Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: Juicy, Flavorful & Comforting

Sometimes comfort food needs a little upgrade, and that’s exactly what this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf delivers. It’s moist, flavorful, and full of that rich garlic and cheese goodness that makes every bite irresistible. Instead of traditional beef, this recipe uses lean ground chicken — it’s lighter, just as satisfying, and even easier to make.

I remember the first time I tested this recipe. It was one of those cool fall evenings when I was craving something hearty but not too heavy. I had ground chicken, a block of Parmesan, and some breadcrumbs — so I decided to give my classic meatloaf a twist. One hour later, my kitchen smelled like an Italian restaurant, and everyone at the table was asking for seconds. Now this dish is right up there with my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Fajita Chicken Casserole as a weeknight staple that’s both simple and special.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic, made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and bold Italian seasoning. Moist, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for cozy dinners and meal prep.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

• mixing bowl For combining meat mixture
• Loaf pan Standard 9×5-inch size works best
• Meat thermometer To check internal doneness (165°F)
• pastry brush To spread the topping

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, and milk. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Press mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes.
4. Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan in a small bowl. Brush over the top of the meatloaf. Bake an additional 10–15 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the chicken for the best texture. Add chopped veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a nutrition boost. Great for meal prep or freezing in slices.

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Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf has everything you love about traditional meatloaf but with a savory, cheesy twist. The flavor is bold but balanced — garlicky, herby, and perfectly tender thanks to the creamy Parmesan mixture baked inside. It’s one of those meals that works for Sunday dinner or an easy weeknight meal.

If you love flavorful, family-style dinners like my Poor Man’s Husband Casserole or Cheesy Taco Sticks, this recipe fits right in — comforting, crowd-pleasing, and always reliable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

This is a no-fuss recipe that relies on everyday pantry ingredients, much like my Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake — simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, and milk. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined — don’t overmix or it can turn dense.

Step 3: Shape and Bake
Press the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Topping
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Brush over the top of the meatloaf and return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

This cozy, home-style approach reminds me of my One-Pan Chicken Gallaba Skillet: bold flavors, minimal cleanup, and a family-pleasing finish every time.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

• Don’t overmix the meat: Mix until ingredients just come together for the best texture.
• Let it rest: It helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
• Add veggies: Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini blend beautifully for extra flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer: It ensures your meatloaf is cooked perfectly without drying out.

Like my Creamy Meatball Soup, this recipe proves that creamy Parmesan flavor makes everything taste a little more special.

Flavor Variations

1. Italian-Style: Add marinara sauce on top before baking for a tomatoey twist.
2. Spicy Garlic Chicken Loaf: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
3. Stuffed Version: Fill the center with mozzarella cheese for a melty surprise.
4. Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour and use heavy cream instead of milk.

This flexibility is just like my Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole: the base is simple, but the variations are endless.

How to Store and Reheat

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze slices individually, wrapped in foil, for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or butter to keep it moist.

This reheats beautifully, much like my Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake, and makes great leftovers for sandwiches or meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly and delivers the same juicy results.

2. Can I make this without breadcrumbs?
Definitely. Use crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour as a substitute.

3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

4. What sides go best with this meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or my Christmas Bread Recipe make the perfect pairing.

The Final Bite

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is comfort food with a twist — juicy, savory, and loaded with creamy garlic flavor in every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for guests. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or salad, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Like all great homey meals, it’s proof that the best recipes don’t have to be complicated — they just need the right mix of love, garlic, and cheese.