Description
Garlic parmesan chicken meatloaves deliver comfort and elegance in one delightful dish. Packed with rich flavor and simple ingredients, this recipe promises a memorable meal that satisfies your craving for home-style cooking while impressing dinner companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- ⅓ cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- ¼ cup (25 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by warming it to 375F (190C) and lining a baking sheet or greasing a muffin tin to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and milk, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Carefully portion the meat mixture into 4-6 uniform mini meatloaves, shaping them with gentle hands to create consistent sizes that will cook evenly.
- Arrange the formed meatloaves on the prepared baking surface, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote proper heat circulation.
- Place the meatloaves in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and develop a light golden exterior.
- After the initial baking period, remove the meatloaves and generously top each one with shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a melty and appetizing layer.
- Return the cheese-topped meatloaves to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
- Once fully cooked, garnish the meatloaves with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately alongside complementary sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp garden salad.
Notes
- Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier meatloaf with less fat and fewer calories, ensuring a lighter meal without compromising flavor.
- Avoid overworking the meat mixture to maintain a tender, juicy texture; mix ingredients gently and just until combined to prevent tough meatloaves.
- Customize the recipe by swapping herbs or adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra moisture and nutrition, making it more versatile for different dietary needs.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing fully cooked chicken while preventing dryness and ensuring food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg