Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves: A Deliciously Easy Dinner

Are you looking for a fresh idea for a weeknight dinner that is bursting with flavour yet remarkably straightforward to prepare? We’ve all had that moment, gazing into the fridge, craving something comforting and wholesome without wanting to dedicate hours to cooking. While traditional meatloaf is a beloved classic, it can sometimes feel a little on the heavy side. But what if we told you there was a lighter, speedier, and arguably more flavourful version that will have the whole family demanding a second helping?

Allow us to introduce our sensational Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. These perfectly portioned mini loaves are set to transform your family meal times. By using lean chicken mince and enriching it with aromatic garlic, savoury Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs, we have developed a dish that is both nutritious and incredibly tasty. They cook much faster than a standard meatloaf, which makes them perfect for those hectic evenings. If you have a soft spot for cheesy, comforting chicken dishes, you’ll adore this recipe, and you might also be tempted by our Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread for another satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Individual Portions Cook in a Flash: By forming the mixture into smaller, individual loaves, we significantly reduce the time needed in the oven. You can have dinner on the table in less than 40 minutes!
• Packed with Savoury Flavour: The beautiful marriage of garlic, nutty Parmesan, and fresh parsley provides a wonderfully deep and savoury taste that makes each mouthful a true pleasure.
• A Healthier Choice: Opting for chicken mince creates a leaner, lighter take on classic beef meatloaf, all without losing that satisfying, comforting quality. It is a brilliant healthy meatloaf alternative.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: These mini meatloaves are a fantastic make-ahead option. Simply cook a batch over the weekend to enjoy as quick, delicious lunches or dinners during the week.
• A Hit with the Whole Family: The mild yet cheesy flavour profile is incredibly popular with both children and adults, making it a dependable go-to for any family meal.

Ingredients

• 900g chicken mince
• 120g Panko breadcrumbs
• 80g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 60ml milk
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

We’ve streamlined this recipe into straightforward, easy-to-manage steps. You’ll be astonished at just how quickly these wonderful mini meatloaves come together. Let’s begin!

1. Preparation First

Before we get to the mixing, let’s get all our components in order. To start, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This small step is essential for a hassle-free clean-up later on – we promise you’ll be glad you did!

Next, it’s time to create our “flavour base.” In a small frying pan, warm a little olive oil over a medium heat. Sauté the finely diced onion for about 5-7 minutes, until it has softened and become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for one more minute until it’s fragrant, taking care not to let it burn. Once ready, take the pan off the heat and allow the onion and garlic mix to cool down for a few minutes.

2. Mixing the Chicken Meatloaf Mixture

Here comes the enjoyable part! In a large bowl, place the chicken mince, Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, milk, chopped parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Tip in the cooled onion and garlic mixture as well.

Using your hands (which are honestly the best tools for this task!) or a sturdy spoon, gently combine all the ingredients until they are just incorporated. One of the most important secrets to a tender mini chicken meatloaf is to resist the urge to overmix. Overworking the mince can lead to a tough and dense final texture, and we’re aiming for our meatloaves to be wonderfully light and moist.

3. Shaping and Baking the Loaves

With the mixture ready, it’s time to form the loaves. Divide the chicken mixture into 6 even portions. To stop it from sticking, slightly dampen your hands and then shape each portion into a small, oval loaf around 4 inches in length. Place the mini meatloaves onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is a bit of space between each one to promote even baking.

Transfer the tray into your preheated oven and let them bake for 20 minutes. While they’re in the oven, we can whip up the simple yet flavourful glaze.

4. Preparing and Applying the Glaze

A touch of a sweet and tangy glaze provides the ideal finishing flourish. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until you have a smooth consistency. Once the meatloaves have had their initial 20 minutes of baking, carefully take the tray out of the oven. Generously brush this glaze all over the top and sides of each individual loaf.

Pop the tray back into the oven to bake for a further 10–15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the glaze is sticky and caramelised and the meatloaves are thoroughly cooked. The most reliable way to confirm they are ready is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read 74°C (165°F) in the centre. For official advice on cooking poultry to a safe temperature, you can consult the UK Food Standards Agency.

After baking, allow the meatloaves to rest for a few minutes on the tray before serving. This step helps the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing every bite is moist and tender.

Top Tips for the Perfect Garlic Herb Meatloaf

To make sure your chicken meatloaves turn out perfectly on every occasion, bear these simple pointers in mind. They are the little details that elevate a good recipe into a truly great one!

• Don’t Overmix: We know we’ve said it before, but it really is the golden rule of making meatloaf! Combine the ingredients only until they come together to maintain a beautifully tender texture.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: For the most authentic and robust flavour, we highly recommend grating your own Parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain additives that can alter both the taste and texture.
• Chicken Thigh Mince is Your Friend: While chicken breast mince will certainly work, using mince from thigh meat offers a slightly higher fat content, which yields a far juicier and more flavour-packed meatloaf.
• Customise Your Herbs: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your choice of herbs. A little thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of sage would also be delightful, transforming this into an exceptional garlic herb meatloaf. For another inventive chicken recipe, our Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich is well worth a try.

Serving Your Parmesan Chicken Dinner

These wonderfully versatile meatloaves are a perfect match for a whole host of side dishes, enabling you to put together the ideal Parmesan chicken dinner no matter the occasion.

1. Classic Comfort: Accompany the meatloaves with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of steamed green beans or sweet garden peas. A little gravy poured over the top creates pure comfort on a plate.
2. Lighter Fare: For a healthier but equally satisfying meal, serve them alongside a fresh, crisp garden salad with some roasted asparagus or tenderstem broccoli.
3. Family Style: Simply double the recipe and present it with warm garlic bread and a generous bowl of pasta salad for a wonderful meal that can easily feed a larger group.
4. In a Sandwich: Leftover meatloaf makes for an absolutely unbeatable sandwich! Just slice it up and place it in a crusty bread roll with some fresh lettuce and a dollop of mayonnaise.

FAQ

A New Weeknight Favourite Awaits

We are certain that these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves will soon secure a regular spot in your meal planning. They achieve that wonderful balance between a comforting, hearty meal and a healthy, simple-to-prepare dinner. The blend of succulent chicken, aromatic garlic, and rich Parmesan is truly irresistible, and serving them in individual portions couldn’t be easier.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a dependable, tasty, and crowd-pleasing meal, we wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. We are so excited for you to taste it! Please feel free to leave a comment and a rating below to share how you got on. Happy cooking!

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Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Serves: 6

Ingredients

For the Meatloaves:

• • 900g chicken mince
  • 120g Panko breadcrumbs
  • 80g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 60ml milk
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Glaze:

• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6) and line a baking sheet. Sauté diced onion in a little oil for 5-7 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Let it cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine the chicken mince, Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, milk, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and the cooled onion/garlic mixture. Do not overmix.
3. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a small oval loaf. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
4. While the loaves are baking, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
5. After 20 minutes, remove the loaves from the oven, brush them generously with the glaze, and return to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F) and the glaze is caramelised. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.