Ah, meatloaf! It’s one of those classic comfort foods that everyone seems to love, and for good reason! It’s so versatile—whether you’re dressing it up for a fancy dinner or keeping it casual for a weeknight meal, it never disappoints. Now, let me tell you about my favorite twist: parmesan chicken meatloaf! The combination of juicy ground chicken and rich, nutty parmesan cheese takes this dish to a whole new level of flavor. I can still remember the first time I made it for my family; the smiles on their faces were priceless. Trust me, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (fresh or thawed for best results)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (preferably fresh for that rich flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style works great)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions (adds a nice sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 egg (to bind everything together)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness)
- 1 tsp salt (don’t skip this for flavor enhancement)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (for a mild kick)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (to give it that classic Italian flair)
How to Prepare Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Getting started on your parmesan chicken meatloaf is a breeze! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden-brown crust on the outside. While that’s heating up, grab a large bowl and combine all your ingredients—ground chicken, parmesan, breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix them thoroughly; I like to use my hands for this part! It’s messy but so satisfying.
Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Once everything’s combined, it’s time to transfer the mixture into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf, making sure it’s packed nicely but not overly dense. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the top is beautifully browned. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Rest and Slice
After baking, resist the urge to slice right away! Let your meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it hold its shape and keeps it juicy. When you’re ready to serve, slice it gently with a sharp knife for the best results. Enjoy every bite of this delicious twist on a classic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just over an hour!
- Flavorful ingredients come together beautifully for a delicious meal.
- A healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf, using lean ground chicken.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Tips for Success
To make sure your parmesan chicken meatloaf turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that have worked wonders for me! First, always use fresh ingredients—fresh parsley and real parmesan cheese make a huge difference in flavor. Second, don’t skimp on seasoning; a little extra salt and pepper can elevate the taste dramatically. Also, be sure to mix everything thoroughly but gently; you want it combined without overworking the chicken. Finally, invest in a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is your magic number. This will guarantee a juicy, flavorful meatloaf every time!
Variations
The beauty of parmesan chicken meatloaf is how easily it can be customized! Want to sneak in some veggies? Try adding finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for extra nutrition and color. If you’re a cheese lover like me, experiment with different cheeses—mozzarella or feta can add a delightful twist. Feeling adventurous? Spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. You could even swap out the Italian seasoning for a blend of taco spices for a fun, zesty twist! The possibilities are endless—get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your parmesan chicken meatloaf is super simple! Just wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave; just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out. Enjoy it just as deliciously as the first time!
Nutritional Information
This parmesan chicken meatloaf is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome nutrition! Each slice contains approximately 300 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the provided data, so enjoy with confidence!
FAQ Section
Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still give you a delicious meatloaf. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.
What can I serve with parmesan chicken meatloaf? It pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or even some creamy mashed potatoes for that comfort food vibe.
How do I store leftovers? Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the meatloaf? Yes! Just wrap it well and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat it? Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or use the microwave, covered to keep it moist.
For more delicious recipes, check out this tomato soup recipe or this chicken and broccoli salad.
Z nadrukami
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Całkowity Czas: 65 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A savory meatloaf made with ground chicken and parmesan cheese.
Składniki
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instrukcje
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parmesan, breadcrumbs, onions, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to a loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Uwagi
- Serve with marinara sauce for extra flavor.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated.
- Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 50 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 300
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: parmesan chicken meatloaf