This parmesan chicken meatloaf recipe is a scrumptious and cheesy twist on a classic dish. It's packed with flavors of onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley, with a gooey mozzarella cheese center that melts as it cooks. Topped with a savory marinara sauce and a crispy layer of panko bread crumbs, this dish is a hearty, satisfying, and elevated take on traditional meatloaf that is sure to impress.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your pantry. However, you may want to take note of the mozzarella cheese strings and marinara sauce. Mozzarella cheese strings can be found in the dairy section of most supermarkets, while the marinara sauce is located in the pasta aisle. If you can't find Italian seasoning, it's a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary which you can make at home.
Ingredients for Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic, it lends a rich flavor to the meatloaf.
Onion and garlic: They add a savory depth to the chicken mixture.
Chicken: The main component of the meatloaf. It's lean and takes on the flavors it's cooked with.
Bread crumbs and milk: They work together to keep the meatloaf moist and tender.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Mozzarella cheese strings: They melt beautifully inside the meatloaf, creating a gooey center.
Marinara sauce: It's spread on top for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
Panko bread crumbs: They're sprinkled on top for a delightful crunchy texture.
One reader, Almira Elliot says:
This parmesan chicken meatloaf recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the chicken turns out so moist and delicious. The addition of parmesan and mozzarella cheese takes it to the next level. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a unique twist on a classic dish.
Techniques Required for Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
How to cook onion and garlic: Cook onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened. Cool completely before adding to the meatloaf mixture.
How to form the meatloaf: Place ⅔ of the meat mixture in the loaf pan and form it into an 8x4-inch square. Make a small indent in the middle and add the mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining meat mixture and form a loaf, sealing the cheese inside.
How to make the bread crumb topping: Combine bread crumbs, butter, parmesan cheese, and parsley to create the bread crumb topping for the meatloaf.
How to top the meatloaf: After baking the meatloaf with marinara sauce, top it with mozzarella and bread crumb topping. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the center of the loaf reaches 165 degrees F.
How to slice the meatloaf: Allow the meatloaf to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
How To Make Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
A wonderful recipe that leaves you with juicy and tender chicken meatloaf every time! A wonderful meal to be had among family and friends!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- ⅓cuponiondiced finely
- 2garlic clovesminced
- 2lbchickenground
- ½cupbread crumbsseasoned
- ¼cupmilk
- 1egg
- ¼cupparmesan cheesegrated
- 2tbspfresh parsleychopped
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
- ¼tspsalt
- 3mozzarella cheese strings
For Topping:
- ½cupmarinara sauce
- 1cupMozzarella cheeseshredded
- 2tbsppanko bread crumbs
- 1tbspbuttermelted
- 1½tbspparmesan cheesegrated
- 1tbspfresh parsleychopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
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Cook onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened. Cool completely.
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Mix all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl just until combined.
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Place ⅔ of the mixture on the loaf pan and form into an 8×4-inch square. Make a small indent in the middle and add cheese. Top with remaining meat mixture and form a loaf sealing cheese in.
-
Top with marinara sauce and bake 45 minutes.
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Combine bread crumbs, butter, parmesan cheese and parsley.
Topping:
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Top meatloaf with mozzarella and bread crumb topping. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the center of the loaf reaches 165 degrees F.
-
Cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
- Calories: 671.30kcal
- Fat: 47.45g
- Saturated Fat: 19.26g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 18.42g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.39g
- Carbohydrates: 12.63g
- Fiber: 1.14g
- Sugar: 3.40g
- Protein: 46.68g
- Cholesterol: 203.54mg
- Sodium: 807.48mg
- Calcium: 498.45mg
- Potassium: 477.31mg
- Iron: 2.68mg
- Vitamin A: 240.73µg
- Vitamin C: 6.44mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Success
When forming the meatloaf, it's important to ensure that the mozzarella cheese strings are completely sealed within the chicken mixture. This will prevent the cheese from leaking out during the baking process, resulting in a moist and flavorful meatloaf with a gooey, cheesy center. Additionally, when adding the marinara sauce topping, spread it evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. This will create a delicious glaze as it bakes, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the onion and garlic mixture, as well as the meatloaf mixture, the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly and evenly chop the onion, garlic, and parsley for the meatloaf mixture.
Bake in muffin tins: Instead of shaping the meatloaf into a loaf, divide the mixture into muffin tins for individual servings. This reduces the cooking time and makes portioning easier.
Buy pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese instead of shredding them yourself.
Double the recipe: Make a double batch of the meatloaf and freeze one for later. This way, you'll have a ready-made meal on hand for a busy day.
Prep the topping in advance: Mix the bread crumbs, butter, parmesan cheese, and parsley for the topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to use.
Use a meat thermometer: Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to the right temperature, preventing overcooking and saving time.
Substitute Ingredients For Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor to parmesan, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will provide a lighter and crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs, adding a nice contrast to the meatloaf.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk will add a tangy flavor and tenderize the meatloaf, similar to milk, but with a slightly different taste profile.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild and slightly smoky flavor, which can complement the chicken meatloaf well as a substitute for mozzarella.
marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato sauce with Italian seasoning: Tomato sauce with Italian seasoning can provide a similar flavor profile to marinara sauce, adding a rich and savory element to the meatloaf.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter for sautéing the onions and garlic, providing a similar richness to the dish.
Presenting Your Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Elevate the meatloaf: Gently shape the meatloaf into a perfect rectangular shape, ensuring it is evenly packed and smooth on the surface.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the meatloaf to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Create a cheese pull: When slicing the meatloaf, allow the melted mozzarella cheese to ooze out, creating an enticing visual and sensory experience.
Drizzle marinara sauce artistically: Use a squeeze bottle to create elegant swirls of marinara sauce on the plate, adding a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Sprinkle with breadcrumb topping: Generously sprinkle the golden breadcrumb topping over the meatloaf, ensuring it is evenly distributed for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Arrange on a bed of greens: Present the meatloaf on a vibrant bed of arugula or spinach to add a contrasting color and a touch of freshness to the plate.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables: Accompany the meatloaf with a colorful array of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, to create a visually stunning and well-balanced dish.
Add a touch of elegance with edible flowers: Place a delicate edible flower, such as nasturtium or pansy, on the plate for a sophisticated and visually appealing finishing touch.
Essential Tools for Making Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Oven: Used for baking and roasting dishes.
- Baking pan: A shallow pan used for baking in the oven.
- Loaf pan: A deep, rectangular pan used for baking bread or meatloaf.
- Foil: Used for lining pans and wrapping food for cooking.
- Cooking spray: Used for greasing pans and preventing food from sticking.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients.
- Spatula: Used for flipping and turning food, and for scraping bowls and pans.
- Meat thermometer: Used for checking the internal temperature of meatloaf to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Knife: Used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Cheese grater: Used for grating parmesan cheese.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting.
- Pastry brush: Used for brushing marinara sauce onto the meatloaf.
- Food processor: Used for chopping and blending ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and maintain the texture of the meatloaf.
To store in the refrigerator, wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, unwrap the meatloaf and place it in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If the meatloaf is still frozen, it may take longer to reheat.
For best results, slice the meatloaf before reheating to ensure even heating throughout.
If you prefer a crispy top on your reheated meatloaf, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of reheating and broil until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Leftover meatloaf can also be sliced and used in sandwiches, salads, or as a topping for pasta or pizza.
How To Reheat Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover parmesan chicken meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Cover the meatloaf loosely with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil cover for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the top.
Slice the leftover meatloaf into individual portions. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter. Place the meatloaf slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Place the leftover parmesan chicken meatloaf in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, depending on the size of the portion. Check the temperature and microwave in additional 30-second intervals if needed, until the meatloaf is heated through.
For a crispy exterior, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover meatloaf slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the meatloaf is heated through and the outside is crispy. Keep an eye on the meatloaf to prevent burning.
Transform your leftover parmesan chicken meatloaf into a delicious sandwich. Slice the meatloaf and place it between two pieces of your favorite bread, along with some fresh lettuce, tomato, and your preferred condiments. Grill the sandwich in a panini press or on a skillet until the bread is toasted and the meatloaf is heated through.
Interesting Fact About Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
The parmesan chicken meatloaf recipe is a delicious twist on the classic meatloaf, using ground chicken and parmesan cheese to create a flavorful and moist dish.
Is Making Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf at Home Cost-Effective?
The parmesan chicken meatloaf recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of chicken and bread crumbs keeps the cost reasonable, while the addition of parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese adds a touch of indulgence. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8 out of 10, considering the balance of cost and flavor.
Is Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Healthy or Unhealthy?
This parmesan chicken meatloaf recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it incorporates lean protein from the chicken, which is a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. The addition of onion, garlic, and fresh parsley provides some beneficial nutrients and flavors. However, the recipe also includes significant amounts of cheese (parmesan and mozzarella), which can be high in saturated fat and sodium. The use of bread crumbs and the breadcrumb topping adds extra carbohydrates and calories to the dish. While the marinara sauce may offer some vitamins from tomatoes, it can also be a source of added sugars and sodium, depending on the brand used.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of cheese used in the meatloaf and topping, or opt for low-fat versions
- Replace half of the bread crumbs with ground oats or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients
- Use whole wheat bread crumbs instead of regular ones
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the meatloaf by adding finely chopped or grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach
- Make your own marinara sauce to control the amount of sugar and sodium, or choose a low-sodium, sugar-free variety
- Serve the meatloaf with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to balance out the meal and add more nutrients
Editor's Opinion on Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
This Parmesan chicken meatloaf recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of tender chicken, savory Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella creates a flavorful and comforting meal. The addition of Italian seasoning and fresh parsley adds a burst of aromatic freshness. The topping of marinara sauce and a crispy breadcrumb crust elevates the dish to a whole new level. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a sure crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this unique and delicious meatloaf as a standout centerpiece for any meal.
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Why trust this Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe:
This recipe uses chicken as the main protein, which is a lean and versatile option. The addition of parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese adds a rich and savory flavor. The use of fresh parsley and Italian seasoning enhances the aroma and taste. The incorporation of marinara sauce adds a classic Italian touch. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and comforting meatloaf that is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
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