Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken (a mix of dark and white meat recommended)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling on top)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 lbs of ground chicken, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup milk.
- Add 1 cup panko bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
- Stir in 4–5 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Fold in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape and Bake:
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing evenly to form a compact loaf.
- Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a crispier top, broil for an additional 3–5 minutes if needed (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Rest and Serve:
-
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Slice into thick, even pieces and garnish with extra chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For added moisture, consider using a mix of dark and white ground chicken.
- Overmixing the meat can lead to a denser texture; mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time; it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Modern Comfort
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~4 oz (113 g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
