Dinner

Chicken Meatloaf: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Dinner Recipe

ByHarper Ellington November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

Chicken meatloaf offers a lighter, flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe combines tender ground chicken with savory seasonings and a tangy ketchup glaze, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

The image shows a close-up of four round meatballs on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each meatball is golden brown with a slightly crispy outer layer and visible specks of herbs. One meatball is broken in half, revealing a moist, light beige interior with a soft, crumbly texture. There is creamy light brown sauce around the broken meatball and small green herb sprigs sprinkled on top for garnish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian style)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup ketchup (for glaze)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf pan or form it freeform on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf to create a glossy glaze. Optionally, brush the edges with olive oil for added moisture.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, mix in a few tablespoons of plain yogurt or grated zucchini.
Try swapping parmesan for cheddar cheese to change the flavor profile.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.