Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Featured in: Hearty Comfort Dinners

This dish features ground chicken blended with savory Parmesan cheese and minced garlic, seasoned with herbs and spices. The mixture is shaped into a loaf and baked until juicy and tender. A garlic-Parmesan glaze is brushed over the top, creating a golden, flavorful crust. Resting before slicing ensures moist, well-set slices perfect for serving alongside vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:55:00 GMT
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, glazed and glistening, ready for slicing and enjoying tonight. Save
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, glazed and glistening, ready for slicing and enjoying tonight. | smokyfeast.com

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

This juicy garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaf has become a favorite in my household for its perfect balance of spices and cheesy richness.

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 saute 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.
A close-up of savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, showing its tender interior and herb garnish. Save
A close-up of savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, showing its tender interior and herb garnish. | smokyfeast.com

This recipe always brings smiles to our family dinners when we share warm slices fresh from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Pairings

Pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir.

Allergen Information

Contains milk (Parmesan, butter), eggs, and 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.

Fluffy slices of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, served with fresh parsley, perfect for a hearty meal. Save
Fluffy slices of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, served with fresh parsley, perfect for a hearty meal. | smokyfeast.com

This garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaf is sure to become your go-to comfort food with its flavorful and juicy texture.

Kitchen Questions

Can I substitute ground chicken with other meats?

Yes, you can swap ground chicken with ground turkey or lean pork depending on your preference.

How do I make the loaf gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones to keep the loaf gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

What is the purpose of the garlic-Parmesan glaze?

The glaze adds a rich, savory finish and a golden crust that enhances both flavor and appearance.

How long should the meatloaf rest after baking?

Resting for 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender slices.

Can I prepare this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based milk and omit Parmesan or use a vegan hard cheese alternative for a dairy-free variation.

Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Tender chicken loaf infused with garlic and Parmesan for a flavorful, comforting main course.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
45 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition Labels None specified

What You'll Need

Meatloaf

01 2 pounds ground chicken (can substitute with ground turkey or lean pork)
02 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (or Romano cheese)
03 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular 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 (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)

Glaze & Garnish

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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 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, pepper, and milk until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Phase 03

Shape and Bake: Form mixture into a loaf shape and place on the prepared baking sheet or in loaf pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and loaf is set.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Apply Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove loaf from oven, brush top with garlic-Parmesan glaze, then return to oven for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Phase 06

Rest and Serve: Allow loaf to rest for 5 minutes. Slice, garnish with remaining parsley, and serve warm.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains milk (Parmesan, butter), eggs, wheat (breadcrumbs). May contain tree nuts or other allergens depending on substitutes.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 350
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 30 g