Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Featured in: Family Comfort Classics

This juicy chicken loaf blends ground chicken with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fragrant herbs for a comforting meal. Mixed gently with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices, it’s shaped and baked to moist perfection. A savory garlic-Parmesan glaze adds rich flavor with a buttery finish. Once rested and sliced, it’s ready to serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Ideal with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, this dish offers a cozy, protein-packed option suitable for various dietary needs with simple substitutions.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:22:00 GMT
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, glistening with glaze, ready to serve with fresh parsley. Save to Pinterest
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, glistening with glaze, ready to serve with fresh parsley. | recipesforevers.com

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

I have made this meatloaf several times and it always receives rave reviews from family and friends.

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 (for glaze)
  • 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.
Golden-brown, savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, a comforting family dinner, freshly baked. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown, savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, a comforting family dinner, freshly baked. | recipesforevers.com

This recipe has become a favorite at family dinners especially during chilly evenings when comfort food is welcomed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Wine Pairing

Pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir enhancing the savory flavors of the meatloaf.

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (Parmesan butter) Eggs Wheat (breadcrumbs). Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.

Tender slices of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, bursting with flavor, perfect for a cozy supper. Save to Pinterest
Tender slices of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, bursting with flavor, perfect for a cozy supper. | recipesforevers.com

Enjoy this juicy and flavorful chicken meatloaf as a comforting dinner option that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or lean pork can be used as alternatives without compromising flavor or texture.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to suit gluten-sensitive diets.

What is the best way to ensure the loaf stays moist?

Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juiciness.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the garlic-Parmesan glaze can be made in advance and brushed on before the final bake for convenience.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken loaf?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad complement this dish beautifully.

Is there a dairy-free option available?

Use plant-based milk and vegan hard cheese alternatives, and omit butter for a dairy-free version.

Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Tender chicken loaf baked with garlic and Parmesan for a flavorful, comforting main dish.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
45 minutes
Complete Duration
60 minutes


Complexity Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What You Need

Meatloaf

01 2 pounds ground chicken (alternatively ground turkey or lean pork)
02 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Slice, garnish with remaining parsley, and serve warm.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk, eggs, wheat
  • May contain tree nuts or others if using alternative ingredients

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 350
  • Total Fat: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Proteins: 30 grams