Description
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a juicy Italian-inspired twist on classic meatloaf, made with seasoned ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and a gooey mozzarella center. Finished with marinara sauce, buttery Parmesan breadcrumbs, and melted mozzarella, it’s a comforting family dinner that’s packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 80 g onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 900 g ground chicken
- 60 g seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into 1 cm slices
- For the Topping:
- 120 ml marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- 20 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooked onion mixture, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Press half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Arrange the mozzarella slices down the center, leaving space around the edges. Cover with the remaining meat mixture and seal the edges.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and spread the marinara sauce evenly over the meatloaf.
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and parsley. Sprinkle over the marinara, then top with the shredded mozzarella.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American