Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf offers a lighter take on the classic comfort food with tender ground chicken, rich Parmesan, and a flavorful garlic butter topping. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and lightly beaten eggs until combined.
- Step 2: Add the panko bread crumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
- Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour the sautéed garlic and oil into the mixing bowl with the other ingredients, then add the chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 5: Carefully add the ground chicken to the bowl. Mix everything together gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 7: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Step 8: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf.
- Step 9: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder to create the garlic butter topping.
- Step 10: Brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the meatloaf evenly.
- Step 11: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Step 12: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the loaf pan around the meatloaf to keep it moist during baking.
- Step 13: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 14: Check for doneness by ensuring the meatloaf’s juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
- Step 15: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Step 16: Slice the meatloaf into even portions and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, try mixing in a few tablespoons of finely grated zucchini or carrots into the meat mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred, keeping the same cooking time.
- Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This can help the flavors meld, but avoid refrigerating it too long to prevent the bread crumbs from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of panko bread crumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers work well as alternatives. Just ensure they’re fresh for the best texture.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful and moist twist on the classic meatloaf, combining ground chicken with fragrant garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. The meatloaf is topped with a garlic butter glaze and baked to perfection, offering a hearty yet light meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
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
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Garlic and Topping Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and lightly beaten eggs to create the base for the meatloaf mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, ensuring the mixture is not overworked for a tender meatloaf.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to release its flavor.
- Incorporate Garlic and Parsley: Pour the sautéed garlic and olive oil into the mixing bowl with the meat mixture. Add the chopped fresh parsley and mix gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Add Ground Chicken: Gently fold in the ground chicken with the other ingredients until everything is combined without overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking during baking.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, shaping it into an even loaf to ensure uniform cooking.
- Create Garlic Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder to make a flavorful glaze.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a rich, savory crust.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top of the meatloaf to add a cheesy browned finish.
- Add Chicken Broth to the Pan: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the loaf pan around the meatloaf to keep it moist while baking.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the meatloaf is done by verifying the internal temperature is at least 165°F (74°C) and that the juices run clear when pierced.
- Rest Meatloaf: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes to let the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice.
- Slice Meatloaf: Slice the rested meatloaf into even pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Using panko bread crumbs helps keep the meatloaf light and tender.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture, as this can result in a dense meatloaf.
- Resting the meatloaf after baking is important to retain moisture and improve texture.
- Chicken broth in the pan adds moisture during baking and prevents drying out.
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables like onions or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, Chicken Meatloaf Recipe, Healthy Meatloaf, Low Fat Meatloaf, Parmesan Chicken Loaf, Baked Meatloaf

