This chicken meatloaf recipe makes a tender, moist, and flavorful dinner using ground chicken, mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs.
The mayonnaise adds moisture, fat, and binding without requiring eggs or a traditional bread-and-milk mixture.
Baked at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 55 minutes, this meatloaf is finished with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze. It serves six people and contains approximately 287 calories per serving.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this chicken meatloaf is a convenient option for a family dinner.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 287 per serving
- Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
- Pan Size: 8 × 4-inch loaf pan
Ingredients for Chicken Meatloaf
The ingredients in this recipe provide moisture, structure, and seasoning. Measuring everything before mixing helps make preparation easier and ensures an evenly seasoned meatloaf.
For the Meatloaf
- 1 pound ground chicken, preferably a mixture of white and dark meat
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Ketchup Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
The glaze combines sweetness with a mild tang from the mustard and vinegar. It creates a flavorful coating that complements the savory chicken and herbs.
How to Make Chicken Meatloaf
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8 × 4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the prepared pan aside while you mix the meatloaf ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients
Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh thyme, chopped parsley, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce, followed by the kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Using a large spoon or clean hands, gently mix everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as excessive handling can make the cooked meatloaf dense and rubbery.
Step 3: Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly and gently press the mixture into the corners to create a uniform shape.
Avoid packing the meat too tightly. A loosely formed loaf helps maintain a tender texture after baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the uncooked meatloaf, covering the surface from one end to the other.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken Meatloaf
Place the uncovered loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center of the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).
Check the temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest central portion of the loaf. If the meatloaf has not reached the required temperature, continue baking and check again after a few minutes.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Remove the cooked meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest uncovered for 10 minutes before slicing.
Resting gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the loaf and helps the slices maintain their shape. Use a sharp knife to cut the meatloaf into six portions and serve warm.
Tips for Moist and Tender Chicken Meatloaf
Choose Ground Chicken with Some Fat
Ground chicken made from a combination of white and dark meat is a useful choice for this recipe. It generally contains more fat than ground chicken breast alone, which can help prevent the meatloaf from becoming dry during baking.
Use Mayonnaise for Moisture
Mayonnaise supplies fat and moisture while helping the ingredients hold together. Since this recipe does not use eggs or a milk-soaked bread mixture, mayonnaise plays an important role in the texture of the finished loaf.
Measure the mayonnaise carefully to maintain the intended consistency.
Avoid Overmixing
Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking ground chicken can produce a compact, chewy texture. Gentle mixing also helps distribute the breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, and seasonings without compressing the meat.
Measure the Internal Temperature
Cooking time can vary depending on the shape of the loaf, the characteristics of the oven, and the temperature of the ingredients. An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm that the center has reached 165°F (73°C).
Avoid relying on the appearance of the glaze alone to determine whether the chicken is fully cooked.
Allow Time for Resting
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. Cutting it immediately can cause more juices to escape and make the slices difficult to serve neatly.
Recipe Variations
Barbecue Chicken Meatloaf
For a different topping, replace the ketchup glaze with your favorite barbecue sauce. Spread a thin layer over the meatloaf before baking. You can also reserve a little extra sauce for serving.
Cajun Chicken Meatloaf
Add Cajun seasoning to the ground chicken mixture for a spicier variation. Adjust the salt according to the seasoning blend, as some prepared Cajun mixtures already contain salt.
Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf
Prepare and bake the meatloaf without the ketchup glaze. When it is nearly cooked, spread pizza sauce or marinara sauce over the top and add freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Return the loaf to the oven or briefly place it under the broiler until the cheese melts and begins to brown. If using the broiler, watch it closely to prevent burning.
Herb Chicken Meatloaf
For a different herb combination, substitute poultry seasoning for the fresh thyme or add a little extra parsley. Dried herbs can also be used if fresh herbs are unavailable, although the amount should be adjusted to account for their concentrated flavor.
What to Serve with Chicken Meatloaf
Chicken meatloaf works well with a variety of traditional and vegetable-based side dishes. Its savory flavor and sweet glaze pair particularly well with simple accompaniments.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth side that complements the meatloaf.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, broccoli, zucchini, or green beans for a balanced dinner.
- Steamed green beans: Lightly seasoned green beans add a simple vegetable side.
- Rice: Plain steamed rice is an easy option for serving the meatloaf with extra glaze.
- Garden salad: A fresh salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes provides a crisp contrast to the warm meatloaf.
Nutrition Facts
The following nutritional information is estimated per serving, based on six servings and the specified ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 287 | — |
| Total Fat | 17g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 21% |
| Cholesterol | 88mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 675mg | 29% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars | 5g | — |
| Protein | 21g | 41% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 639mg | 14% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This chicken meatloaf recipe combines ground chicken, mayonnaise, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs to create a moist and well-seasoned main dish.
The sweet and tangy ketchup glaze adds a finishing layer of flavor, while the straightforward preparation makes it suitable for an everyday family meal.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete dinner. With a short preparation time and a simple baking method, this recipe is also convenient to prepare ahead for a busy weeknight.
