Chicken Meatloaf Recipe: How to Make It in 1 Pan

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There is something strange and comforting about this Chicken Meatloaf Recipe. To be honest, my first experience making it was during a family gathering on a holiday when we all needed a dish that was both different and special. To be honest with you, I didn’t expect this recipe to be the star of the evening.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Moist, tender texture that feels like a cozy home-cooked hug.
  • Light flavor profile that pairs beautifully with countless sides.
  • Simple steps that make it beginner-friendly, even if you’re not a kitchen wizard.
  • Great for meal prep, leftovers, or busy weekdays.

Ingredients List

You’ll need:

  • Ground chicken: The heart of the dish lean, delicate, and perfect for a lighter take.
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the loaf and keeps it soft.
  • Eggs: Essential for structure.
  • Milk: Keeps the meatloaf from drying out.
  • Onion: Adds subtle sweetness.
  • Garlic: Flavor booster.
  • Ketchup: Classic glaze with just enough tang.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Rich umami depth.
  • Salt & pepper: Season boldly.
  • Parsley: Freshness you can taste.

Suggested Substitutions

  • For a low-carb version, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Swap milk with broth if you prefer a savory flavor boost.
  • Replace parsley with cilantro for a brighter edge.
  • Add finely chopped spinach for extra moisture and nutrients.

Recipe Options

  • BBQ-glazed variation
  • Spicy version with chili flakes
  • Cheese-stuffed meatloaf
  • Mini loaf muffins for quick cooking

What is Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

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A Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is a lighter, softer twist on classic meatloaf, made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, and simple seasonings baked into a tender loaf. To be honest with you, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I’m not exaggerating one slice and you’ll understand why families love it.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
  • Total Time: About 75 minutes

How to Make Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture

A stainless steel mixing bowl holds various meatloaf ingredients, including grated cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, an egg yolk, spices, fresh parsley, milk, and red sauce .

Mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, and aromatics in a large bowl. Keep it gentle; overmixing can make the loaf dense. Believe it or not, a light hand makes all the difference.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

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A metal mixing bowl containing the raw ingredients for chicken meatloaf recipe, including coarse ground chicken, a cracked egg yolk, breadcrumbs, ricotta cheese, and chopped green herbs.

Fold in salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. By the way, smell that mixture it already hints at greatness. This is where the flavor takes shape, exactly where the soul of the Chicken Meatloaf Recipe begins.

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A stainless steel mixing bowl holds the fully combined raw chicken meatloaf recipe mixture, showing the smooth, pale pink ground meat texture with visible chunks of onion or other ingredients.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

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A patty of uncooked, mixed ground chicken meatloaf mixture, formed into a round shape and placed on a baking sheet lined with crinkled aluminum foil, ready for glazing and baking.

Transfer the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or into a loaf pan. Shape it loosely into a log. Bottom line: airy shaping equals juicy slices.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

A round chicken meatloaf recipe, baked and glistening with a thick layer of rich, dark red tomato glaze drizzled across the top, resting on a sheet of crinkled aluminum foil.

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Spread ketchup over the top. That glossy finish? It caramelizes beautifully and gives the loaf that classic meatloaf identity.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 55–60 minutes. Use a thermometer you’re aiming for 165°F (74°C) at the center. Very briefly: don’t skip this step.

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

succulent chicken meatloaf, sliced to show the texture, generously covered in a glossy red tomato-based glaze and sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley.

Let the loaf rest for at least 8 minutes. I’m not exaggerating if I say this rest makes the slices neater and tastier. Have you ever cut meat too soon and watched the juices run everywhere? Exactly.

Professional Cooking Tips

  • Add grated zucchini or carrots for moisture.
  • If the mixture is too soft, chill it slightly until it firms up.
  • Don’t press the loaf too tightly air pockets tenderness.
  • Use a pan with space around the sides for better caramelization.

How to Serve Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

You can go classic, rustic, or downright creative.

  • Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
  • Pair with roasted veggies for a lighter dinner.
  • Slice thin and use in sandwiches with crisp lettuce and mayo.
  • Drizzle with gravy for a hearty twist.
  • Make a full platter paired with rice, salad, and pickles my personal favorite.
    Let me tell you something: this Chicken Meatloaf Recipe adapts to almost any table mood.
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How to Store and Reheat

To store Chicken Meatloaf Recipe, let it cool completely, then wrap slices tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for about 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. Reheating is easy warm slices in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave gently. Frankly, it tastes just as comforting the next day.

More Recipe Suggestions

Nutritional Information

(Based on a standard serving)

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Sodium: Moderate, depending on seasoning
  • Fiber: Low, unless you add veggies
A moist and flavorful Chicken Meatloaf Recipe, sliced and topped with a shiny, bright red glaze, garnished with fresh parsley, and served alongside white zucchini slices.

Chicken Meatloaf Recipe: How to Make It in 1 Pan

By Nancy
Want a crowd-pleasing meal without the fuss? This Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights. Learn how now!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Ground chicken
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ketchup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt & pepper
  • Parsley

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture

  • Mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, and aromatics in a large bowl. Keep it gentle

Step 2: Add Seasonings

  • Fold in salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.

Step 3: Shape the Loaf

  • Transfer the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or into a loaf pan. Shape it loosely into a log

Step 4: Add the Glaze

  • Spread ketchup over the top. That glossy finish? It caramelizes beautifully and gives the loaf that classic meatloaf identity.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 55–60 minutes.

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

  • Let the loaf rest for at least 8 minutes. I’m not exaggerating if I say this rest makes the slices neater and tastier.

Notes

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Sodium: Moderate, depending on seasoning
  • Fiber: Low, unless you add veggies
Keyword Chicken Meatloaf Recipe:

FAQs

  • What are the ingredients in chicken loaf?

    Typically ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, seasonings, milk, and a glaze such as ketchup or BBQ sauce.

  • What is the secret to a good meatloaf?

    Moisture, light mixing, proper binding, and a great glaze. The truth—nothing fancy, just balance.

  • Can you make meatloaf with chicken mince?

    Definitely. It’s lighter, softer, and blends well with a wide range of flavors. A Chicken Meatloaf Recipe built on chicken mince is fantastic when seasoned generously.

  • What are common meatloaf mistakes?

    Drying it out, overmixing, forgetting binders, skipping the glaze, or slicing too soon.

Conclusion

By and large, this Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is comforting, flavorful, and simple enough for any cook to master. Give it a try, share your own twist, and leave your thoughts or tips in the comments. And if you enjoy recipes like this, subscribe for more briefly useful updates straight to your inbox.

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