If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mini Meatloaves Recipe is exactly what you need. These individual mini meatloaves are bursting with juicy ground chicken infused with savory garlic and rich Parmesan cheese, making every bite a delightful blend of comfort and sophistication. Perfectly portioned and topped with melty mozzarella and extra Parmesan, they’re a wonderful twist on a classic that’s incredibly easy to make and sure to become a favorite for weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mini Meatloaves Recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s adding moisture, texture, or bursts of flavor, creating a perfectly balanced and irresistibly tasty dish.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean, tender protein base that keeps these mini meatloaves light yet satisfying.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and lending a tender crumb.
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that elevates the flavor dramatically.
- 1 large egg: Helps hold the meatloaf mixture together for perfect shaping and bake.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory depth that makes the dish unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that infuses each bite with a hint of Mediterranean charm.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall umami without overpowering the garlic.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the ingredients’ best qualities.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to awaken the palate.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Keeps the mixture moist and tender as it bakes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, bright finish to the meatloaf.
- For topping: ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a luscious, gooey top layer.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra burst of savory goodness.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mini Meatloaves Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with parchment liners. This simple step ensures your mini meatloaves come out effortlessly without sticking and keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, black pepper, milk, and chopped parsley if using. Mix everything just until combined — remember, overmixing can make the meatloaves tough, so handle the mixture gently for that perfect tender texture.
Step 3: Shape into Mini Meatloaves
Divide the mixture evenly into 6 portions and press each portion into a muffin cup or shape them into mini loaves on a baking sheet. Using a muffin tin helps the meatloaves bake evenly and look adorable while ensuring each serving stays juicy and cooked perfectly through.
Step 4: Bake and Top
Bake the mini meatloaves for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Right after baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the tops with shredded mozzarella and more grated Parmesan. Pop them back in for 3 to 5 minutes so the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the mini meatloaves rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is perfectly moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mini Meatloaves Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a fresh aroma that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully. A light drizzle of marinara or a tangy homemade tomato sauce can also add a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve these mini meatloaves with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. Each side dish anchors the meal by bringing different textures and flavors, balancing the richness of the meatloaf.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve these mini meatloaves on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs and small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup. They also make great sliders when paired with mini buns and crisp lettuce for casual gatherings or kids’ meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mini Meatloaves Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the mini meatloaves either cooked or uncooked. For uncooked, shape the loaves and store them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Cooked leftovers freeze well too; just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatloaves gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works too but be sure to cover them to keep moisture locked in and avoid drying out these tasty mini loaves.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground chicken with another meat?
Yes! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a lean alternative, and ground pork or beef can add richer flavors if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure proper doneness.
Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and Parmesan for the topping?
Using both cheeses creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast — mozzarella melts into gooey goodness while Parmesan adds a sharp, savory crunch. However, you can use just one if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the texture without gluten concerns.
How can I make the meatloaves more moist?
Including the milk in the mixture helps with moisture, but you can also add a little olive oil or finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrot for extra juiciness without altering the flavor too much.
What’s the best way to prevent the meatloaves from drying out?
Don’t overmix your ingredients and avoid overbaking. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through but still juicy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, yet fresh take on an old classic, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mini Meatloaves Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. I promise once you try these mini meatloaves, they’ll become a trusted staple in your recipe collection.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Mini Meatloaves Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini meatloaves
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves are a flavorful and savory main dish, combining tender ground chicken with aromatic garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. These mini meatloaves are easy to prepare, baked to perfection, and topped with melted mozzarella and extra Parmesan for a delicious cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Topping
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with parchment liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, black pepper, milk, and chopped parsley if using. Mix gently just until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatloaves tender.
- Shape Meatloaves: Divide the mixture evenly into 6 portions and place each into the muffin cups, shaping them into mini meatloaves. Alternatively, shape into mini loaves on a baking sheet if preferred.
- Bake Meatloaves: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the meatloaves from the oven and sprinkle each with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return the meatloaves to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaves to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Serve these mini meatloaves alongside mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Feel free to substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred, and adjust herbs and seasonings to your taste.
