Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 6 servings. Ingredient amounts adjust automatically, but cooking times and methods remain the same.

  • 8 cloves garlic, minced, divided
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/3 cup half and half
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 pound uncooked Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 6 cloves of minced garlic, minced onion, egg, egg yolk, half and half, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
  3. Add ground chicken, Italian sausage, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
  4. Fold in the Italian breadcrumbs evenly and shape the mixture into a loaf. Transfer to the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons Parmesan over the top.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 165F (73C), about 35-40 minutes. Let rest while preparing the sauce.
  6. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 cloves garlic and saut until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  7. Pour in white wine and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until reduced by approximately 3/4, leaving about 1/3 cup liquid.
  8. Turn off the heat and whisk in cold butter cubes gradually until the sauce is smooth. Stir in the remaining Parmesan and parsley. Season with remaining salt and crushed red pepper.
  9. Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, drizzled generously with the garlic butter sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 555
  • Fat: 36g (46% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 15g (76% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 290mg (97% DV)
  • Sodium: 1462mg (64% DV)
  • Carbohydrates: 12g (5% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 44g (89% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 5mg (6% DV)
  • Calcium: 194mg (15% DV)
  • Iron: 3mg (17% DV)
  • Potassium: 890mg (19% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient information may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

The Story Behind Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a modern twist on the classic American meatloaf, which originated in the United States during the late 19th century. Originally, meatloaf was a practical way to stretch inexpensive ground meat by combining it with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. This version, featuring chicken and Italian chicken sausage, adds a lighter, more flavorful profile while incorporating Italian-inspired ingredients like Parmesan cheese, garlic, and parsley.

Regional Variations and Influences

While traditional meatloaf recipes are found throughout the U.S., regional variations often reflect local ingredients and culinary influences. In the Midwest, meatloaf tends to be heartier with beef and pork, while coastal areas might favor seafood or poultry versions. The use of Italian chicken sausage and Parmesan in this recipe reflects a fusion of American comfort food with Italian flavors, making it particularly popular in urban areas where Italian-American cuisine thrives.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic beef meatloaf, this dish uses ground chicken combined with Italian sausage, giving it a lighter texture and a more complex flavor. The garlic-butter Parmesan sauce sets it apart from simpler tomato-based glazes or ketchup toppings often used in traditional meatloaf. This layering of flavorssavory sausage, tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and aromatic garliccreates a unique experience compared to standard meatloaf recipes.

Where Its Commonly Served

Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. It is often a centerpiece for family dinners or casual gatherings, paired with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It also appears on menus in contemporary American bistros that emphasize comfort food with a gourmet twist. The dishs elegant sauce makes it suitable for both weeknight meals and small dinner parties.

Interesting Facts

  • The concept of meatloaf can be traced back to ancient Rome, where minced meat was combined with nuts, bread, and seasonings.
  • Using chicken instead of beef lowers the calorie and fat content, making it a popular choice for health-conscious eaters.
  • The combination of butter and Parmesan creates a sauce similar to traditional French beurre blanc, adapted here for meatloaf.
  • Many home cooks add variations such as sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or different cheeses to personalize the recipe.
  • The garlic butter sauce can double as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

FAQ about Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

The total cooking time for Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is approximately 65 minutes, including 45 minutes of baking and 20 minutes of preparation time.

The ingredients for Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf include ground chicken, Italian chicken sausage, garlic, onion, egg, egg yolk, half and half, fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, white wine, chicken broth, butter, and crushed red pepper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a bowl, mix garlic, onion, egg, egg yolk, half and half, parsley, and Parmesan. Add ground chicken, sausage, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs. Form the mixture into a loaf and bake for 35-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C). Meanwhile, prepare the garlic butter sauce by simmering wine and broth, then whisking in butter and Parmesan. Drizzle the sauce over the meatloaf before serving.

Yes, you can modify the ingredients. For example, you can substitute the chicken sausage with another type of sausage, omit the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version, or adjust the seasoning to your preference.

The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 165°F (73°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

This recipe yields 6 servings.

While Parmesan provides a distinct flavor, you can try substituting it with other cheeses like Romano, Asiago, or Pecorino for a similar taste, though the flavor may vary slightly.

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking. The garlic butter sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (180°C) until heated through.

Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Comments

Julie Brown

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

The recipe for Butter cake was a bit confusing as butter was mentioned in the title and instructions, but not listed in the actual ingredients. I had to estimate the amount I needed from what I had in the fridge and cube it to mix into the batter. Unfortunately, the middle of the cake came out quite raw after 40 minutes of baking, so I plan to give it another try by adding 20 more minutes to make it a full hour in the oven. Despite this setback, the parts that were cooked turned out delicious, so I'll definitely be making adjustments and trying again.

Carolyn Nguyen

09/02/2025 02:01:16 AM

Review Rewritten: This recipe is fantastic! I incorporated approximately 1/4 cup of chilled butter, adding about 1 tablespoon at a time while whisking in each piece before introducing the next one. Following that, I sprinkled freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano bit by bit, whisking it in thoroughly. Absolutely delicious! My husband and stepsons couldn't stop raving about it. Thank you!

Lisa Robinson

09/16/2025 04:06:20 PM

I absolutely adored this dish, especially the day after. I opted for sweet Italian Pork Sausage and omitted the bread crumbs. Surprisingly, I didn't even need any sauce - it was just that delicious!

Heather Gomez

09/11/2025 12:37:45 AM

This dish was incredibly flavorful! I enjoyed the combination of chicken sausage and ground chicken. The garlic butter taste was bold and delicious. I'm curious to try it with a barbecue glaze next time. While my husband thought it was just okay, my son absolutely loved it.

Cynthia Scott

08/28/2025 08:30:15 PM

This recipe is missing butter in the ingredients list! The sauce/glaze turned out terrible. The parmesan cheese formed a clump with parsley and crushed red pepper, despite following all the instructions. As a result, it became a salty mess of cheese clump with an overpowering sauce.

Patricia Evans

08/27/2025 10:58:15 PM

Extremely delicious and satisfying.