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Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf: Your New Family Favorite!

This Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf is a comforting and budget-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf
  • 2 lbs Ground Chicken You can swap it for ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Olive oil can be a great dairy-free substitute.
  • 1 Medium Onion, Diced No substitutions are needed for this classic ingredient.
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Cloves, Minced Garlic powder is an alternative if fresh isn’t on hand.
  • 3/4 cup Bread Crumbs Gluten-free breadcrumbs can work if necessary.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Grated Romano can substitute well.
  • 1/4 cup Basil Pesto Omit if you don’t have any on hand, but you’ll miss the herbal notes.
  • 1/2 cup Tomato Passata Marinara sauce is a suitable alternative.
  • 2 Eggs No substitutions recommended for optimal texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can offer a unique twist to the profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Use single herbs like oregano or thyme if preferred.
  • Salt and Black Pepper Adjust based on personal taste and dietary needs.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Consider lactose-free cheese if needed.
  • 3/4 cup Tomato Passata Marinara sauce can also serve this purpose.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Substitute with fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
  • 10 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced Stick with standard mozzarella here.
  • 1/3 cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese Try grated Pecorino for a different taste.
  • Basil Leaves You can use any fresh herbs in your kitchen as a substitute.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • baking tray
  • medium pan
  • large bowl

Method
 

How to Make Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Sauté diced onion in a medium pan with melted butter for about 3 minutes until it’s translucent. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl: ground chicken, cooled onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan, pesto, tomato passata, eggs, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep it tender.
  4. Shape the meat mixture into a rectangle on your prepared baking tray, approximately 0.5 inch thick. Place mozzarella cheese in the center, then roll the mixture tightly to encase the cheese.
  5. Bake in your preheated oven for 40 minutes.
  6. Top your meatloaf by covering it with tomato passata, and sprinkling it with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
  7. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  8. Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to prevent it from crumbling and maintain its juiciness. Experiment with adding chopped vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.

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