Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken, preferably thighs if possible; 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free panko will work fine); 1/4 cup finely minced onion; 2 tablespoons minced parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Zest of 2 small lemons, about 1 teaspoon; 2 eggs; 3/4 cup shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 can crushed tomatoes (14-ounce); 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 4-6 ounces mozzarella, freshly shredded

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s weeknight-easy but tastes like comfort food from a dream, you need Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves in your life. These little loaves are everything you crave—juicy, savory, and meltingly tender—with a golden crown of mozzarella, a pop of fresh parsley, and a tangy tomato sauce that brings everything together. Garlic and Parmesan provide that signature punch, while ground chicken keeps things lighter but still full of flavor. The best part? They come together with everyday ingredients (and minimal fuss), so you can treat your family and friends to a homemade classic with a modern twist.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves is quick and fuss-free, but each item truly matters! From juicy ground chicken to zesty lemon and nutty cheese, every component boosts moisture, flavor, and irresistible texture.

Ground chicken (1 1/2 pounds): Thighs are juicier, but any ground chicken will give these meatloaves their tender bite.
Panko breadcrumbs (2/3 cup): Choose gluten-free if needed; they help hold the loaves together and soak up all those tasty juices.
Finely minced onion (1/4 cup): Adds sweet, savory depth and keeps each loaf extra moist.
Minced parsley (2 tablespoons): For fresh herbal flavor and a pop of green.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that signature savory warmth—don’t skimp!
Lemon zest (zest of 2 small lemons, about 1 teaspoon): Brightens everything and balances the richness.
Eggs (2): The glue that binds your mixture into perfect little loaves.
Shredded Pecorino Romano or Parmesan (3/4 cup): Adds umami, saltiness, and amazing meltiness as the meatloaf bakes.
Kosher salt (1 1/2 teaspoons, divided): Enhances every ingredient and seasons the sauce too.
Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle hit of heat to keep things zippy.
Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14-ounce): Makes an easy, quick sauce that comes alive in the oven.
Granulated garlic or garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For an extra garlic boost in the sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to perk up the tomato sauce without overwhelming.
Mozzarella, freshly shredded (4-6 ounces): The finishing touch for that gooey, irresistible cheese layer.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and lining a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This step ensures your meatloaves won’t stick and makes serving a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a big mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko, minced onion, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, eggs, shredded Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and the black pepper. Lightly mix using clean hands or a large spoon—just until everything is combined. You want to avoid overmixing, as that can lead to tougher meatloaves.

Step 3: Shape Your Loaves

Transfer the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and gently shape it into a loaf about 2 inches high and 4 inches wide. Try to keep the loaf as uniform as possible for even cooking. Smoothing the top here helps it bake up beautifully golden.

Step 4: Start Baking

Place the pan into the oven (middle rack is perfect) and set your timer for 30 minutes. This initial bake firms up the meatloaf and starts building those savory flavors in each bite.

Step 5: Sauce It Up

While the meatloaf is roasting, stir together the crushed tomatoes, granulated garlic, red pepper flakes, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. After the meatloaf’s cooked for 30 minutes, pour about 1/2 cup of this tomato sauce over the loaf and spread it gently to coat. This keeps the top moist and adds incredible flavor.

Step 6: More Sauce and Cheese Finale

Bake for 15 more minutes, then spoon over another layer of sauce and generously sprinkle the mozzarella on top. Slide everything back into the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is gooey and just bubbling. The meatloaf should reach 160°F in the center—a thermometer makes this a cinch.

Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Don’t rush! Let your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping each piece tender and loaded with flavor. Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Garnishes

Garnish your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves with a flurry of extra chopped parsley, a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness, and maybe a grating of Parmesan if you want pure Italian restaurant vibes right at home. A drizzle of olive oil before serving never hurts either!

Side Dishes

These meatloaves love classic sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or a crisp, lemony salad. You could also spoon them over spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a hearty, saucy main dish the whole family will cheer for.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing and stacking the meatloaf on a toasted baguette for an unforgettable meatloaf sandwich, or portioning mini loaves for meal prep. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves even shine when sliced cold and added to a picnic platter with fresh tomatoes and crusty bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any uneaten Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days, making lunch or a quick dinner the next day taste just as good as the first time around.

Freezing

This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream! Allow your loaves to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. You can freeze individual slices or the whole loaf for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover meatloaf gently in a 300°F oven, covered, until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. Microwaving works for individual slices, but a gentle oven reheat keeps them extra juicy and the cheese perfectly melty.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves, especially if you prefer a different flavor profile or have it on hand. Just use dark meat turkey if you can for maximum moisture.

How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the center hits 160°F. The middle should look mostly white (not pink) and the cheese on top should be gloriously melted and a little golden.

Can I make these as individual mini meatloaves?

Yes! Shape the mixture into smaller loaves for perfect lunchbox portions or party appetizers. Just reduce the baking time to around 20 minutes before adding your sauce and cheese.

Is it okay to prep the mixture ahead of time?

You can absolutely mix everything together earlier in the day and refrigerate the raw mixture until you’re ready to bake. Just shape it cold from the fridge for easy handling and follow the baking instructions as written.

What can I do with leftover sauce?

If you have extra tomato sauce, save it for tossing with pasta, serving as a dip for breadsticks, or spooning over roasted veggies for an easy, flavorful upgrade!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a new comfort classic, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves deliver every single time. Try them once and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe for happy meals all year long—don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your most-requested dishes!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 5 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, made with ground chicken, a blend of seasonings, and topped with a cheesy, tomato-based sauce.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Prepare the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko, onion, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and pepper. Shape into a loaf on the lined baking sheet.
Cook the meatloaf: Bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the tomatoes, granulated garlic, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt.
Add sauce and cheese: After 30 minutes, pour sauce over the meatloaf and bake for another 15 minutes. Repeat with sauce and mozzarella, then bake until cheese melts.
Finish cooking: Ensure the center temperature reaches 160°F. Let the meatloaf cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American