Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Welcome to the world of comfort food! Today, we’re diving into a timeless classic with a delicious twist: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. This recipe combines the lean and flavorful essence of ground chicken with the rich tastes of garlic and Parmesan cheese, creating an irresistible dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Expect a moist, flavorful meatloaf that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. Firstly, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf, making it a great option for those looking to cut back on red meat. The combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese adds a layer of savory richness that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also easy to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight dinner recipe that you can whip up in no time.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Directions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and lightly beaten eggs.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the panko bread crumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Incorporate Garlic and Parsley: Pour the sautéed garlic and oil into the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Add the chopped fresh parsley.
- Add Ground Chicken: Gently mix in the ground chicken until everything is just combined.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf.
- Create Garlic Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter and garlic powder.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add Chicken Broth to the Pan: Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the loaf pan around the meatloaf.
- Bake Meatloaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Check for Doneness: Ensure it’s done by checking that juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- Rest Meatloaf: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice Meatloaf: Carefully slice into even pieces.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf while it’s warm!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
This scrumptious meatloaf can be served in numerous ways. Pair it with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. Alternatively, consider making a meatloaf sandwich with thick slices of bread and your choice of toppings like lettuce, tomato, or avocado.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix: When mixing the ingredients, be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher meatloaf.
- Use lean ground chicken: For a healthier option, lean ground chicken is best, but feel free to experiment with ground turkey as well.
- Customize spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to give it your unique flavor.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Consider adding finely chopped veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or onions into the mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a different taste.
- Gluten-free: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute panko bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with lean ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
2. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and when the juices run clear after being punctured with a fork.
3. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance, shape it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Now that you have this delightful recipe in your hands, it’s time to savor the taste of homemade Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. Happy cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 lbs ground chicken Use lean ground chicken for a healthier option.
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs For better texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus more for topping.
- ¼ cup milk To help bind the ingredients.
- 2 large eggs Lightly beaten.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley For freshness.
- ¼ cup chicken broth Added moisture.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted For garlic butter topping.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and lightly beaten eggs.
- Add the panko bread crumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Pour the sautéed garlic and oil into the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Add the chopped fresh parsley.
- Gently mix in the ground chicken until everything is just combined.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter and garlic powder.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the loaf pan around the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Ensure it’s done by checking that juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Carefully slice into even pieces.
- Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf while it’s warm!
