Description
Ground Chicken Meatloaf is a comforting, lean, and healthy dinner option featuring tender ground chicken mixed with breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and savory seasonings. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful meatloaf perfect for family meals, meal prep, or weeknight dinners. Finished with a tangy ketchup glaze and customizable with various additions, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing classic comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Base
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative such as almond flour or gluten-free oats)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk or broth
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping/Glaze
- 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey, brown sugar, mustard, or BBQ sauce to mix with ketchup for glaze
Optional Add-ins (Variations)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated carrots, zucchini, or finely diced bell peppers
- Chili flakes or diced jalapeños for heat
- Alternate herbs: fresh basil, oregano, rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and any additional vegetables or herbs you want to include. Measure out breadcrumbs, liquids, and seasonings to have everything ready.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion and garlic, milk or broth, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to avoid dryness.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or baking dish, shaping it into a compact, evenly thick loaf to ensure even cooking.
- Add the topping: Spread ketchup, tomato sauce, or your chosen glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This adds moisture and a caramelized flavor after baking.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatloaf for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meat: gently combine ingredients to avoid dense, dry texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for perfect doneness and avoid overbaking.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to lock in juices.
- Customize your glaze by mixing ketchup with honey, mustard, or BBQ sauce for unique flavors.
- Add moisture with milk or broth to keep the lean ground chicken from drying out.
- For gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free oats.
- Make ahead by preparing and shaping the meatloaf, refrigerating overnight, and baking fresh the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: ground chicken meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, gluten free meatloaf, easy meatloaf, family dinner, lean protein meatloaf
