Description

This irresistible chicken meatloaf is a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf, offering juicy, flavorful, and comforting slices perfect for family dinners. Made with simple ingredients like ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and a tangy ketchup glaze, it’s quick to prepare and easily customizable to suit different dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

1 pound (450g) ground chicken
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
1 egg
1/4 cup (60ml) milk (or non-dairy alternative like almond milk)
1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme

Glaze

1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense meatloaf.
Add Seasonings: Stir in finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Mix until evenly incorporated but do not overmix.
Shape in Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Alternatively, shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet if you don’t have a loaf pan.
Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix ketchup with Worcestershire sauce. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Rest: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in moist slices.
Optional Covering: If meatloaf browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense texture.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and prevent drying out.
Let the meatloaf rest after baking for juicier slices.
Customize the glaze with brown sugar or hot sauce for extra sweetness or spice.
For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini boosts nutrition and moisture.
Try adding shredded cheese in the middle of the loaf for a cheesy surprise.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken meatloaf, easy dinner, healthy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, family-friendly dinner, ground chicken recipe