Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 cup finely chopped onion; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley, divided; 1 15.5-ounce jar purchased marinara sauce, divided; 3/4 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs; 1/3 cup + 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning blend; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients
This recipe yields 6 servings. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

1 pound ground chicken
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley, divided
1 (15.5 ounce) jar prepared marinara sauce, divided
3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning blend
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or foil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, egg, 1/4 cup of parsley, 1/2 cup of marinara sauce, Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands.
Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape gently into a loaf.
Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Remove the loaf from the oven and brush the top with 1/4 cup marinara sauce. Sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Return the loaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Let the meatloaf cool on a rack for about 10 minutes.
While the meatloaf is cooling, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter stops sizzling, add panko bread crumbs and garlic powder. Cook, stirring frequently, until the panko becomes lightly toasted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of minced parsley.
Plate the meatloaf and top with the Parmesan and panko mixture. Serve with the remaining marinara sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs if desired.

Cooks Note: Wear disposable food service gloves when mixing the meatloaf for easy cleanup.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 369
Total Fat: 17g (22% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 6g (32% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 130mg (43% Daily Value)
Sodium: 912mg (40% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 27g (10% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 8g
Protein: 27g (53% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 9mg (10% Daily Value)
Calcium: 180mg (14% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (16% Daily Value)
Potassium: 968mg (21% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe

The History of Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf is a modern twist on two classic dishes: traditional Italian Chicken Parmesan and the American meatloaf. The origin of this hybrid can be traced to mid-20th century America, when Italian-American home cooks began experimenting with familiar ingredients to create convenient, family-friendly meals. Combining ground chicken with the flavors of Parmesan, marinara, and mozzarella allowed cooks to retain the essence of Italian cuisine while embracing the practicality of a one-pan American dinner.

Regional Variations

While the dish is most popular in the United States, subtle regional variations have emerged. In the Northeast, cooks often favor a richer, cheesier version with extra mozzarella, reflecting the area's Italian-American heritage. In Southern regions, some recipes incorporate a hint of spice in the marinara or add smoked paprika to the panko topping. On the West Coast, lighter versions with lean chicken breast and fresh herbs are common, highlighting a preference for healthier, fresher ingredients.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic Chicken Parmesan, which uses whole breaded chicken cutlets, this meatloaf version transforms the protein into a moist, easy-to-slice loaf. Unlike traditional meatloaf, it incorporates Italian cheeses and marinara, creating a distinct, layered flavor profile reminiscent of Italian cuisine. The panko topping adds a crunch that sets it apart from the typically soft, homogeneous texture of regular meatloaf, making every bite a combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory notes.

Where It Is Typically Served

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf is most often served as a family dinner centerpiece, accompanied by pasta, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. It also appears at casual gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals where a hearty, comforting dish is desired. In some modern American bistros, it has even been adapted as a plated entree, served alongside garlic mashed potatoes or polenta for a more refined presentation.

Interesting Facts

The dish offers a lower-fat alternative to traditional beef or veal meatloaf without sacrificing flavor, thanks to the lean chicken and rich cheese combination.
Using panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional crumbs adds a crunchy texture that echoes the breaded chicken in classic Chicken Parmesan.
Many families have personalized this recipe over generations, adding unique herbs, spices, or even a hidden layer of prosciutto or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
This dish demonstrates the creativity of Italian-American cuisine, blending traditional flavors with American convenience cooking techniques.

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FAQ about Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe

Leftover Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is completely cooled before refrigerating. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked meatloaf. Once prepared, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Bake it directly from the freezer, but you may need to add additional cooking time.

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe. Keep in mind that turkey may have a slightly different texture and may result in a slightly drier meatloaf. You can add a bit more marinara sauce to help keep it moist.

If you don't have panko bread crumbs, you can substitute regular bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or even finely crushed cereal. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still work well.

You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption. Alternatively, the meatloaf should be firm and no longer pink inside.

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf up to the point of baking. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to make it further in advance, freezing the unbaked meatloaf is a great option.

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf pairs well with pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just choose a good-quality sauce or one with a flavor profile you enjoy, as it will contribute to the overall taste of the meatloaf.

To keep the meatloaf moist, avoid overcooking it. Using ground chicken, which tends to be leaner, can also result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so be sure to include enough marinara sauce and egg to bind the mixture. Topping it with marinara sauce and mozzarella before the second bake also helps keep it moist.

Comments

Carolyn Taylor

09/10/2024 01:09:07 AM

This meatloaf is the most delicious I have ever made! It had a perfect firmness, just the right amount of moisture, and the crunchy panko topping added a fantastic texture.

Joyce Cruz

11/08/2023 09:35:50 PM

I found that using ground chicken made the dish too mushy, as I expected. I wonder if ground turkey breast would have been a better choice? The flavor was decent, thanks to the marinara sauce, but there was still a lot of liquid even after draining it before baking it again.

Michael Baker

03/04/2024 06:32:37 PM

I prepared this recipe for my grandkids and I have some adjustments in mind for the next time. The kids weren't fans of the bread crumbs, marinara sauce, and cheese on top. Therefore, next time I would skip the toppings. Nevertheless, we all loved the tasty meatloaf, which had a perfect texture - not too dry or mushy. I would definitely make it again.

James Phillips

07/21/2024 06:09:42 AM

Excellent and simple to make!

Raymond Sanchez

02/26/2025 12:00:42 AM

Tasty and flavorsome.

Alexander Evans

08/07/2022 09:52:31 AM

This dish was incredibly tasty! I adore using ground chicken in my meatloaf recipe. I believe the texture is superior to ground turkey. The entire family enjoyed the wonderful flavors in this dish. I will definitely be making it again and again!

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Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe

The History of Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

Regional Variations

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Where It Is Typically Served

Interesting Facts

FAQ about Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe