Save A tender, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, packed with garlic and Parmesan for a cozy, comforting dinner everyone will love.
This meatloaf quickly became a family favorite after I tried it with fresh garlic and Parmesan a few times; it always impresses guests!
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: 2 pounds (900 g) ground chicken (substitute with ground turkey or lean pork if desired)
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (90 g) shredded Parmesan cheese (or Romano cheese)
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- Eggs: 2 large eggs
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Additional Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (25 g) for sprinkling
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan.
- Mix ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined do not overmix.
- Shape loaf:
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in the greased loaf pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and the loaf is set.
- Prepare glaze:
- While the meatloaf bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add an extra clove of minced garlic if desired and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the additional Parmesan and half of the chopped parsley cook until slightly thickened.
- Glaze meatloaf:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Brush the top with the garlic-Parmesan glaze. Return to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Slice garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve warm.
Save Our family gathers around the table every Sunday to enjoy this meatloaf together; it’s become a cherished tradition filled with laughter and full plates.
Required Tools
Oven Mixing bowl Loaf pan or baking sheet Parchment paper (if baking sheet is used) Small saucepan Pastry brush Knife for slicing
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (Parmesan butter) Eggs Wheat (breadcrumbs) May contain Tree nuts or other allergens if using alternative cheeses or plant milks Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 350 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 20 g Protein 30 g per serving
Save This flavorful meatloaf pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ground chicken with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or lean pork can be used as alternatives, maintaining a similar texture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the loaf from drying out?
Mix ingredients gently without overworking and ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for juiciness.
- → What is the purpose of the garlic-Parmesan glaze?
The glaze adds a rich, savory topping that enhances flavor and creates a golden, slightly crispy crust.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the loaf moist and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad complement the flavors beautifully.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Substitute plant-based milk and omit or replace Parmesan with a vegan hard cheese alternative.