VChicken Meatloaf is a lighter twist on classic meatloaf made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, vegetables, seasonings, and a flavorful glaze. It bakes until tender and juicy with a delicious caramelized topping.
This easy chicken meatloaf makes a comforting family dinner and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Why This Chicken Meatloaf Works
- Tender and juicy: Milk and egg help keep the meatloaf moist.
- Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients come together quickly.
- Flavorful glaze: A sweet and tangy topping adds extra flavor.
- Family-friendly: Mild seasonings make it an easy dinner choice.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make Chicken Meatloaf
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture
Add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley to a large bowl.
Gently mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf about 8–9 inches long.
4. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Spread about half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
During the final 10–15 minutes of baking, spread the remaining glaze over the top.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Best Chicken Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix the ground chicken mixture.
- Use finely diced onion so the vegetables cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the glaze for extra flavor and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the center reaches 165°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to help it hold its shape.
- Don’t overbake the meatloaf, as ground chicken can dry out when cooked too long.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious and comforting dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight meal. Ground chicken combines with breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and a sweet and tangy glaze to create a tender, flavorful meatloaf.
Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a classic comfort-food dinner.
