Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 450 grams ground chicken; 60 grams grated Parmesan cheese; 60 grams breadcrumbs; 15 grams fresh parsley, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt; 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 60 millilitres whole milk; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 25 grams grated mozzarella cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you dream about juicy, cheesy, and utterly comforting mini loaves that take no fuss and deliver big family smiles, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are going to become your new go-to. Think: the savory aroma of garlic and herbs mingling with rich Parmesan, tender ground chicken, and the perfect breadcrumb-and-milk blend for ultimate moistness. These personal-sized loaves bake up golden, slice beautifully, and are as perfect for cozy weeknights as they are for making an ordinary meal feel truly special.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling off Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves only takes a handful of kitchen staples, each one doing a little happy dance in the bowl. Every ingredient adds something essential—think flavor, texture, or that magical color on top—so you get loads of taste with hardly any effort.

Ground chicken: Tender and mild, it absorbs all the delicious flavors while keeping the mini loaves lean and juicy.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds big, nutty flavor and a golden crust—freshly grated is best if you have it!
Breadcrumbs: Soak up excess moisture and keep every bite delightfully soft, never dense or dry.
Fresh parsley: Gives a bright color pop and fresh herbiness to balance the richness.
Garlic cloves: The namesake—use fresh and finely minced for that irresistible, savory hit.
Large egg: Works as the glue, making sure your loaves stay together without being heavy.
Dried oregano: Dials up that cozy Italian flavor; you’ll notice it in every bite.
Fine sea salt: Ensures all the flavors shine—season boldly for the best result.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little background warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Whole milk: Key to that super-tender texture; don’t skip it unless you have to.
Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzled on top, it crisps and glistens the loaves as they bake.
Grated mozzarella cheese (optional): For melty, gooey tops that kids and cheese-lovers will swoon over—you can never go wrong with a little extra cheese!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Start by firing up your oven to 190°C (375°F). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This step is quick but sets the stage for those golden, easy-to-lift loaves later.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl (the kind perfect for getting your hands in there) and add the ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whether you use clean hands or a sturdy spatula, mix gently—you want everything just united, but not packed tight, so the loaves stay light and tender.

Step 3: Incorporate the Liquids

Pour the milk right over the chicken mixture and use your hands or a fork to bring it all together. The milk is a little secret for keeping the meatloaves extra juicy. Mix only until uniform—overmixing creates dense meatloaves, something nobody wants!

Step 4: Shape Mini Loaves

Now comes the fun part: shape the mixture into four even ovals and nestle them onto the baking sheet, making sure there’s enough space in between for the heat to crisp up every side. Each one’s just the right size for a generous personal portion, and shaping them with slightly wet hands will keep things tidy.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Give each loaf a little love: drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and if you’re all-in on cheese, sprinkle the mozzarella over their tops. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden on top and a thermometer reads 74°C (internal temp is your friend, especially with poultry!).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Resist the urge to dig in immediately—let those Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves rest for five minutes. This pause lets all the juices redistribute so each slice is moist and flavorful. Then, plate up and get ready for comforting, savory goodness.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Garnishes

Add a finishing touch by showering freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or even a little lemon zest across the tops. Each garnish brings new color, aroma, and a hint of brightness that lifts the rich flavors and makes your plate look just as inviting as it smells.

Side Dishes

These mini loaves pair with everything! Pile them high next to buttery mashed potatoes, toss in roasted veggies, or spoon over a bed of garlicky sautéed greens. For extra comfort, serve alongside warm garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad for that Italian-American vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try tucking thick slices into toasted ciabatta for an indulgent meatloaf sandwich, dicing leftovers to scatter over pasta or grain bowls, or serving the loaves “family style” with a big rustic platter of sides for a festive, share-at-the-table feel. There’s no wrong way—just dive in and experiment!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days—and honestly, the flavors might get even better overnight! Perfect for lunches, quick dinners, or even late-night snacks.

Freezing

These meatloaves freeze beautifully. For the best texture, wrap individual loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then slide into a freezer bag or container. They’ll hang out happily for up to two months. Don’t forget to label them for your future self—trust me, you’ll want to find them again soon!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 160°C oven (covered with foil to keep moisture in) until heated through. If you’re in a rush, microwave gently with a splash of broth or water to recapture that melty, juicy bite you loved in the first place.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey subs in perfectly for these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves and keeps them just as tender and flavorful. Just use the same quantity and follow the same steps—no other adjustments needed.

Is it okay to use dried parsley instead of fresh?

While fresh parsley really wakes up the dish with color and flavor, dried parsley works when you’re in a pinch. Just use about a third of the amount (since dried herbs are more concentrated), and mix it right in with the other seasonings.

How do I know the meatloaves are safely cooked?

The surest way is to check that the internal temperature hits 74°C (165°F) using a kitchen thermometer. The tops should be golden, and the juices should run clear—no guesswork, just perfect results every time.

What breadcrumbs should I use?

Plain, unseasoned breadcrumbs are best—this way, the flavors of garlic and Parmesan take center stage. You can also use panko for extra lightness, or swap in gluten-free versions if needed.

Can I make these meatloaves ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and shape the meatloaves up to a day ahead and refrigerate them (covered), then bake off just before serving. Leftovers also store and reheat wonderfully, making them a meal-prepper’s dream.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves for yourself—they’re rustic, cozy, and packed with homestyle flavor. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, these little loaves turn any meal into a mini celebration. Give them a whirl and let your kitchen fill with that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma. Happy cooking!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (4 mini loaves) 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Enjoy a comforting twist on a classic favorite with these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. Made with juicy ground chicken, fragrant garlic, nutty Parmesan, and fresh herbs, each mini loaf is delightfully tender and flavorful. The breadcrumbs and a hint of milk keep them moist, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures a perfectly golden finish. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, they’re a family-friendly main course brimming with Italian-American flair—perfect for any day you crave cozy, homemade flavor.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and a nicely browned exterior on your mini loaves.
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until it holds together so the meat stays light not dense.
Add milk to the mixture and mix gently until uniform and cohesive. Make sure the mixture is evenly moistened but not soupy.
Divide mixture evenly and shape into four compact mini loaves. Space them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased so they do not stick and have room to roast all around.
Drizzle olive oil over the tops of each loaf. This encourages browning and crisp edges during baking.
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature hits 74°C (165°F) and the tops are turning golden. Optionally, add mozzarella cheese for the last five minutes.
Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.