image showcasing a delicious and savory baked dish.

BEST Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe delivers a moist and flavorful experience, a culinary journey from dry, bland attempts to a savory, irresistible dish. The key is using panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, searing the meatloaf, and a simple marinara sauce to achieve the perfect balance of texture and taste.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Garlic mincer
  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Meat Thermometer
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Shape the chicken mixture into a loaf and carefully place it in the hot skillet.
  6. Sear the meatloaf on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  7. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and avoid overmixing the meatloaf. Searing the meatloaf before baking is crucial for developing flavor and locking in moisture. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For variations, consider adding diced vegetables like onions or bell peppers to the meatloaf mixture.