Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a wildly flavorful, easy weeknight dinner that brings classic comfort food vibes with a modern twist, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are just what your table needs. These adorable mini meatloaves take all the juicy goodness of traditional meatloaf and infuse it with the irresistible flavors of parmesan and garlic, making every bite remarkably savory and memorable. They’re the definition of fuss-free: baked in under half an hour and perfect for meal-prepping or impressing your loved ones on a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things beautifully simple with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one brings its own delicious note to the symphony: creamy parmesan for richness, fresh herbs for color and pop, and tender ground chicken as the foundation.
- Ground Chicken: The star of the show! Offers a lean, tender base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatloaf together and ensure a light texture rather than a dense one.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds that unmistakable savory, cheesy depth throughout every bite.
- Egg: Acts as a classic binder, holding everything together and giving the meatloaves structure.
- Garlic (minced): The key flavor booster—fresh garlic infuses the meatloaves with warmth and aroma.
- Finely Chopped Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and keeps the meatloaves moist.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh, green flavor and speckled color to the mix.
- Italian Seasoning: Layers in those cozy, herby notes we all crave in comfort food.
- Salt: Brightens and enhances all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Provides just the right touch of gentle heat and balance.
- Olive Oil (for brushing): Helps create a golden finish and keeps the tops from drying out.
- Optional Topping—Extra Parmesan or Shredded Mozzarella: For the cheese lovers, this makes the tops irresistibly gooey and golden.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C), making sure it’s nice and hot before you pop the meatloaves in. Grab a muffin tin and give it a quick spray or brush with oil, or opt for a baking sheet lined with parchment if you prefer free-form loaves. This keeps the meatloaves from sticking and gives you easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix Up the Magic
In a large mixing bowl, bring together your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, egg, minced garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a fork—just make sure to mix until everything’s evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the mixture for the juiciest results.
Step 3: Shape and Top
Divide your mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions. If using the muffin tin, simply press the mixture into each cup for perfectly portioned mini loaves, or shape rustic little ovals on your baking sheet. For a pro tip, brush the tops with olive oil for that golden sheen, and—if you’re in the mood—sprinkle on some extra parmesan or even shredded mozzarella at this point.
Step 4: Bake Until Juicy and Golden
Slide your tray into the oven and let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are done when the tops are lightly golden and a thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165°F (74°C). This ensures they’re cooked through but still moist and tender.
Step 5: Rest, Then Serve
Once baked, resist the urge to dive right in! Let the meatloaves rest in the pan for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, so each bite is as flavorful and succulent as possible. Now, you’re ready to serve—or store for later!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Garnishes
For a burst of color and freshness, sprinkle your finished meatloaves with a little extra chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated parmesan. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon over the top can also brighten the flavors, if you’re feeling zesty!
Side Dishes
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are incredibly versatile. Serve them with fluffy mashed potatoes for classic comfort, or go lighter with roasted vegetables or a big simple green salad. The juicy, cheesy meat pairs well with nearly anything that soaks up those savory juices.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to have some fun with presentation, try stacking bite-sized mini loaves on a platter, drizzle with a swirl of garlicky herb oil, or make sliders for a party. Whip up a quick tomato or pesto sauce to serve alongside for a bold pop of flavor. The individual size makes them effortless to pack for lunch, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some leftovers? Lucky you! Pop any cooled meatloaves into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them a proactive solution for busy weekday lunches.
Freezing
These mini meatloaves freeze brilliantly. Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil. Gather them in a freezer bag or container and stash in the freezer for up to two months. For easy meal planning, label with the date so you know when you made them.
Reheating
To reheat, place meatloaves in a baking dish, add a splash of broth or water, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until hot. For a speedier option, microwave them on medium power, checking frequently to avoid drying them out. Top with a bit more cheese before reheating for an extra dose of melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in place of chicken with these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. Just keep an eye on moisture levels—if your turkey is especially lean, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of milk to the mixture for extra tenderness.
Do I have to use fresh parsley?
No worries if you only have dried parsley on hand—use about one-third the amount (so roughly 2 teaspoons). However, fresh parsley does give a brighter flavor and a pop of color that really makes the dish sing.
What’s the best way to keep the meatloaves from being dry?
The secret is not to overmix the chicken mixture, and don’t overbake. Letting the loaves rest after baking helps them keep their juices, too. Brushing the tops with olive oil also works wonders for keeping them moist!
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Yes! These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are meal-prep champions. Doubling the batch is a breeze—just use two muffin tins or make multiple trays, and keep an eye on your oven so everything bakes evenly.
Are these suitable for kids?
You bet! These mini meatloaves are mild, cheesy, and perfect for little hands. You can even sneak in some finely diced veggies if you want to up the nutrition—think grated zucchini or carrot blended right into the mix.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves enough—they’re easy, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, be prepared for rave reviews. Try them tonight and watch them become a staple in your kitchen!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 mini meatloaves 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. Made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, these mini meatloaves are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin or baking sheet.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Shape the Meatloaves: Divide the mixture into portions and shape into mini loaves or muffin cups.
- Add Topping: Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaves rest before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- These meatloaves freeze well and make great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg