Irresistibly Juicy Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Your Family Will Love

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a comforting family-friendly dish, transforming classic chicken parmesan into a juicy meatloaf everyone will love.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Resting Time 10

Total Time 1 25

Servings: 6 slices

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf Mixture

2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds moisture and flavor; use any neutral oil if desired.
80 g Onion, finely diced Provides sweetness and an aromatic base; substitute with shallots if needed.
2 cloves Garlic, minced Enhances the flavor profile; use garlic powder as a quick alternative.
900 g Ground Chicken Base of the meatloaf, offering lean protein; ground turkey can be a great substitute.
60 g Seasoned Breadcrumbs Acts as a binding agent; use unseasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Italian herbs if necessary.
2 teaspoons Milk Adds moisture to prevent drying out; alternatively, use chicken broth for added flavor.
30 g Parmesan Cheese, grated Contributes richness and depth of flavor; nutritional yeast can offer a dairy-free option.
1 Egg Binds the mixture for structure; a flax egg can serve as a vegan substitute.
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped Adds freshness and color; substitute with basil for a different herbal note.
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Infuses Italian herb flavors; individual herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary can also be used.
½ teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor; adjust to your personal taste.

For the Cheesy Center

3 Mozzarella Cheese Strings, cut into 1cm slices Creates a gooey center; full-fat cheese is preferable for the best melting.

For Topping

120 ml Marinara Sauce Topping that adds acidity and moisture; any tomato sauce can be a tasty alternative.
2 tablespoons Panko Breadcrumbs Adds a delightful crunch to the topping; regular breadcrumbs can be substituted if needed.
1 tablespoon Butter, melted Helps crisp up the topping; vegan butter or olive oil can work just as well.
120 g Shredded Mozzarella Cheese A finishing touch for a cheesy topping; consider using shredded vegan cheese for a non-dairy option.

Equipment

Skillet
Mixing bowl
baking sheet

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Gather your mixing bowls and baking dish for preparation.
In a skillet over medium heat, add a touch of olive oil and sauté the finely diced onion and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion and garlic, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Transfer half of the chicken mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape into a rectangle. Place sliced mozzarella in the center, mold remaining chicken mixture around it, sealing well.
Spread marinara sauce over the top of the formed meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Prepare topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and chopped parsley. After baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and breadcrumb mixture on top.
Return to oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until topping is golden brown and crispy. Ensure internal temperature remains at 74°C (165°F).
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking, then slice to reveal the melted mozzarella center.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Cool sautéed aromatics before adding to the meat mixture. Keep the mozzarella fully enclosed to prevent leaks during baking. Rest before slicing to maintain moisture.

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