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Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe

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4.4 from 29 reviews

This Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf is a juicy, flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, packed with ground chicken, Italian seasoning, and layers of melted mozzarella cheese. Smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with fresh basil, it's an irresistible comfort food perfect for family dinners.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs (1 kg) ground chicken (breasts or thighs)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup tomato passata (marinara)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, as needed
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup tomato passata (marinara)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Topping:

  • 10 ounces (300 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Cook Onion and Garlic: In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
  3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooked onion and garlic, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, basil pesto, tomato passata, eggs, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
  4. Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking tray. Stretch and shape it into a rectangle about 0.5 inch (1 cm) thick, similar to stretching pizza dough.
  5. Add Mozzarella Center: Place the shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of the meat rectangle.
  6. Roll Meatloaf: Carefully roll the meat from the short end into a tight log, sealing the edges tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking.
  7. Bake First Phase: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 40 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
  8. Prepare Sauce: While the meatloaf bakes, combine tomato passata and garlic powder in a small bowl to make the sauce.
  9. Add Sauce and Toppings: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over it. Top with sliced mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake Second Phase: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use either ground chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference for lean or slightly fattier meat.
  • Mix ingredients just until combined to keep the meatloaf tender.
  • Sealing the edges well helps prevent cheese leakage during baking.
  • Resting the meatloaf after baking ensures juiciness and easier slicing.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/ground-chicken-parmesan-meatloaf-recipe/