This creamy garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf is a tasty twist on a classic dish. With juicy chicken and a rich blend of garlic and parmesan, it’s super comforting!
You’ll love how easily this comes together! I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or a simple salad. It’s a great family meal that everyone enjoys, and it smells amazing while baking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the meatloaf! You can use ground turkey or lean ground beef if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for its light and crispy texture. If you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs work too, but the texture might be slightly denser.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a great flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy taste without the dairy!
Heavy Cream: It gives the sauce richness. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream is a good substitution.
What’s the Best Way to Get Flavor from Garlic?
Garlic infuses wonderful flavor into the meatloaf and the sauce. To make it really pop, you sauté the garlic and onions first. This not only softens their texture but also brings out their sweetness.
- Heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic and onion over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Keep an eye on them to avoid burning to achieve a lovely golden color.
Trust me, this step is worth it for that extra depth of flavor in your meatloaf!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meatloaf:
- 1.5 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf requires about 15 minutes of preparation, followed by 45-50 minutes of baking time. You’ll have a total of around 1 hour of cook time, plus a few minutes for resting and slicing before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You can either lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things easy for cleanup later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove your pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the sautéed garlic and onion mixture. Also, include the milk, eggs, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense meatloaf!
4. Shape and Bake:
Now, shape your mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatloaf is nicely browned.
5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
While your meatloaf is baking, let’s make the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly (this should take about 3-5 minutes). Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve each slice drizzled with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy this creamy and flavorful chicken meatloaf with your favorite side dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar texture. If you prefer beef, lean ground beef works well too, but the flavor profile will be different.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! Regular breadcrumbs are a suitable substitute, although they may yield a denser texture. If you have crushed crackers on hand, those can work as an alternative too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the microwave or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled from the fridge.
