If you love a good meatloaf but want to switch things up, this Cheesy Garlic Chicken Meatloaf is about to become your new favorite dinner! It’s packed with bold garlic flavor, plenty of Parmesan, and melty mozzarella for the ultimate juicy, cheesy bite. Plus, since it’s made with ground chicken, it’s a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatloaf—without sacrificing any of that delicious comfort food goodness.
Now, here’s something interesting—meatloaf has been around for centuries! While we know it today as a classic American dish, its roots trace back to ancient Rome, where a similar dish was made using minced meat, bread, and spices. Over time, meatloaf evolved into the hearty, homestyle favorite we all love today.
Not only is this version incredibly flavorful, but it’s also super easy to make. Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let it bake to perfection. The result? A tender, juicy meatloaf with a cheesy, garlicky crust that’s absolutely irresistible. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Recipe Yield: 4-5 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup marinara sauce
FOR TOPPING:
1/4 cup marinara sauce
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.
3. Add mozzarella for extra juiciness: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella to keep the meatloaf tender and cheesy throughout.
4. Shape and bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it into an even loaf. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Add marinara and cheese: Remove from the oven and spread 1/4 cup marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella and 1 tbsp grated Parmesan.
6. Finish baking: Return to the oven and bake for 15-20 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Use whole milk and cheese for moisture: Since chicken is lean, the milk, mozzarella, and Parmesan help keep it juicy and prevent a dry meatloaf.
- Fresh garlic = bold flavor: Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference compared to garlic powder—don’t skip it!
- Let it rest before slicing: Resting for at least 5 minutes locks in juices, preventing the meatloaf from crumbling.
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