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Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

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This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful, cheesy twist on a classic comfort food! Made with lean ground chicken, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, this dish is juicy, rich, and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ⅓ cup finely diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons milk
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into ½-inch slices

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
  • 1½ tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

  1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking pan with foil and lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Sauté the Aromatics:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic until softened (about 3 minutes), then allow to cool.

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and the cooled onion mixture.
  2. Mix gently until just combined.

Form the Meatloaf:

  1. Shape two-thirds of the chicken mixture into an 8×4-inch rectangle on the prepared pan.
  2. Place mozzarella slices on top, then cover with the remaining chicken mixture, sealing the edges.

Bake the Meatloaf:

  1. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the top.
  2. Bake for 45 minutes.

Prepare the Topping:

  1. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and chopped parsley.

Final Bake:

  1. After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
  2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Return to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the topping is golden brown.

Rest and Serve:

  1. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Ground Turkey Swap: Substitute ground turkey for a slightly different flavor.
  • Extra Herbs: Add fresh basil or oregano for more Italian-inspired flavor.
  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs for a GF version.