Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488654H51M34S
Total time: PT-488654H51M34S
Cuisine: Italian
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·5.1 from 6 reviews

If you love quick comfort food with a delicious twist, you’re going to absolutely swoon over these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. Perfectly tender and loaded with fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and a double hit of cheese, these mini meatloaves bake up golden and mouthwateringly savory. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner everyone will fight over or making something cozy for meal prep, this recipe will quickly become a lifelong favorite.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves was handpicked to create the perfect bite: juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cheesy. Even better, the ingredient list is simple, so every element shines through, making these little loaves irresistible.

Ground chicken: Creates a tender, light base that soaks up all the flavors and bakes up juicy every time.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and helps bind everything together.
Breadcrumbs: Soaks up moisture and gives structure, keeping your mini meatloaves soft and never dry.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up each bite with fresh, herby flavor and beautiful flecks of green.
Garlic cloves: Three cloves deliver that classic punch for a true garlic lover’s dream.
Large egg: Helps everything hold together and enriches the mixture.
Dried oregano: Rounds out the herbs and brings an Italian-inspired flair.
Fine sea salt: Enhances every ingredient without overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a hint of warmth and depth in the background.
Whole milk: Keeps the meatloaves moist and ultra tender, never dense.
Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle brings a gorgeous crust and extra flavor to the finished loaves.
Grated mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts over the top for an irresistible golden cheesy finish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup an absolute breeze, so you can get straight to enjoying your meal later.

Step 2: Mix Up the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon, but be gentle – mixing just until everything is incorporated will give you the juiciest Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves.

Step 3: Add Milk for Tenderness

Pour in the whole milk and mix again, but only until the mixture becomes uniform. The milk is your secret weapon for moist, tender meatloaves that won’t dry out as they bake.

Step 4: Shape and Space the Loaves

Divide your mixture evenly into four parts. With slightly damp hands, form each into compact mini loaves – about the size of your palm is perfect. Space them out on the prepared sheet, leaving a little room so each loaf gets beautifully golden and doesn’t steam.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Drizzle each loaf with olive oil to encourage browning and flavor. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle the tops with grated mozzarella. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and juicy, with an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once baked to golden perfection, let your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves rest for five minutes. This lets the juices redistribute, so every bite is as luscious as possible. Get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Garnishes

A finishing touch takes these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves from tasty to totally irresistible. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley, a little more Parmesan, and even a twist of cracked black pepper make each loaf look like it came straight from your favorite bistro. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or even a squeeze of lemon can brighten up every bite.

Side Dishes

You can pair these savory little loaves with pretty much anything you love. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad all make wonderful companions. For a classic Italian-inspired plate, serve over a bed of buttered pasta or alongside garlicky sautéed greens. There’s no wrong answer here – Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves play well with all your favorite sides!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really impress, try serving your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves in individual mini cast iron skillets or on a rustic wooden board with roasted whole garlic bulbs for an extra-special touch. For a cozy family-style meal, pile them up on a platter with a shower of herbs and let everyone dig in together. These also make fantastic sliders – just tuck a mini loaf into a soft bun with arugula and a swipe of aioli for party-perfect bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s a big “if” around here!), store your cooled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days without losing their juicy texture or flavor.

Freezing

These little meatloaves are freezer-friendly and meal prep magic. Just wrap each cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves tender, reheat them in a 180°C (350°F) oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 10-15 minutes or until hot. A quick zap in the microwave also works for busy lunches, but the oven will keep them closest to freshly baked glory.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for chicken in this recipe and works beautifully with the garlic and Parmesan flavors. Just be sure to use ground turkey with a little fat for best results.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves ahead of time?

Yes – you can shape the loaves up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature while your oven preheats.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

No worries! You can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of fresh. The flavor will change slightly but your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves will still taste fantastic.

How do I know when the loaves are done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the centers reach 74°C (165°F). The tops will be golden and the juices should run clear. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut into one to check it’s cooked through.

Can I make mini or muffin-sized versions?

Definitely – just divide the mixture among muffin tin cups and reduce the baking time. Check after 15-18 minutes. These mini Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are perfect for lunchboxes or parties!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves! They’re a delicious new spin on classic comfort food, sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Next time you’re craving something cozy and packed with flavor, give this recipe a whirl – and don’t be surprised if it’s requested on repeat!