Looking for a lighter take on traditional meatloaf? This chicken meatloaf recipe transforms the beloved comfort food into a healthier, yet equally satisfying dish. Moist, flavorful, and packed with lean protein, this recipe proves that comfort food can be nutritious without sacrificing taste.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
This modern interpretation of classic meatloaf uses ground chicken instead of beef, reducing the fat content while maintaining the rich, homey flavors you crave. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this chicken meatloaf stays moist thanks to carefully selected ingredients and proper cooking techniques.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- Variations and Substitutions
- Equipment For Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- Storage and Reheating
- My Grandmother’s Secret Touch
- FAQ
- A Lighter Classic That Brings Big Flavor to the Table
- Related
- Pairing
- Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
the Meatloaf:
- Ground chicken
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried thyme
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
the Glaze:
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Making the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cooled onion-garlic mixture, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender meatloaf.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, gently pressing to eliminate air pockets.
Preparing and Adding the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Spread half of the glaze evenly over the meatloaf before baking.
Baking
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Add remaining glaze and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- Use ground chicken with some fat content (93% lean) for better moisture and flavor.
- Don't skip the milk-soaked breadcrumbs – they're crucial for maintaining moisture.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to help it hold together when slicing.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking without drying out the meatloaf.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Version
Transform this recipe into a chicken cordon bleu meatloaf by:
- Layering ham and Swiss cheese in the middle of the meatloaf mixture
- Rolling and sealing the edges before placing in the loaf pan
- Following the same cooking instructions, adding 5-10 minutes to ensure cheese melts
Other Variations
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds
- Substitute milk with chicken broth for a dairy-free version
- Add grated carrots and zucchini for extra nutrition
- Use ground turkey as an alternative to ground chicken
Equipment For Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Medium skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave with a damp paper towel cover, or in the oven at 350°F until heated through
My Grandmother’s Secret Touch
There’s something magical about the way my grandmother used to cook—every dish felt like a hug. This chicken meatloaf recipe carries her secret touch: simple ingredients, prepared with love, and always a little extra care. She taught me that the key to unforgettable flavor isn’t just in the spices, but in the small steps—like gently sautéing onions to draw out their sweetness or soaking breadcrumbs to lock in moisture. This recipe isn’t just food—it’s a piece of family tradition passed down with heart. Now, I’m honored to share it with you, just like she shared it with me.
FAQ
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
Using milk-soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, and ground chicken with some fat content helps retain moisture.
Sautéing onions and garlic also adds juiciness.
Avoid overmixing the meat to keep it tender.
What temperature to cook chicken meatloaf?
Bake chicken meatloaf at 350°F (175°C).
It’s fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
What gives meatloaf the best flavor?
A mix of herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley enhances flavor.
Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami.
Sautéed aromatics and a tangy glaze complete the taste.
What goes well with chicken meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or steamed green beans are classic sides.
A crisp garden salad adds freshness.
For comfort food vibes, try it with mac and cheese or rice pilaf.
A Lighter Classic That Brings Big Flavor to the Table
This chicken meatloaf recipe is proof that healthy doesn’t mean boring. By swapping traditional beef for lean ground chicken, you get all the nostalgic, hearty goodness of meatloaf with a lighter, protein-rich twist. It’s moist, flavorful, and customizable—perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests with a unique spin like the chicken cordon bleu variation.
Pair it with your favorite sides and you've got a meal that's satisfying without being heavy. Don’t forget to save the leftovers—they reheat beautifully and make amazing sandwiches the next day!
If you're looking to continue the comfort food journey, check out our Steak Quesadilla Recipe for a cheesy, satisfying treat, or dive into rich, slow-cooked flavor with our Tender Lamb Breast Recipe.
Let us know in the comments how your chicken meatloaf turned out, and feel free to tag us in your homemade creations!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium skillet
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
the Glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in skillet. Sauté onions until translucent (5 minutes). Add garlic, cook 1 minute more. Cool.
- Mix ground chicken, cooled onion mixture, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings in large bowl.
- Transfer to loaf pan. Press gently to remove air pockets.
- Mix glaze ingredients. Spread half over meatloaf.
- Bake 45 minutes. Add remaining glaze.
- Bake additional 15-20 minutes (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use 93% lean ground chicken for best results
- Don't overmix to ensure tender texture
- Let rest before slicing to maintain shape
- Check internal temperature with meat thermometer
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