Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with Herbed Crust and Creamy Finish

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 Tbsp melted butter

• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp dried thyme

Creamy Finish Sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven & prepare loaf pan

Preheat oven to 375 °F (≈ 190 °C). Line a 9×5‑inch loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the meatloaf base

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt & pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep it tender.

Step 3: Form loaf & apply herbed crust

Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and press gently to form an even loaf. In a small bowl, mix the crust ingredients (Parmesan, panko, melted butter, parsley, garlic powder, thyme), then sprinkle and press evenly onto the top of the loaf.

Step 4: Bake and add creamy finish

Bake for about 35 minutes. While baking, prepare the creamy finish by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan, then whisking in Parmesan, garlic and parsley until smooth and slightly thickened. At the 35‑minute mark (loaf should be near done), remove from oven, pour the creamy sauce over the top, then return to oven for an additional 10‑15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 °F (≈ 74 °C).

Step 5: Rest, slice, and serve

Let the loaf rest for 5‑10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with your favourite sides.

Tips for Success

• Use a meat thermometer—ground chicken should reach 165 °F for safe consumption without drying out.

• Don’t overwork the meat mixture: gently mix to keep it tender.

• Press crust mixture firmly on top so it sticks and forms that herbed crust.

• Resting after baking allows juices to redistribute and keeps slices neat.

Variations

• Spicy Herb Crust: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to crust mix for a kick.

• Cheese‑Stuffed Centre: Before baking, press an indentation in the middle of loaf and fill with shredded mozzarella then cover with meat mixture.

• Low‑Carb version: Use almond meal instead of breadcrumbs; use cauliflower mash as side.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Breadcrumbs → crushed gluten‑free crackers or almond meal for gluten‑free.

• Heavy cream (in sauce) → half‑and‑half for lighter finish, or coconut cream for dairy‑free.

• Parmesan → Pecorino Romano for sharper flavour.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice and warm in a 300 °F oven for ~10 minutes or microwave individual slices gently. You can also freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months – wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With This Meatloaf

• Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta

• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts or asparagus

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness

• A glass of light red wine (e.g., Pinot Noir) or crisp white (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)

Nutrition Facts (approximate per serving)

≈ 305 calories • 17 g fat • 12 g carbohydrates • 28 g protein
(Will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size.)

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes—mix the loaf and press in pan the night before, cover and refrigerate. Bake next day.
Q: Can I freeze the raw loaf?
A: Yes—assemble loaf, cover tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight, then bake as directed.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes—same method applies, though turkey may require slightly less cooking time or additional moisture to keep it juicy.

Related Recipes

• Cheese‑Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze

• Italian Herb Beef Meatloaf with Parmesan Crust

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Skillet with Parmesan & Herbs

Conclusion

This juicy garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaf with herbed crust and creamy finish takes a beloved comfort dish and elevates it with bold flavour, luxurious texture and a crisp topping. It’s approachable but special, making it perfect for both weeknights and dinner parties. Get your loaf pan ready—this is comfort food, reimagined.