Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 0.5 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 0.33 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 0.25 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.5 cup marinara sauce (for topping); 1 tbsp additional Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

If you’re looking for a tasty, easy dinner idea, then you’ve found it! Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are juicy, packed with flavor, and perfect for the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a comforting meal on your table in no time. Get ready to impress everyone with these flavorful loaves that are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

– 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

– 1/4 cup milk

– 1 large egg

– 1 tsp onion powder

– 1 tsp dried oregano

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1/4 tsp black pepper

– 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping)

– Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Tips for Choosing Fresh Ingredients

When you pick your ingredients, freshness matters. Look for ground chicken that feels moist but not sticky. Check the breadcrumbs; they should be dry and crumbly. Grab a block of Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better flavor. The garlic should smell strong and fresh. Fresh parsley should look bright and green, with no yellow leaves. Using fresh ingredients helps your meatloaves taste their best.

Suggested Utensils and Equipment

You will need a large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup easy. Use a spatula for mixing, but your hands can work wonders too. A meat thermometer helps check if the meatloaves are done. For serving, have a platter ready to show off your delicious creations.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the right temperature for cooking the meatloaves evenly. Then, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. You can also use cooking spray to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the meatloaves from sticking.

Combining Ingredients for the Meatloaf

In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

– 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

– 1/4 cup milk

– 1 large egg

– 1 tsp onion powder

– 1 tsp dried oregano

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1/4 tsp black pepper

Use your hands or a spatula to blend everything together. Make sure not to overmix. This will help keep your meatloaf tender and juicy.

Shaping and Arranging the Loaves

Next, divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a small loaf, about 1.5 inches thick. Place the loaves on the baking sheet. Leave some space between each loaf. This ensures they cook evenly and brown nicely.

Topping with Marinara Sauce and Baking

Now, take about a tablespoon of marinara sauce and spoon it on top of each meatloaf. Spread it gently to cover the surface. This adds flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist. Then, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You will know they are done when they reach 165°F (74°C) inside and are golden brown on top.

Checking for Doneness and Garnishing

After baking, remove the meatloaves from the oven. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. If you want, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor before serving. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves!

Tips & Tricks

How to Keep Meatloaf Moist and Flavorful

To keep your meatloaf moist, use ground chicken that contains some fat. The fat adds flavor and moisture. Mixing in milk helps, too. Do not overmix your meatloaf. This keeps it tender. When shaping your loaves, make them thick but not too tight. This allows them to cook evenly and stay juicy.

Recommended Cooking Times and Temperatures

Bake your meatloaves at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If you want a crispy top, broil them for a few minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Enhancements for Extra Flavor: Herbs and Spices

Adding fresh herbs can lift the taste of your meatloaves. Try basil or thyme for a fresh twist. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers or onions for added crunch. Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes for heat. For more depth, a bit of smoked paprika works wonders. These enhancements make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves even more special.

$- 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping) - Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional) When you pick your ingredients, freshness matters. Look for ground chicken that feels moist but not sticky. Check the breadcrumbs; they should be dry and crumbly. Grab a block of Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better flavor. The garlic should smell strong and fresh. Fresh parsley should look bright and green, with no yellow leaves. Using fresh ingredients helps your meatloaves taste their best. You will need a large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup easy. Use a spatula for mixing, but your hands can work wonders too. A meat thermometer helps check if the meatloaves are done. For serving, have a platter ready to show off your delicious creations. First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the right temperature for cooking the meatloaves evenly. Then, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. You can also use cooking spray to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the meatloaves from sticking. In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs - 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper Use your hands or a spatula to blend everything together. Make sure not to overmix. This will help keep your meatloaf tender and juicy. Next, divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a small loaf, about 1.5 inches thick. Place the loaves on the baking sheet. Leave some space between each loaf. This ensures they cook evenly and brown nicely. Now, take about a tablespoon of marinara sauce and spoon it on top of each meatloaf. Spread it gently to cover the surface. This adds flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist. Then, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You will know they are done when they reach 165°F (74°C) inside and are golden brown on top. After baking, remove the meatloaves from the oven. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. If you want, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor before serving. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves!To keep your meatloaf moist, use ground chicken that contains some fat. The fat adds flavor and moisture. Mixing in milk helps, too. Do not overmix your meatloaf. This keeps it tender. When shaping your loaves, make them thick but not too tight. This allows them to cook evenly and stay juicy. Bake your meatloaves at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If you want a crispy top, broil them for a few minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning. Adding fresh herbs can lift the taste of your meatloaves. Try basil or thyme for a fresh twist. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers or onions for added crunch. Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes for heat. For more depth, a bit of smoked paprika works wonders. These enhancements make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves even more special. {{image_4}} You can easily make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves healthier. Start by using ground turkey instead of chicken. Turkey is leaner and cuts fat. For gluten-free options, swap the Italian-style breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. This makes it safe for those with gluten issues. You can also use oats instead of breadcrumbs for a healthy twist. They add fiber and help bind the meatloaf well. To change up the taste, add different types of cheese. Try mozzarella for a gooey center or feta for a tangy kick. You can also mix in veggies like spinach or bell peppers. Finely chop them and add to the meat mixture. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. Experimenting with spices can also bring new life to the dish. Consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or crushed red pepper for heat. I love making mini meatloaf bites for quick snacks or parties. Simply shape the meat mixture into small balls, about one inch in size. Place them on a baking sheet and bake until they are golden brown. These bites cook faster and are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. They are fun to eat and easy to serve at gatherings. Plus, kids love them!To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the meatloaves in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They can last up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaves on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until they are warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat each meatloaf for 1-2 minutes. For freezing, wrap each meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your flavorful meal even later! To boost flavor, add more garlic or fresh herbs. Try basil or thyme for a twist. You can also mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives. These add depth and a fun taste. Don$