Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Meals

This juicy chicken loaf highlights bold garlic and rich Parmesan flavors, combined with herbs and breadcrumbs for a tender texture. It bakes to a golden finish topped with a savory garlic-Parm glaze and fresh parsley. Perfect for an easy, comforting dinner with a high-protein boost. The dish can be customized with turkey or pork and adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Serve with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a classic meal.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:41:00 GMT
Golden-brown slices of Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, a comfort food classic, ready to serve. Save
Golden-brown slices of Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, a comfort food classic, ready to serve. | meanwhilerecipe.com

A tender, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, packed with garlic and Parmesan for a cozy, comforting dinner everyone will love.

This meatloaf recipe quickly became a household favorite and always receives compliments for its juicy texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients

  • Ground chicken: 2 pounds (900 g) ground chicken (substitute with ground turkey or lean pork if desired)
  • Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (90 g) shredded (or Romano cheese)
  • Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (60 g) (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Garlic: 4 cloves minced (adjust to taste)
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml) (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Additional Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (25 g) for sprinkling
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined do not overmix.
Step 3:
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in the greased loaf pan.
Step 4:
Bake for 40 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and the loaf is set.
Step 5:
While the meatloaf bakes melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add an extra clove of minced garlic if desired and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the additional Parmesan and half of the chopped parsley cook until slightly thickened.
Step 6:
Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Brush the top with the garlic-Parmesan glaze. Return to the oven for an additional 5 7 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 7:
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Slice garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tender Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, bubbling with a savory garlic-Parmesan glaze, awaiting serving. Save
Tender Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, bubbling with a savory garlic-Parmesan glaze, awaiting serving. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This recipe always brings the family together especially on busy weeknights when everyone needs a hearty meal.

Notes

Serve with mashed potatoes roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. Pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir.

Required Tools

Oven Mixing bowl Loaf pan or baking sheet Parchment paper (if baking sheet is used) Small saucepan Pastry brush Knife for slicing

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (Parmesan butter) Eggs Wheat (breadcrumbs) May contain Tree nuts or other allergens if using alternative cheeses or plant milks. Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.

A close-up of the finished Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, showcasing its moist texture and rich aroma. Save
A close-up of the finished Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, showcasing its moist texture and rich aroma. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This juicy garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaf is perfect for meal prep and guaranteed to satisfy cravings every time.

Recipe FAQ

What can I substitute for ground chicken?

Ground turkey or lean pork are excellent alternatives, offering similar texture and mild flavor.

How do I ensure the meatloaf stays moist?

Mix ingredients gently without overworking and include milk and eggs to retain moisture during baking.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular panko to accommodate gluten-free diets without compromising texture.

How is the garlic-Parmesan glaze made?

Butter is melted and combined with minced garlic, Parmesan, and parsley, then brushed over the loaf before a final bake for a flavorful crust.

What are good side dishes to pair with this chicken meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement the savory and rich flavors well.

How long should the meatloaf rest before slicing?

Let it rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute for easier slicing.

Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Tender chicken blended with garlic and Parmesan, baked for a warm, satisfying main course.

Time to Prepare
15 mins
Time to Cook
45 mins
Complete Time
60 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Cozy Everyday Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations None specified

Ingredient List

Meatloaf

01 2 pounds ground chicken
02 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
03 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 2 large eggs
05 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 1 teaspoon dried basil
09 1 teaspoon dried parsley
10 1 teaspoon salt
11 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 1/2 cup whole milk

Glaze & Garnish

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
03 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a loaf pan.

Step 02

Combine meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk until just combined.

Step 03

Shape meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet or in the loaf pan.

Step 04

Bake the meatloaf: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the loaf is set.

Step 05

Prepare garlic-Parmesan glaze: While baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Optionally add an extra minced garlic clove and sauté until fragrant. Stir in additional Parmesan and half the chopped parsley and cook until slightly thickened.

Step 06

Apply glaze and finish baking: Remove meatloaf from oven, brush the top with the garlic-Parmesan glaze, then return to oven for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 07

Rest and serve: Allow meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes, slice, garnish with remaining parsley, and serve warm.

Tools Needed

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Loaf pan or baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small saucepan
  • Pastry brush
  • Knife

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains milk, eggs, wheat
  • May contain tree nuts depending on ingredient substitutions

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 350
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 30 g