Introduction

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, combining juicy ground chicken with melted mozzarella and savory herbs. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

The image shows a sliced pull-apart garlic bread on a white plate, placed on a wooden board, against a white marbled surface. The bread consists of several thick slices cut deep but not all the way through, creating many layers. Each layer has golden-brown crusty edges with melted white cheese oozing between them and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The top surface of the bread is bubbly and toasted, with patches of crispy, dark golden spots. A small bunch of fresh green parsley sits near the bottom left corner of the wooden board, adding a fresh pop of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
3 mozzarella cheese strings (cut into 1cm slices)
120 ml marinara sauce
2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
20 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tablespoon butter (melted)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
120 g mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Let this cool completely.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion mixture, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Pat two-thirds of the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a rectangle about 20cm x 10cm. Arrange the mozzarella cheese string pieces down the centre, then top with the remaining chicken mixture. Shape into a proper loaf, sealing the cheese inside.
Step 5: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Meanwhile, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and parsley for the topping.
Step 7: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Top with shredded mozzarella, then sprinkle over the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 8: Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden and the center reaches 74°C (165°F).
Step 9: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of plain yogurt or grated zucchini to the chicken mixture.
Swap the mozzarella cheese strings for provolone or fontina slices for a different cheese experience.
Use fresh Italian herbs like basil and oregano if you prefer a more vibrant flavor.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through to preserve texture. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds several thick slices of a baked, golden-brown cheesy loaf. The loaf is made of two main layers: a top and bottom layer with a crispy, browned crust flecked with chopped green herbs, surrounding a middle layer of melted white cheese that stretches between the slices. The loaf’s surface is uneven with bubbly cheese spots and is sprinkled with finely chopped parsley. Fresh parsley sprigs are placed beside the slices, enhancing the fresh look. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will provide a similar texture and flavor.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and the meatloaf is cooked through.