Easy Moist Ground Chicken Meatloaf

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Who doesn’t like meatloaf? Even if you think you don’t like meatloaf, you probably do. But you may not always, or maybe ever, want beef and that’s where this healthier alternative Ground Chicken Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs comes in! This recipe takes chicken and infuses it with huge flavor!

When using ground chicken, you really have to add lots of flavorful ingredients. The garlic and onions bring moisture and flavor since chicken has very little natural flavor. The Worcestershire brings unami, that something special. And the parmesan gives it a fantastic nutty and cheesy backdrop. It takes just minutes to put together and 45 minutes to bake with no fuss at all! This is a recipe the whole family will love.

If you want a more traditional beef version, check out this Easy Beef 5-Ingredient Meatloaf without Breadcrumbs ~ it’s the most popular recipe on this blog!

Make this for a perfectly easy and delicious main dish for family dinner. Want more tips for making busy family dinners easier?  Click here for my Free Printable 5 Simple Steps to Easy Family Dinners!

Easy Ground Chicken Meatloaf with Simple Ingredients!

Fridge or Fresh Ingredients

• Ground Chicken breast – I used only white meat, but any fat content of ground chicken or ground turkey will work in this recipe. I always have ground chicken on hand in my freezer as it lasts for 6 months if stored in an airtight container or packaging. I have so many more tips for Prepping and Storing Chicken for Easier Dinners.
• Parmesan Cheese, grated – Grated is better than shredded in this recipe as it mixes through and acts as a binder. If you don’t want to use cheese, you can use regular bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs, but the texture may be a bit drier vs. parmesan.
• Onion, diced – I used yellow onion, but you can use red onion, shallot, or even scallions in a pinch.
• Egg, large
• Ketchup – check out my recipe for Homemade Sugar Free Ketchup with Honey!
• Worcestershire Sauce – if you don’t have this, you can substitute Soy sauce

Pantry Ingredients

• The seasonings are simple: Salt, Ground Black Pepper, and Garlic Powder. I like garlic powder in this recipe because it really combines throughout the meatloaf. You can use fresh garlic, but I would smash it into a paste and then whisk it into the egg to help give it the best chance of mixing through the meat.

Ground Chicken is a Lean Substitute for Beef

I’ve always looked for leaner protein options in my cooking, but it took some convincing for my husband to agree that ground chicken could be just as delicious as ground beef.  When I completed my studies at Cornell for a Certification in Nutrition and Healthy Living, it gave me a bit more leverage to convince him.  Ground white meat chicken has 26 grams of protein, 110 calories in a 4 ounce serving and 0 grams of fat.  On the other hand, 90% lean ground beef has 32 grams of protein, but 260 calories in a 4 ounce serving and 13 grams of fat.  

By the numbers, you are still getting a good amount of protein and saving half of the calories with the chicken.  However, I knew that he would only truly be sold on leaner ground chicken if I could make it taste amazing! 

And so, I have created many super flavorful ground chicken recipes, such as Ground Chicken Dan Dan Noodles!  Or how about this Easy Tex Mex Unstuffed Peppers recipe with Ground Chicken?  Another favorite recipe is for these Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce.  Oh, and one of my most versatile recipes that goes into so many dinners, is my Easiest Ground Italian Chicken Sausage Recipe!

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

Recipe Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you need a standard loaf pan, about 9 inches by 5 inches.  

Mincing garlic is made super easy with a Garlic Press.

Time Saving Prep-Ahead Steps for this Recipe

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are steps you can prepare ahead to save time on busy nights! (See the full recipe below) 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F if you are moving directly into cooking steps. Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil for easy removal of the meatloaf after it is cooked.

Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.

In a large mixing bowl, add the raw ground chicken, diced onion, garlic powder, ¼ cup ketchup, worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients together with a fork in the large bowl.

Once mixed thoroughly, mix in the grated parmesan cheese.

Form a loaf in the loaf pan with the meatloaf ground chicken mixture. Spread the remaining ¼ cup Ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. At this point, you can cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 4 months.

Cooking Steps for Ground Chicken Meatloaf

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F if you haven’t already done so.

Bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees F.

Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Remove from the pan, cut and serve.

What should I serve with this Meatloaf?

I love to serve something healthy, but flavorful with this Meatloaf.  My favorite side for this is my Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash!  My next favorite side is my Cheesy Cauliflower Rice!  Of course, you can also go with more traditional mashed potatoes.  And if you want really decadent, try this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole!  Other vegetable side dishes are green beans, roasted carrots, roasted brussels sprouts, roasted or mashed sweet potatoes, or a green salad.

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

Ground Chicken Meatloaf Recipe FAQS

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