moist chicken meatloaf

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 20, 2024

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Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

This old fashioned ground chicken meatloaf is incredibly easy to make and the epitome of classic comfort food. Your whole family will love this delicious glazed meatloaf.

Chicken Meatloaf

This recipe for ground chicken meatloaf is such a family favorite in my house. It holds together so well and feels like an updated version of the old fashioned style meatloaf my grandma used to make.

This meatloaf is moist and has tons of flavor. You can honestly taste so much flavor in each bite, from the melted parmesan cheese, to the deliciously tender onions, to all the seasonings in between.

The eggs and Italian bread crumbs help hold the shape and keep the meatloaf super moist. Then the sticky sweet glaze lays perfectly on top like a blanket. Its seriously so good! The glaze is so easy to make, and it definitely completes the meatloaf.

This is one of the best ground chicken recipes of all time! Its an easy sheet pan meatloaf, and I bet it will be a staple in your house like it is in mine. I definitely recommend using the leftover meatloaf to make meatloaf sandwiches, I had that for lunch the other day and it was unbelievable!

Ingredients

Ground Chicken: I used ground chicken, but you could also substitute that with ground turkey. Dont use extra-lean ground chicken, you want the fat content to keep the meatloaf from drying out.

Eggs: Eggs help keep the form of the meatloaf and act as a binder.

Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs are both a binder and a filler. They absorb the fat and juices from the meat while the meatloaf is cooking. This holds in the flavors and aids in keeping the meatloaf from becoming dry. Theyre also a filler, which helps make the meat stretch further to feed more people.

Milk: Adding milk to the mixture hydrates the breadcrumbs to prevent them from pulling too much moisture out of the meat.

Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a rich, salty, umami flavor that pairs so well with ground chicken. Its kind of like the flavor profile of chicken parmesan. The combination of chicken, parmesan, and tomatoes is pretty much always a winning flavor combination.

You need to use freshly grated parmesan cheese because pre-grated cheeses are coated in an anti-caking agent. That changes the texture of the cheese when melted and it doesnt melt smoothly.

Onion: Onions are savory and sweet! They add a lovely flavor to the meatloaf. When dicing the onions you need to make sure they are finely diced or grated. An alternative to finely dicing the onion is sauteing them until they are translucent. That prevents risking any undercooked pieces of onion in your meatloaf.

Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce gives the ground chicken a savory and umami flavor. Such a small ingredient with so much power!

Ketchup: Adding ketchup gives the meatloaf a sweet and tangy flavor. Ketchup is also the best base for the glaze!

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar has a caramel like flavor and it caramelizes very well. Its purpose is to give the glaze a sweet sticky mouthfeel.

Spices and Herbs: Seasoning the meat is important. Its where you capture the main flavors. You only need a few spices and herbs, like parsley, garlic powder, fine sea salt, and ground black pepper, to add tons of delicious flavor to the meatloaf.

How To Make Chicken Meatloaf

Start off by making this easy and delicious glaze. To a small mixing bowl, add the ketchup and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly and set aside for later. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)

To a large mixing bowl, add the eggs and beat together. Add in the breadcrumbs, milk, shredded parmesan cheese, onions, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix everything together. Break the chicken up into smaller chunks as you add it to the mixing bowl.

Use your hands to mix the ground chicken thoroughly into the wet mixture. Make sure not to overmix the meat because that will make it tough when it cooks. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the center of the lined baking sheet. Use your hands to form the loaf by pressing tightly and pinching together any cracks. Make sure that it is sized evenly all the way around for even cooking.

Grab the glaze you set aside and spoon it onto the meatloaf. You can use the spoon or a silicone brush to evenly spread it across the tops and sides of the meatloaf. Bake the meatloaf until the internal temperature reaches 165F on an instant read meat thermometer. You need to stick the thermometer in the thickest part of the meatloaf for an accurate reading.

Just before the meatloaf is fully cooked, turn the oven to broil to let the glaze caramelize. Once the glaze has caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Cut the meatloaf into 1 to 1 slices, and serve it with your favorite sides. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, etc.

What Is The Secret To Moist Meatloaf?

The secret to keeping your meatloaf moist is using hydrated breadcrumbs. Thats why we add milk, because the breadcrumbs will soak it up. The breadcrumbs will also soak up any juices from the meat while its cooking to keep it moist and hold in the flavor.

Its also important to not use extra-lean ground chicken. Packs that are labeled with only 1% fat wont work as well because there isnt enough fat to keep the meatloaf tender.

What Ingredients Keep Meatloaf From Falling Apart?

The best binders for meatloaf are eggs and Italian bread crumbs (panko also works). These ingredients make sure the meatloaf wont fall apart while cooking.

How Long To Bake Meatloaf

How long you need to bake meatloaf depends on the temperature you bake meatloaf. For this recipe, baking the meatloaf for 50 minutes was the right amount of time. After that, I broiled it for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze, and it was perfect!

How Do You Know When Chicken Meatloaf Is Done?

Youll know the meatloaf is completely cooked through when the internal temp on your instant read thermometer reads 165F at the thickest point of the meatloaf.

What To Serve With Ground Chicken Meatloaf

I love serving meatloaf with two side dishes. I normally opt for a starch (like mashed potatoes or seasoned rice) and a vegetable (like buttery frozen peas or these Southern green beans).

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Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time50 minutes

Additional Time10 minutes

Total Time1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Glaze:

1/3 cup ketchup
2 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar

Meatloaf:

2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 small yellow onion (finely diced, about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup ketchup
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 Tablespoons dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds ground chicken
Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F (176 C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then lightly spray the surface with nonstick cooking oil, then set aside.
To a small mixing bowl, add the ketchup and brown sugar. Thoroughly mix to create the glaze. Set aside.
To a large mixing bowl, add in the eggs and beat together. Add in the breadcrumbs, milk, shredded parmesan cheese, onions, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly mix the ingredients together.
Add the ground chicken to the bowl and break the ground chicken up into pieces. Use your hands to work the ground chicken into the wet mixture until completely combined (being careful not to overmix).
Transfer the chicken mixture to the center of the prepared baking sheet, then use your hands to form a loaf. Make sure the meat is pressed tightly together to keep it from separating while cooking. Also make sure to keep it an even height and thickness across the entire loaf (to ensure even cooking).
Once its formed, spoon the glaze evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
Place the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, then turn the broiler on and broil the meatloaf for about 3 minutes to caramelize the glaze. The meatloaf will be done when an instant read thermometer inserted at the thickest point reads 165 F.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before transferring to a serving tray. Garnish with fresh parsley and cut into 1- 1 1/4 slices and serve with desired sides.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1/8Amount Per Serving:Calories: 307Total Fat: 14.8gCarbohydrates: 19.4gFiber: 3.9gSugar: 10gProtein: 26.6g

Nutrition information isnt always accurate.

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Try this delicious simple ground chicken recipe and make some glazed chicken meatloaf for your next family dinner.

Chicken Meatloaf

Last Updated on May 9, 2023 by Bintu. Leave a Comment

This ground chicken meatloaf recipe is healthy and delicious, and it takes only a few minutes of prep work to make this lightened-up version of a comfort food classic.

Post includes Weight Watchers points.

Ground Chicken Meatloaf is comforting and wholesome. Ground chicken breast is combined with tender onions, garlic, herbs, and spices and topped with a sticky sweet glaze.

This chicken meatloaf recipe is as tender and moist as traditional meatloaf made with ground beef but is lower in fat. Adding more veggies is easy, and you can even tweak the recipe a bit to make it low carb or gluten-free.

Chicken Meatloaf is perfect for meal prep. Prep the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance or pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake it fresh and serve with your favorite comfort food sides, such as mashed potatoes and steamed veggies.

Just like this recipe for Buttermilk Chicken Tenders and my classic Doritos Chicken, your whole family will love this tasty chicken meatloaf recipe!

Why Make This Recipe

Its Healthy and Delicious Ground chicken breast is low in fat but high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, so its the perfect alternative to ground beef.
Its So Easy You can prep this recipe in about 5 minutes. And, while it bakes for about an hour, it hands off so you can tend to other tasks.
Its Kid and Parent Approved Parents know its healthy, and kids love it, so its a win for everybody.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken Lean ground chicken breast makes the meatloaf healthy and lower in fat.
Breadcrumbs Adding breadcrumbs helps to preserve moisture and adds texture to the meatloaf. I used panko, but you can substitute regular breadcrumbs, gluten free bread crumbs, crackers, oatmeal or almond flour.
Milk Use whatever kind of milk you have on hand. Higher-fat milk or cream will keep the meatloaf moist but will add to the fat content.
Aromatics Chopped onion and minced garlic cloves add flavor and aroma. Use garlic powder and onion powder if you prefer.
Egg The egg acts as a binder to prevent the meatloaf from falling apart.
Cheese Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor. Substitute with your favorite cheese.
Herbs and Spices Combine fresh parsley, dried thyme, salt, ground pepper and ground nutmeg.
Worcestershire Sauce This adds a deep, rich, umami flavor. You can also use soy sauce or substitute tamari or amino acids when making gluten free.
Ketchup Use your favorite ketchup or barbecue sauce. You can also substitute tomato paste.
Brown Sugar Adds a bit of sweetness to the glaze.
Vinegar Balances the sweetness and helps to give the glaze a nice shine.

Ready to learn how to make delicious chicken meatloaf? Gather up your ingredients, and I will show you

How To Make Ground Chicken Meatloaf

Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F / 175 degrees C, grease a 95 inch loaf pan, and line it with parchment if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with all of the meatloaf ingredients. Mix with your hands or a spoon until just incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press between the loaf and the pan to gently form a rounded top.
Whisk the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to make the glaze.
Brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and bake for 45 minutes.
Top with the remaining glaze and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when checked with a digital thermometer.
Let the chicken loaf rest for 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan, slice, and serve.

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of any type of chicken should be at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.

Tips For Success

Bring the meat and the egg to room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
Pour the milk over the breadcrumbs and allow them to soak for a few minutes before adding to the loaf mixture.
Use your hands to mix the ingredients for the best results. Overmixing can cause the meatloaf to be tough, and using your hands makes it less likely youll overmix.
If you dont have a loaf pan or prefer a more freeform shape, you can shape the meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Press gently when forming the meatloaf.
Let the cooked meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use the leftover meatloaf for sandwiches or add it to pasta, tacos, or as a breakfast meat with eggs and hashbrowns.

Variations

Meatloaf Muffins / Meatloaf Cupcakes Make individual mini meatloaves by pressing the mixture into a muffin tin. Reduce the cooking time to 20-30 minutes.
Dairy Free Skip the cheese and use dairy-free milk such as oat milk. You can also use seltzer water.
Gluten Free Use gluten free breadcrumbs and substitute the Worcestershire sauce with gluten free soy sauce, tamari or liquid aminos.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Make your own breadcrumbs using leftover bread.
Make meatloaf muffins and store in the freezer. They are perfect for a quick and easy lunch.

Prep Ahead And Storage

Prep Ahead Meatloaf can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
Store Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then cook or reheat.
Reheat Cover with foil and bake in a 350 degrees F / 175 degrees C oven for 20-25 minutes or until warmed. You can also microwave individual slices.

Meal Prep

Bring the ground meat and the egg to room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
Prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
Freeze meatloaf (cooked or uncooked) for an easy meal later on. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook or reheat.

FAQs

Can I Make This With Ground Turkey?

Yes! Ground turkey is an excellent alternative to using ground turkey. The cooking time will be the same.

How Long to Cook Chicken Meatloaf at 350 degrees F?

Bake chicken meatloaf for 45-60 minutes and use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.

Is Chicken Meatloaf Low-Carb?

This recipe contains breadcrumbs, ketchup and brown sugar, which all have carbohydrates. To make this recipe low-carb, replace the breadcrumbs with almond meal or flour, use sugar-free ketchup and eliminate the brown sugar.

More Recipes You May Like

Serving Suggestions

Weight Watchers Points

There are 4 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Get The Chicken Meatloaf Recipe:

Chicken Meatloaf

A healthier take on classic meatloaf made with ground chicken breast.

Print Pin Rate Save RecipeSaved!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Fat

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 173kcal

Ingredients

Meatloaf

1 pound (453g) ground chicken
cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
cup (59ml) milk
cup (39g) onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 large egg
cup (59ml) Worcestershire sauce
cup (22.5g) parmesan cheese grated
cup (25g) fresh parsley chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
teaspoon ground pepper
teaspoon ground nutmeg

Glaze

cup (59g) ketchup
cup (50g) brown sugar
cup (59ml) apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F / 175 degrees C, grease a 95 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment if desired.
In a large
mixing bowl
, combine the ground chicken with all of the meatloaf ingredients. Mix with your hands or a spoon until just incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Press between the loaf and the pan to gently form a rounded top.
Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to make the glaze.
Brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and bake for 45 minutes.
Top with the remaining glaze and cook for another 15 minutes or until the meatloaf has reached 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when checked with a digital thermometer.
Let the chicken loaf rest for 15 minutes then remove from the pan, slice and serve.

Notes

Bring the meat and the egg to room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
Pour the milk over the breadcrumbs and allow them to soak for a few minutes before adding to the loaf mixture.
Use your hands to mix the ingredients for the best results. Overmixing can cause the meatloaf to be tough and using your hands makes it less likely youll overmix.
If you dont have a loaf pan or prefer a more freeform shape, you can shape the meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Press gently when forming the meatloaf.
Check the temperature with a digital thermometer to ensure the meatloaf has cooked to a minimum of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use the leftover meatloaf for sandwiches or add it to pasta, tacos, or as a breakfast meat with eggs and hashbrowns.
Storage keep leftovers wrapped tightly or in an airtight container inside the fridge for 4-5 days.
There are 4 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.