I’ve discovered that these individual-sized chicken meatloaves are the perfect solution for anyone looking to enjoy the comfort of traditional meatloaf with a lighter, more sophisticated touch. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs transforms ordinary ground chicken into an extraordinarily flavorful dish that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to these meatloaves lies in the perfect balance of ingredients. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich umami flavor while helping to keep the chicken moist, and the garlic and herbs infuse every bite with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. By making individual loaves instead of one large meatloaf, we achieve the ideal ratio of golden-brown crust to tender interior.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaves:
- 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (15g) finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
Essential Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Meat thermometer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press (optional)
Detailed Instructions
Preparation
- Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 375°F (190°C). This temperature creates the perfect balance between browning the exterior while keeping the interior moist.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Creating the Mixture
- In your large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. The key is to break up the ground chicken well before adding other ingredients.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and dried oregano. These aromatics are essential for developing deep flavor throughout the meatloaves.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Remember that Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so we use a moderate amount of additional salt.
- Add the beaten egg, which acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Pour in the milk gradually while mixing. The milk adds moisture and helps prevent the chicken from becoming too dense during cooking.
Forming and Baking
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions. I find it helpful to first form the mixture into a square and then cut it into quarters for even sizing.
- Shape each portion into an oval loaf, about 4 inches long and 2 inches high. Keep the shape consistent for even cooking.
- Place the formed loaves on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one for even heat circulation.
- Drizzle each loaf with olive oil, ensuring the tops are evenly coated. This helps develop a beautiful golden crust.
- If using mozzarella, sprinkle it over the tops of the loaves in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover meatloaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Nutritional Information
(Per serving – 1 mini meatloaf)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Expert Tips for Success
- Use ground chicken with some fat content (93% lean) for the best texture
- Don’t overmix the ingredients, as this can make the meatloaves tough
- Let the meatloaves rest for 5 minutes after baking to help them set and retain moisture
- For extra flavor, try adding 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- Use fresh breadcrumbs if available for better texture
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Serve alongside sautéed green beans with garlic
- Add a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Drizzle with warm marinara sauce for an Italian twist
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. They offer all the comfort of traditional meatloaf with a sophisticated twist that makes them worthy of any dinner party menu.
