Delicious Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Delicious Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground chicken; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or thyme; ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)

Published: March 9, 2025

by teprod

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Meatloaf

Healthier Alternative: Unlike traditional beef meatloaf, Chicken Meatloaf offers a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Ground chicken is lower in fat and calories while still providing ample protein.

Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe simplifies your cooking routine with minimal prep time and straightforward steps. You can prepare it in under 15 minutes before popping it into the oven for a hassle-free meal.

Versatile Ingredients: Customize your Chicken Meatloaf with various ingredients like vegetables or cheese to suit your family’s taste preferences. This adaptability makes it a great dish for any occasion.

Leftover Delight: One of the best things about this dish is its ability to taste even better the next day! Leftover slices make delicious sandwiches or can be reheated easily for lunch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Chicken: Use lean ground chicken for optimal flavor while keeping it healthy.
Breadcrumbs: Choose plain breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture together without overpowering the flavor.
Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring your meatloaf holds its shape during baking.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or thyme will enhance the overall taste and aroma of your meatloaf.

For the Sauce:

Ketchup: Classic ketchup adds sweetness and moisture; mix it with other ingredients for a tangy glaze.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Meatloaf

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until fully incorporated.

Prepare the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix ketchup with Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. This will serve as both glaze and flavor enhancer during baking.

Shape Your Loaf: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared loaf pan; shape it into an even loaf. Pour half of the sauce over the top for added moisture.

Bake in Oven: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes or until cooked through at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs instead of dried ones whenever possible; they provide brighter flavors that elevate your meatloaf significantly.

Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just enough until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: Consider adding finely chopped onions or bell peppers into your mixture; they add moisture and additional flavor without overwhelming it.

Let It Rest Before Slicing: Allowing your meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven helps retain juices when slicing.

Mistakes to avoid

Using dry chicken meat

Avoid using chicken that has dried out or been overcooked before mixing it into your meatloaf. Moist chicken will ensure your Chicken Meatloaf remains juicy and flavorful. Always check for the right temperature; ground chicken should reach 165°F.

Skipping the binder

Do not forget to include a binder, such as breadcrumbs or oats, in your Chicken Meatloaf mixture. A good binder helps hold the ingredients together, preventing the meatloaf from falling apart during cooking. Aim for a balance of moisture and dryness by adjusting your binder’s quantity based on the chicken’s juiciness.

Overmixing the ingredients

Be cautious not to overmix your Chicken Meatloaf ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than a light and tender loaf. Mix just until combined, allowing some air to remain in the mixture for optimal texture after baking.

Ignoring seasoning

Never underestimate the importance of seasoning in your Chicken Meatloaf. A simple blend of salt, pepper, and herbs can elevate the dish significantly. Taste as you go and feel free to experiment with flavors like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for added depth.

Not letting it rest

Allow your Chicken Meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, enhancing its flavor and moistness when you slice into it.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Meatloaf is versatile and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes. Creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory flavor of the meatloaf and add a comforting texture. For an added twist, consider using garlic or sour cream in your mashed potatoes for extra richness. Serve this dish alongside some steamed green beans to introduce a pop of color and a healthy crunch. The freshness of the beans balances the hearty meatloaf perfectly, making it a complete meal.

Another delightful option is to serve your Chicken Meatloaf with a side salad. A simple mixed greens salad topped with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette will brighten up your plate. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the richness of the meatloaf, elevating your dining experience. For those who enjoy grains, pairing this dish with quinoa or brown rice offers additional fiber and nutrients while providing a satisfying chew.

You might also want to consider serving Chicken Meatloaf with roasted vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil and seasoned to taste create a colorful and nutritious side. Roast them at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until tender. The natural sweetness of roasted vegetables complements the savory notes of the meatloaf beautifully, ensuring every bite is delicious.

Lastly, for those who prefer comfort food, serve Chicken Meatloaf on toasted bread as an open-faced sandwich. Top it with a dollop of homemade gravy or your favorite barbecue sauce for an added layer of flavor. This option transforms your meal into a hearty lunch or dinner that everyone will love, making it easy to enjoy leftovers.

FAQs

What ingredients are used in Chicken Meatloaf?

Chicken Meatloaf typically includes ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, and various seasonings like salt and pepper. You can also add herbs such as parsley or thyme for extra flavor. Some recipes may incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance moisture and nutrition.

How long does it take to cook Chicken Meatloaf?

Chicken Meatloaf usually takes about 1 hour to cook at 375°F (190°C). It’s important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Using a meat thermometer will help you check doneness accurately without cutting into the loaf prematurely.

Can I freeze Chicken Meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Meatloaf both before baking and after cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in Chicken Meatloaf?

If you need alternatives to breadcrumbs, consider using oats or crushed crackers as binding agents in your Chicken Meatloaf recipe. Additionally, gluten-free options like almond flour or ground flaxseed are great substitutes that provide similar texture without compromising flavor.