Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with Cheesy Mozzarella Center
By Noah Bennett
Cook
40 min
Total
40 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Choose ground chicken that looks fresh and is evenly ground, since its mild flavor takes on the garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in this baked meatloaf. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a cheesy dinner with a savory Parmesan topping and an optional mozzarella center.
Grated Parmesan goes into both the chicken mixture and the butter-based topping, giving the loaf its nutty, savory character. Bread crumbs and a lightly beaten egg bind the ground chicken, while Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic season it throughout. The optional mozzarella is layered between two portions of meat so the center stays enclosed. Plain or Italian-seasoned bread crumbs are both listed, allowing the seasoning level to remain flexible.
Bake the loaf at 375°F until it reaches the stated internal temperature of 165°F, with the Parmesan, butter, and garlic topping spread evenly across the surface. The meat mixture should be pressed evenly into the pan so it cooks uniformly from edge to center. Overmixing is the main mistake to avoid, as the instructions specifically call for mixing only until combined. Letting the baked loaf rest before slicing also helps the portions hold their shape.
Serve slices with mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or crusty bread for the juices. A creamy pasta dish, crisp green salad, or marinara drizzle are additional serving ideas from the source. Leftover slices can be warmed in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Ground chicken provides a mild base that takes on the garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, making each ingredient clearly present in every slice.
- Parmesan appears in both the meat mixture and topping, so a modest amount builds nutty, savory flavor from the center to the crust.
- Fresh minced garlic is used inside the loaf and in the butter topping, creating a direct garlic flavor without relying on extra sauces.
- The optional mozzarella layer gives the meatloaf a cheesy center while the chicken mixture is pressed around it to keep the filling enclosed.
- Bread crumbs and egg handle the binding, helping the lean ground chicken form clean slices after the required resting time.
- Parsley adds a fresh garnish at the end, offering color against the browned Parmesan topping without changing the seasoned chicken mixture.
Ingredients
- •1.5 lb ground chicken
- •0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •3 cloves garlic (minced)
- •0.5 cup bread crumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- •1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- •1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- •0.5 tsp salt
- •0.5 tsp black pepper
- •0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for a cheesy center)
- •2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- •0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the topping)
- •2 tbsp butter (melted, for the topping)
- •1 tsp garlic (minced, for the topping)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, bread crumbs, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overmix.
- 3
Transfer half of the chicken mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it evenly into the bottom.
- 4
If using mozzarella, layer it over the meat mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 5
Top with the remaining chicken mixture and press gently to seal.
- 6
In a small bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, melted butter, and minced garlic for the topping.
- 7
Spread the topping mixture evenly over the meatloaf.
- 8
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 9
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- 10
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
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