A tender, flavorful meatloaf made with lean ground chicken, Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a golden crust—lighter than traditional beef meatloaf but just as satisfying!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, Family-Friendly, Comfort Food
đź“ť Ingredients
1½ lbs ground chicken
Âľ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ yellow onion, finely chopped
ÂĽ cup milk
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
ÂĽ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, onion, milk, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
Step 3: Shape & Assemble
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.
Sprinkle mozzarella on top if using and press gently into the loaf.
Brush the top with olive oil for a golden crust.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.
đź’ˇ Notes & Tips
Don’t overmix: Keeps the meatloaf tender.
Cheese tip: Use reduced-fat mozzarella to cut W-W points if desired.
Make it a meal: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb side.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: meatloaf mixture combined → shaped loaf → topped with mozzarella → baked loaf → sliced and plated)
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the loaf too early.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
Ground chicken: Lean protein alternative to beef or pork.
Parmesan & mozzarella: Add rich, cheesy flavor.
Breadcrumbs & milk: Keep the loaf moist and tender.
Garlic & herbs: Bring classic Italian flavor.
Substitutions:
Use turkey instead of chicken if preferred.
For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Swap milk for unsweetened almond milk for dairy-sensitive diets.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
Add a few tablespoons of marinara sauce over the top before baking.
Mix in chopped spinach or shredded zucchini for extra veggies.
Serving Suggestions:
Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
Garlic roasted green beans
Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~290 kcal | Protein: ~26g | Carbs: ~8g | Fat: ~16g
W-W Points (per serving, based on 6 servings):
➡️ 5 Points (with mozzarella topping)
➡️ 4 Points if omitting mozzarella or using reduced-fat mozzarella and light olive oil spray instead of 1 tbsp olive oil.
W-W Points may vary depending on exact brands and quantities. For accuracy, enter your specific ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Egg, Milk, Wheat (breadcrumbs)
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes—ground turkey works perfectly and W-W points will be nearly the same.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Absolutely—assemble the loaf and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze the whole loaf?
A: Yes—wrap the unbaked or baked loaf tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
đź“ť The Story Behind the Recipe
This Italian-style chicken meatloaf came from a desire for a lighter take on classic meatloaf that still delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture. It’s now a go-to recipe in my house when we want comfort food that’s also mindful of calories and W-W points!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Did you try this chicken meatloaf? Any fun add-ins or serving suggestions? Drop a comment or tag me with your creations—I’d love to see them!