Italian-inspired Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Italian-inspired Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Italian-inspired Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf brings together the comforting traditions of Italian cooking and the wholesome goodness of lean chicken, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and heartwarming. This recipe is a delightful twist on classic meatloaf, combining juicy ground chicken with aromatic Italian herbs, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheeses. Perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings, this easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian-inspired meatloaf is loved for several reasons. First, its simple preparation is ideal for busy weekdays, letting you whip up a wholesome meal in no time. With minimal ingredients, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen; just a quick mix and a pop in the oven is all it takes.

Furthermore, it’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser. The combination of ground chicken, cheeses, and marinara sauce invites an array of flavors, making it deliciously appealing to kids and adults alike. This recipe allows you to enjoy Italian-inspired comfort food while staying healthy—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken: Lean and juicy, this is the star of our meatloaf, providing a light yet satisfying base.

• 1 cup breadcrumbs: These add texture, keeping the meatloaf moist and allowing it to hold its shape beautifully.

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This aromatic cheese introduces a nutty, savory flavor that enhances the dish’s indulgence.

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and creamy, mozzarella gives our meatloaf an irresistible cheesy pull.

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce: This rich tomato sauce adds depth and moisture, infusing every bite with classic Italian flavor.

• 1 egg: The binder for our mixture, helping it to maintain its form when baked.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A medley of herbs that brings a fragrant flair to your chicken meatloaf.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of the dish.

• Additional marinara sauce for topping: A final burst of flavor, complementing the meatloaf perfectly.

• Crispy breadcrumbs for topping: For an additional crunch that contrasts deliciously with the moist interior.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for your delicious meatloaf.

2. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

3. Shape the loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf and transfer it to a greased baking dish, ensuring it’s compact to prevent crumbling.

4. Add sauce & breadcrumbs: Spread additional marinara sauce generously over the top of the meatloaf, then sprinkle with crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.

5. Bake to perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the meatloaf is cooked through while remaining moist.

6. Cool and slice: Once done, take the meatloaf out and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender slice.

Tips & Tricks

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. This helps you avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.

2. Moisture Control: If your mixture looks too wet, you may add a bit more breadcrumbs; conversely, if it seems too dry, a splash of additional marinara sauce can enhance moisture.

3. Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like garlic powder or onion powder for more robust flavors.

4. Make Ahead: This meatloaf can be prepared a day in advance. Just pop it into the fridge pre-baked, and cook it when you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Italian-inspired Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is versatile—it pairs beautifully with a side of spaghetti, steamed vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. For an Italian-themed dinner night, serve it alongside garlic bread and a glass of sparkling water infused with lemon. It makes for perfect leftovers, great for sandwiches the next day!

Nutritional Information

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, with each serving containing around 250-300 calories, depending on specific ingredient brands used.

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 10g

Enjoy this dish knowing it’s not only delicious but also a balanced option for your family’s dinner table!

Storing Tips & Variations

Storing: If you have leftovers, allow the meatloaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: You can also freeze the meatloaf. Wrap it well and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: When reheating, place it back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for a quicker option.

Variations: Change things up by incorporating chopped spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrients. If you want a kick of spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes into the mixture.

Conclusion

This Italian-inspired Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is your new go-to recipe for a satisfying and nutritious family meal. With its ease of preparation and delightful flavor combinations, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with us. We’re excited to hear how your family enjoyed this blend of Italian comfort food!

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
   Yes! Ground turkey works very well in this recipe, maintaining a similar texture and taste.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this meatloaf.

3. How do I know if the meatloaf is cooked through without cutting into it?
   A meat thermometer is the best tool! Insert it into the thickest part of the meatloaf; it should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
   Certainly! Fresh herbs can add vibrant flavors, but use them in larger amounts since fresh herbs are less potent than dried ones.

5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
   Yes! This meatloaf keeps well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prepping for weekly lunches or dinners.

Italian-inspired Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

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• Author: noah-reed
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

A healthy and delicious twist on classic meatloaf, combining ground chicken, Italian herbs, marinara sauce, and cheeses for a satisfying family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Additional marinara sauce for topping
• Crispy breadcrumbs for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and transfer it to a greased baking dish.
4. Spread additional marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle with crispy breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. You can customize flavors with additional spices and make it ahead of time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg