Savory Romano Chicken Meatloaf
This Savory Romano Chicken Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic dish that combines the rich, nutty flavors of freshly grated Romano cheese with the lean goodness of ground chicken. Enhanced with marinara sauce for a burst of Italian flavor, this meatloaf is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Each slice is bursting with flavor and can be served on its own or with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. It’s an easy and delicious way to bring a comforting staple to your table, sure to be a hit with everyone!
8
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romano cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Plain dried breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Egg
1 large (beaten)
Marinara sauce
1 cup
Ground chicken
2 lbs
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Line a 13x9-inch metal baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly grated Romano cheese, plain dried breadcrumbs, beaten egg, 1/2 cup of marinara sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
4
Add the ground chicken to the bowl and gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5
Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking pan and shape it into a loaf measuring approximately 9x5 inches, pressing firmly to hold its shape.
6
Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
7
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 5 to 10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F (74°C). The temperature will continue to rise to 170°F (77°C) while resting.
8
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to stand for 10 minutes before slicing to make it easier to serve.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
15g
Carbs
20g
Protein
100mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Romano Chicken Meatloaf?
It is a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf that uses ground chicken, freshly grated Romano cheese, and marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
How much protein is in each slice?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include ground chicken, Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, marinara sauce, and salt.
How long does the meatloaf need to bake?
It should bake for 1 hour and 5 to 10 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature?
The meatloaf is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Why should the meatloaf rest after cooking?
Allowing it to stand for 10 minutes makes it easier to slice and helps the temperature rise to 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
What size pan should I use?
A 13x9-inch metal baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Line the pan with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang, and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
What dimensions should I shape the meatloaf into?
Shape the mixture into a loaf measuring approximately 9x5 inches.
Can I substitute Romano cheese?
While Romano provides a specific nutty flavor, you could use Parmesan as a close substitute.
How much marinara sauce is used in the mixture?
Half a cup of marinara sauce is mixed into the meatloaf, and the other half is spread on top.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its high protein content and ease of slicing make it excellent for meal prep.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this meatloaf?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best?
Plain dried breadcrumbs are recommended for this recipe.
How much sodium is in one serving?
Each serving contains 100mg of sodium.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lean substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.
Do I need to add salt?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 1 large egg, beaten.
Is the Romano cheese freshly grated?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of freshly grated Romano cheese.
What are some suggested side dishes?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
How do I prevent overworking the meat?
Gently mix the ground chicken with the other ingredients until just combined.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The current nutritional data does not specify fiber content.
Is this considered an Italian dish?
It is an Italian-inspired dish due to the use of Romano cheese and marinara sauce.
Should I press the meatloaf firmly?
Yes, press it firmly when shaping to ensure it holds its shape during baking.
What is the total weight of ground chicken used?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of ground chicken.