BEST Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
This Best Chicken Meatloaf recipe offers a deliciously moist and flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf by using ground chicken. With a savory blend of Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze, this dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 53 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Glaze
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 pounds ground chicken
Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup ketchup and 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth glaze and set aside.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Add 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely diced onion, 1/4 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Add Ground Chicken: Add 2 pounds of ground chicken to the bowl. Break it up into pieces and use your hands to gently but thoroughly incorporate the meat into the mixture, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape into a loaf form. Press firmly to ensure the meat holds together during cooking and ensure an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Apply Glaze: Spoon the prepared glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf for a deliciously caramelized finish.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Then switch your oven to broil and broil the meatloaf for about 3 minutes to caramelize the glaze. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Slice into 1” to 1 1/4” thick pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- To prevent a dry meatloaf, avoid overmixing the ground chicken mixture.
- Make sure the meatloaf is pressed tightly and evenly shaped for consistent cooking.
- Using an instant-read thermometer ensures perfectly cooked meatloaf, avoiding under or overcooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Ground chicken breast is preferred for leaner meatloaf; ground thigh can be used for more moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8th of loaf)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, easy dinner, Italian meatloaf, ground chicken recipe