Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Chicken Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1 pound ground chicken (white and dark meat); 1small yellow onion, finely chopped; ½ cup panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs); ¼ freshly grated Parmesan cheese, grated; ¼ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 3 medium-size garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup ketchup; 2 teaspoons light brown sugar; 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Cook Time: 50 minutes

One of the keys to a successful meatloaf is maintaining moisture, and this recipe delivers just that. By using ground chicken instead of beef and panko breadcrumbs, this meatloaf stays incredibly tender and flavorful. The panko breadcrumbs soak up all the juices from the meat, locking in the flavors while keeping the loaf moist. However, the real trick is to avoid overworking the mixture mix just enough to combine the ingredients, and you'll avoid a dense, rubbery texture. This version doesn't use eggs as a binder, relying instead on mayonnaise to provide fat and moisture, as well as help bind the ingredients together.

If you want to boost the flavor, opt for ground chicken made from both white and dark meat, or the fattiest ground chicken you can find. Before it goes into the oven, the meatloaf gets a sweet, tangy glaze made from ketchup, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. For a variation, you can use barbecue sauce or try different seasonings, such as Cajun or poultry seasoning. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken (white and dark meat)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and prepare your cooking area.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly spray an 8-x-4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped onion, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, mayonnaise, garlic, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it in evenly.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.

Step 6: Spread the ketchup mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf, covering it completely.

Step 7: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 50 to 55 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf reads 165F (73C).

Step 8: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 287
Total Fat: 17g (22% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 4g (21% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 88mg (29% Daily Value)
Sodium: 675mg (29% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 14g (5% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 21g (41% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 6mg (6% Daily Value)
Calcium: 76mg (6% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (9% Daily Value)
Potassium: 639mg (14% 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 Meatloaf Recipe

The Story and Significance of Chicken Meatloaf

Chicken meatloaf is a modern twist on the classic American meatloaf, which dates back to the late 19th century. Traditional meatloaf was primarily made with beef or pork and was popularized as a practical, affordable way to stretch meat for family meals. The substitution of ground chicken reflects contemporary preferences for leaner, healthier protein options while maintaining the comforting, homestyle appeal of the dish.

Regional Variations

While meatloaf is recognized nationwide in the United States, chicken meatloaf has become particularly popular in regions emphasizing lighter, health-conscious cooking. In the Midwest, for example, it is common to add ingredients like panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese to enhance texture and flavor. In Southern cooking, richer toppings such as sweet barbecue glazes or honey-ketchup mixtures are often used, lending a slightly sweet contrast to the savory loaf. Coastal areas may incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to reflect local produce.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional beef or pork meatloaf, chicken meatloaf is leaner and often requires additional fat and moisture to prevent dryness. Ingredients such as mayonnaise, a combination of white and dark meat, and Parmesan cheese help achieve a tender, juicy texture. Compared to turkey meatloaf, chicken meatloaf tends to have a slightly milder flavor, allowing seasonings and toppings to stand out more prominently. The use of panko breadcrumbs rather than traditional breadcrumbs also gives the loaf a lighter, airier consistency.

Where Its Commonly Served

Chicken meatloaf is a staple of American home-cooked dinners and is often accompanied by mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It is frequently served in casual family settings, potlucks, and even some diner-style restaurants. While less common in fine dining, it has occasionally been featured in bistro menus with gourmet twists such as truffle-infused mayonnaise or a balsamic glaze topping.

Interesting Facts

Chicken meatloaf was developed as a healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf, reflecting changing nutritional awareness in American households.
The addition of mayonnaise not only provides moisture but also acts as a natural binder, reducing the need for eggs in some recipes.
Using both white and dark meat enhances flavor while maintaining tenderness, which is particularly important because ground chicken alone can be quite lean.
The ketchup-brown sugar glaze adds a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that caramelize during baking, creating an appealing golden crust.
Although panko breadcrumbs are Japanese in origin, they are widely used in American meatloaf for their ability to trap moisture without making the loaf dense.

Overall, chicken meatloaf embodies the balance of tradition and innovation in American cuisine, offering a comforting yet lighter alternative to its classic counterparts.

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FAQ about Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Yes, you can substitute ground beef or turkey for the chicken. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the fat content of the meat you choose. If using turkey, you may need to add a bit more fat (like mayonnaise) to ensure the meatloaf remains moist.

Store leftover chicken meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep it moist, you can cover it with foil or plastic wrap before storing.

Yes, you can freeze chicken meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even rolled oats as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the amount to maintain the right consistency of the mixture.

The chicken meatloaf is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf reads 165°F (73°C). This ensures the meatloaf is cooked through and safe to eat.

Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meatloaf mixture. Just be sure to finely chop them to ensure the texture remains smooth and easy to form the loaf.

Chicken meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. You could also serve it with a side of rice or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

To make the glaze sweeter, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or add honey. For a tangier flavor, you can increase the amount of apple cider vinegar or substitute it with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.

Cook Time: 10 minutes