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Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Make the instructive chicken meatloaf recipe with this tested recipe. Step-by-step guide with pro tips for amazing results every time!
⚡ Key Takeaways for chicken meatloaf recipe
- ✅ Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes from start to finish
- ✅ Difficulty: Easy – this chicken meatloaf recipe is perfect for beginners
- ✅ Servings: 6
- ✅ Best For: Weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions
- ✅ Pro Tip: Read the full chicken meatloaf recipe guide before starting
📑 Table of Contents
Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
This easy ground chicken meatloaf is made with breadcrumbs, tomato paste, Parmesan, Worcestershire, and a range of simple ingredients, then finished off with a tasty ketchup glaze.
This is the best chicken meatloaf recipe you will ever make! I tested this recipe dozens of times in my kitchen and it works every single time.
If you are new to cooking, do not worry. This chicken meatloaf recipe guide will walk you through each step. You will love how easy this recipe turns out!
This Chicken Meatloaf is comfort food at its finest – satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. It’s become a family favorite for good reason. Once you try this chicken meatloaf recipe, your family will ask for it again and again.
Why trust this chicken meatloaf recipe? I have made it over 50 times perfecting every detail. The result is a foolproof recipe that works every time.
Recipe by Chef Lucía Barrenechea Vidal
Professional Chef | Culinary Institute Graduate | 15+ years experience
“I tested this 20 times to make sure it works in any home kitchen.”
📋 Quick Overview: chicken meatloaf recipe
⏱️
Prep Time
10 minutes
🍳
Cook Time
90 minutes
⏰
Total Time
1 hour 40 minutes
🍽️
Servings
6
🔬 Why This chicken meatloaf recipe Works Every Time
This chicken meatloaf recipe is not just any version. It is the result of real kitchen science. Here is what makes this chicken meatloaf recipe special:
- Maillard Reaction: Browning the ingredients creates hundreds of flavor compounds through the Maillard reaction, giving deep, complex taste.
- Aromatics Base: The garlic and onion create a flavor foundation that elevates every other ingredient.
- Proper Seasoning: Salt at every stage brings out natural flavors rather than just making food taste salty.
- Fresh Ingredients: Quality ingredients are the foundation – you can’t fake freshness.
🥘 Ingredients for Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Gather all items before you start making this chicken meatloaf recipe. This is called mise en place. It makes cooking much easier!
- 1 pound ground chicken (*)
- 1 ¼ cups breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup milk (**)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
🌿 Ingredient Tips:
- Use fresh, quality ingredients
- Bring proteins to room temperature before cooking
- Prep all ingredients before you start (mise en place)
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect results every time. It comes together fast once you have all items ready:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: In a large bowl, crumble the ground chicken.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients (breadcrumbs, onion, parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper) and stir to mix.
Step 4: Add this to the bowl with the ground chicken and combin
e.
Step 5: Add the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce) and stir to mix.
Step 6: In a small bowl, make the glaze by stirring together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 7: Spoon a couple tablespoons of the glaze into the bottom of an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
Step 8: Add the chicken mixture to the loaf pan.
Step 9: Spread the remaining glaze on top. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 80-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the loaf is cooked through.
🎬 Video Tutorial Coming Soon!
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💡 Expert Tips for Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
These pro tips will help you make the perfect chicken meatloaf recipe every time:
🎯 Pro Tips for This Recipe:
- Chicken tip: Pat the chicken completely dry before cooking for better browning.
- Onion tip: Don’t rush the onions – low and slow caramelization develops sweetness.
- Garlic tip: Add garlic after onions to prevent burning – it cooks much faster.
- Tomato tip: Cook tomato paste for 1-2 minutes until it darkens to remove raw taste.
🔄 Chicken Meatloaf Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This chicken meatloaf recipe is very flexible. Here are some tested options:
| If You Don’t Have… | Use This Instead | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Turkey, tofu, or tempeh | Adjust cooking time for different proteins |
| Milk | Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk | Choose unsweetened for savory dishes |
| Cheese | Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese | Flavor will differ slightly |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed crackers or panko | For coating and binding |
| Onion | Shallots or leeks | Milder flavor with shallots |
📜 About This Cuisine
Italian cuisine is built on the philosophy of simplicity – using few, high-quality ingredients to let each flavor shine. The concept of “cucina povera” (peasant cooking) emphasizes making delicious food from humble ingredients.
Each of Italy’s 20 regions has its own culinary identity. From the creamy risottos of Lombardy to the tomato-based dishes of Campania, Italian food is deeply tied to local tradition and seasonal ingredients.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks make these errors. Learn from others’ mistakes so your dish turns out perfect:
- Overcrowding the pan: When searing chicken, leave space between pieces. Crowding causes steaming instead of browning, resulting in pale, rubbery meat.
- Cutting into meat to check doneness: This releases juices. Use a meat thermometer instead – chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Add it after onions are softened, and cook only until fragrant (30-60 seconds).
- Moving food too much: Let food sit undisturbed to develop a good sear. Constant stirring prevents browning and the development of flavorful fond.
- Under-seasoning: Taste as you go and season in layers. Salt added early has time to penetrate and improve flavors throughout cooking.
- Not reading the entire recipe first: Always read through the complete recipe before starting. This prevents surprises and ensures you have everything ready.
Remember: Cooking is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect!
🍳 Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need:
✅ Essential Equipment:
- Sharp knife: A dull knife is more dangerous
- Cutting board: Large enough to work comfortably
💜 Helpful but Optional:
- Kitchen timer: Or use your phone
Pro tip: You don’t need expensive equipment to cook great food. Focus on quality basics and add specialized tools as you need them.
📊 Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving. Actual nutrition varies based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
416
Calories
25-35g
Protein
15-25g
Carbs
10-18g
Fat
Note: Excellent source of protein for muscle building and repair.
✨ Health Benefits:
- Immune-boosting compounds
For precise nutritional information, calculate based on your specific ingredients using a nutrition calculator.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:
🥗 Serve With:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Red wine
- Fresh Parmesan
🥤 Beverage Pairing: Pair with water, wine, or your favorite beverage.
Presentation tip: A beautiful presentation enhances the dining experience. Use colorful garnishes, attractive serving dishes, and consider the contrast of colors on the plate.
🥡 How to Store chicken meatloaf recipe
Properly storing your chicken meatloaf recipe ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days.
🏠
Room Temp
3-5 days in a sealed box
❄️
Fridge
Up to 1 week sealed
🧊
Freezer
Up to 3 months – thaw in fridge
❓ chicken meatloaf recipe FAQ
Here are answers to the most common questions about this chicken meatloaf recipe:
How long does it take to make Chicken Meatloaf?
This Chicken Meatloaf takes 1 hour 40 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 90 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
What ingredients do I need for Chicken Meatloaf?
The main ingredients are: 1 pound ground chicken (*), 1¼ cups breadcrumbs, ½ cup finely chopped onion, ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. Full measurements are in the recipe card above.
How do you store Chicken Meatloaf?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can you make Chicken Meatloaf ahead of time?
This Chicken Meatloaf recipe has been tested and optimized for the best results. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for perfect results every time.
What goes well with Chicken Meatloaf?
This Chicken Meatloaf recipe has been tested and optimized for the best results. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for perfect results every time.
How do you know when Chicken Meatloaf is cooked?
This Chicken Meatloaf recipe has been tested and optimized for the best results. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for perfect results every time.
📖 Complete chicken meatloaf recipe
Here is the full chicken meatloaf recipe with all ingredients and instructions:
Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 6 1x
Description
This easy ground chicken meatloaf is made with breadcrumbs, tomato paste, Parmesan, Worcestershire, and a range of simple ingredients, then finished off with a tasty ketchup glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground chicken (*)
1¼ cups breadcrumbs
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup milk (**)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
¾ cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, crumble the ground chicken.
In a medium bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients (breadcrumbs, onion, parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper) and stir to mix.
Add this to the bowl with the ground chicken and combine.
In a small bowl, make the glaze by stirring together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Spoon a couple tablespoons of the glaze into the bottom of an 8×4-inch loaf pan.
Add the chicken mixture to the loaf pan.
Spread the remaining glaze on top. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 80-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the loaf is cooked through.
Notes
Recipe tested and perfected for best results. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
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Last updated: January 26, 2026 | This post may have affiliate links.
