Delicious chicken loaf

This chicken and Parmesan loaf is a lighter spin on the usual meatloaf, but it's still super flavorful and totally hits the spot. Mixing Parmesan with Italian herbs just brings out a taste everyone at the table will want again and again.

I first threw this together on a night when I wanted to make ground chicken a bit more exciting. Ever since my first try, it’s been a regular hit with my kids—they always ask for it on our Sunday family nights.

Tasty Ingredients

• Dried basil, thyme, and oregano: these herbs make it taste totally Mediterranean
• Milk: keeps everything juicy and stops the loaf from drying out
• Parmesan (freshly grated): adds a salty, rich punch that just works with chicken
• Eggs (beaten): pulls the mix together so it holds when sliced
• Chicken, ground: gives a lighter bite than your standard beef version
• Minced garlic: brings out all the deep flavor notes
• Italian breadcrumbs: gives a nice texture and soaks up all the tasty juices
• Grated onion: there for moisture and a gentle zing (without giant onion bits)
• Provolone and mozzarella cheeses (melted): creates an irresistible melty cheese topping
• Tomato sauce: forms a yummy topping, kind of like the best part of pizza

Simple Step-by-Step

Final cheese melt:

Pop it back in for 5 to 7 more minutes till the cheese gets bubbly and browned on the sides

Add your cheeses:

Take your loaf out, lay provolone on top, sprinkle with mozzarella until everything’s covered

Shaping and saucing:

Scoop your mix into a loaf pan, press it gently, then spoon the tomato sauce evenly over the top

Get the oven ready:

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (176°C)—this part takes about 10 minutes, but it matters for even cooking

Mold prep:

Grease up your bread pan well—spray or butter works—so nothing sticks once it’s done

First bake:

Bake for 55 minutes, making sure your loaf hits 165°F (74°C) inside and the chicken’s cooked through

Mix it up:

In a big bowl, gently combine ground chicken, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, Parmesan, milk, herbs, garlic, and seasonings (don’t stir too much, or it’ll go dense)

The real trick with this one is using fresh Parmesan instead of the stuff in a can. The first time my Italian mother-in-law tasted it, she wanted to know how I made it. Honestly, that was one of the best compliments I’d ever gotten in the kitchen.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

This meatloaf will stay good in the fridge for 3 to 4 days if you toss it in an airtight container. If you want to freeze, wrap it tight in foil and stick it in a freezer bag—it’ll last a solid 3 months. To heat it up, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake it at 325°F (163°C) for around 20 minutes or until it’s steamy and hot inside.

Switch-Ups and Swaps

If you’re after something even lighter, use 99% lean ground chicken and low-fat cheeses. For a gluten-free bite, swap in GF breadcrumbs or pulsed oats instead of the regular crumbs. You can also sneak in some extra veggies—think peppers, carrots, or spinach for more goodness.

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Great Sides to Try

Serve your meatloaf with a big scoop of creamy mashed potatoes and green beans sizzling in the pan. Throw together a simple green salad with a light balsamic drizzle if you want something fresh. Craving Italian flavors? Go for herbed pasta or some extra-smooth polenta on the side.

Chef's Pro Tip

Let all your ingredients sit out till they lose their chill—mixing is way easier that way.

For the garlic and onion, grab a microplane to grate them fine, so they blend right in and give the best flavor.

Once baked, wait 10 minutes before cutting your loaf. That gives the juices time to work through and helps your slices stay in one piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of meat works best for this dish?

Ground chicken is best, as it creates a soft, tender texture. You can also mix chicken with turkey for even more flavor.

→ Can I swap out Parmesan cheese?

Sure, you can use Grana Padano or Pecorino if you want a sharper taste in your dish.

→ How can I keep the chicken loaf from drying out?

Milk and eggs help keep it moist. Also, avoid overbaking and make sure to use tomato sauce for added juiciness.

→ Are other herbs an option here?

Yes, you can use parsley, cilantro, or fresh herbs to bring a unique twist to the flavor.

→ What sides pair well with it?

This dish is great with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.