Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf
This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf is a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, combining the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with a hearty, comforting meatloaf. Packed with fresh herbs, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The addition of crunchy panko topping adds texture and flavor, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Serve it with extra marinara and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an inviting presentation that will impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
170
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow onion
1 small (cut into chunks)
garlic cloves
3
fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup
basil leaves
3
marinara sauce
1 cup, divided
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup
egg
1 (beaten)
Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
ground chicken
1.5 lbs
shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup
unsalted butter
2.5 tablespoons
panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons
chopped parsley
1 tablespoon
chopped basil
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
2
In a food processor, combine the yellow onion, garlic cloves, fresh parsley leaves, and basil. Pulse until finely chopped, then transfer the mixture to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
3
Stir in 3/4 cup of marinara sauce, the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Add the ground chicken to the bowl and gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
5
Shape the meat mixture into an 8x4 inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it is nice and compact.
6
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7
Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and brush the top with the remaining 1/4 cup of marinara sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8
Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
In a separate skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Toast the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until the panko is golden brown.
10
Transfer the toasted panko to a small bowl and let cool for a few minutes. Stir in the additional grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11
When ready to serve, garnish the meatloaf with some of the toasted panko mixture and a sprig of fresh basil. Offer the remaining panko mixture and additional marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
13g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf?
It is a twist on traditional meatloaf that combines the flavors of chicken parmesan, including marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan, with ground chicken.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What should the internal temperature of the chicken meatloaf be when done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the ground chicken is fully cooked.
How long does the meatloaf need to bake initially?
The meatloaf should bake for 45 minutes before adding the cheese topping.
How long do you bake it after adding the mozzarella cheese?
Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a suitable substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used inside the meatloaf?
The recipe uses 1 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for the meat mixture.
What is the purpose of the panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are toasted with butter and garlic powder to provide a crunchy, flavorful garnish for the top of the meatloaf.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic?
Pulse the onion, garlic, parsley, and basil in a food processor until finely chopped.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses both grated parmesan cheese (inside and in the topping) and shredded mozzarella cheese (on top).
Does this recipe include eggs?
Yes, one beaten egg is used as a binder for the meatloaf.
How much ground chicken is needed?
You will need 1.5 lbs of ground chicken.
What size should I shape the meatloaf?
Shape the mixture into an 8x4 inch loaf on a baking sheet.
How much marinara sauce is required total?
One cup of marinara sauce is used, divided between the meat mixture and the topping.
How do I make the panko topping?
Melt butter in a skillet, add panko and garlic powder, and toast for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
What herbs are used in the meatloaf?
Fresh parsley and basil are used, along with dried Italian seasoning.
Can I make this on a baking sheet?
Yes, the instructions specifically call for lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 170 calories per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving contains 13g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 13g of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 8g of fat per serving.
Is the chicken parmesan meatloaf spicy?
No, it is flavored with Italian herbs and garlic, but not specifically spicy.
What should I serve with this meatloaf?
It pairs well with extra marinara sauce, pasta, or a side salad.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley and basil provide the best flavor, you can substitute with dried herbs using a 1:3 ratio (1 tablespoon fresh to 1 teaspoon dried).
How do I avoid overmixing the meatloaf?
Add the ground chicken last and mix gently until just incorporated with the other ingredients.
What is in the toasted panko mixture besides breadcrumbs?
It includes butter, garlic powder, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and chopped basil.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the loaf in advance and refrigerate it before baking, or use it for meal prep.
Should I let the meatloaf rest before serving?
Allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven helps the juices redistribute and makes it easier to slice.
What garnish is recommended?
Garnish with the toasted panko mixture and a sprig of fresh basil.