This Chicken Meatloaf is a tasty twist on the classic. It’s made with juicy ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and your favorite seasonings for a super flavor-packed dish!
I love how easy it is to whip up. Just mix everything together, shape it, and bake! It’s delicious with a side of veggies or mashed potatoes. Simple and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This recipe uses ground chicken for a lighter meatloaf. If you prefer darker meat, ground turkey works well too. For a beefier flavor, you can substitute with ground turkey or a 50/50 mix of chicken and turkey.
Bread Crumbs: Plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add texture. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats. I often make my own breadcrumbs from leftover bread!
Onions: Finely chopped onions give moisture and flavor. You can swap them for shallots for a sweeter taste or use green onions for a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the taste. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but only about 1/4 teaspoon, since it’s stronger.
Ketchup: The glaze uses ketchup for sweetness. If you want to reduce sugar, swap it for tomato paste, or even a homemade barbecue sauce if you like a smoky kick!
What’s the Best Way to Shape Meatloaf?
Shaping the meatloaf is quite simple but crucial for even cooking. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure your hands are slightly damp to prevent sticking.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape, about 2 inches thick. This helps it cook evenly!
- If using a loaf pan, pack the mixture firmly to avoid a crumbly texture.
- Leave a little space around the edges of the pan to let air circulate and cook the loaf evenly.
By properly shaping your meatloaf, you’ll ensure that it remains moist and delicious while cooking!
Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/3 cup ketchup or tomato sauce (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chicken meatloaf recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing everything together, you’ll spend about 50-60 minutes baking it. Total time including prep and cooking is around 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that can easily become a family favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating and Preparing the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup later. This will ensure your meatloaf comes out perfectly.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined. It’s okay if the mixture is a bit wet—it will hold together during baking!
3. Shaping the Meatloaf:
Now, shape the mixture into a loaf shape. You can do this by hand or by pressing it firmly into your prepared loaf pan. If you prefer a rustic look, go for the hand shaping method!
4. Creating the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard (if you’re using it) to create a sweet glaze. This will add a nice flavor and shine to your meatloaf.
5. Glazing the Meatloaf:
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the shaped meatloaf. Make sure it’s well-coated for the best flavor as it bakes!
6. Baking:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze has caramelized nicely on top.
7. Resting and Slicing:
Once it’s done, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and keeps it juicy!
8. Serving:
Garnish with additional fresh parsley if you’d like. Serve the meatloaf warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad.
Enjoy this moist and flavorful chicken meatloaf that’s both comforting and easy to prepare!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or oats for a similar texture. You could also use cooked rice or quinoa as a gluten-free option!
How Do I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Meatloaf?
Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to chop them very small so they blend well into the meat mixture!
