Chicken Meatloaf Recipe: How to Make It in 1 Pan
📌 Introduction
Did you know that switching from beef to chicken in your meatloaf can reduce the fat content by up to 60% while still maintaining that moist, delicious texture? This surprising fact is just one reason our chicken meatloaf recipe has become a reader favorite.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf without sacrificing flavor, this chicken meatloaf recipe is perfect for you. Made with lean ground chicken and aromatic vegetables, this dish offers all the comfort of classic meatloaf with fewer calories and less fat. Our chicken meatloaf recipe combines simple ingredients that transform into a deliciously moist and flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a nutritious yet satisfying dinner option. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can customize this chicken meatloaf recipe with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
🛒 Ingredients List
🔵 Main Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
| 2 pounds | Ground chicken (preferably a mix of white and dark meat) |
| 1 cup | Breadcrumbs (regular or panko) |
| 1/2 cup | Milk |
| 2 | Large eggs, beaten |
| 1 | Medium onion, finely diced |
| 2 | Celery stalks, finely diced |
| 1 | Medium carrot, grated |
| 3 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tbsp | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1 tbsp | Fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried) |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Black pepper |
| 1 tbsp | Worcestershire sauce |
🟠 For the Irresistible Glaze:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
| 1/2 cup | Ketchup |
| 2 tbsp | Brown sugar |
| 1 tbsp | Apple cider vinegar |
| 1 tsp | Dijon mustard |
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Ground chicken: You can use ground turkey as a 1:1 substitute in this chicken meatloaf recipe.
- Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free chicken meatloaf recipe, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Milk: Unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based milk works well for dairy-free options.
- Eggs: For an egg-free chicken meatloaf recipe, try using 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg or a commercial egg replacer.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
🛠️ Tools and Equipment
To prepare this chicken meatloaf recipe with efficiency and precision, gather these kitchen tools:
✅ Large mixing bowl (for combining all ingredients thoroughly)
✅ Loaf pan (9×5 inch is ideal for proper cooking and heat distribution)
✅ Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board (for precisely chopping vegetables)
✅ Box grater (for efficiently grating carrots to the perfect consistency)
✅ Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient proportions)
✅ Meat thermometer (essential for food safety and perfect doneness)
✅ Aluminum foil (helps control moisture during baking)
✅ Small bowl (for preparing the tangy glaze)
✅ Parchment paper (prevents sticking and makes removal easier)
⭐ Pro Tip: Create a parchment paper sling by lining your loaf pan with parchment that extends over the long sides. This simple technique makes removing your finished chicken meatloaf effortless and keeps the beautiful shape intact for an impressive presentation. This small extra step elevates your chicken meatloaf recipe from good to fantastic!
⏱️ Timing Guide for Perfect Chicken Meatloaf
Understanding the timing requirements for this chicken meatloaf recipe helps you plan your meal preparation effectively:
◉ ⏲️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes (chopping vegetables, mixing ingredients)
◉ ⏲️ Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes (depends on oven accuracy and loaf thickness)
◉ ⏲️ Resting Time: 10 minutes (crucial for moisture retention and easy slicing)
◉ ⏲️ Total Time: 85-95 minutes from start to table
This chicken meatloaf recipe requires about 25% less cooking time than traditional beef meatloaf, making it more convenient for weeknight meals!
📝 Step-by-Step Guide
🔸Step 1: Set Up Your Kitchen for Success
❶ Preheat your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking throughout your chicken meatloaf.
❷ Prepare your loaf pan by creating a parchment paper liner with extended sides for easy removal later. This prevents your chicken meatloaf from sticking and maintains its beautiful shape.
🔸Step 2: Create the Perfect Foundation
❶ In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your breadcrumbs and milk, then allow this mixture to rest for approximately 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures the breadcrumbs fully absorb the liquid, creating the moisture foundation that makes this chicken meatloaf recipe exceptionally tender.
❷ Incorporate the beaten eggs, salt, freshly ground pepper, and Worcestershire sauce into your breadcrumb mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform, well-seasoned base.
🔸Step 3: Incorporate Aromatics and Meat
❶ Add your meticulously prepared aromatic vegetables—the diced onion, celery, grated carrot, minced garlic—along with the fragrant herbs (parsley and thyme) to the mixture. These ingredients not only provide flavor but also contribute essential moisture to your chicken meatloaf recipe.
❷ Gently add the ground chicken to the bowl and, using clean hands, blend everything together with a light touch until just combined. This gentle handling is absolutely critical to achieving the perfect texture in your chicken meatloaf recipe.
⭐ Pro Tip: For the most tender chicken meatloaf, handle the meat mixture minimally during mixing. Over-working the mixture activates proteins that can make your finished chicken meatloaf dense and tough rather than light and juicy. Think of it as gently folding the ingredients together rather than aggressively kneading them.
🔸Step 4: Form and Prepare for Baking
❶ Transfer your perfectly mixed chicken meatloaf mixture into the prepared pan, using gentle pressure to eliminate air pockets without compacting the meat.
❷ Shape the top into a slightly rounded dome, which not only looks appealing but also helps the glaze distribute beautifully over the surface of your chicken meatloaf.
🔸Step 5: Create and Apply the Signature Glaze
❶ In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well incorporated. This tangy-sweet glaze is a hallmark of this chicken meatloaf recipe, creating a caramelized, flavor-packed exterior.
❷ Spread half of your prepared glaze evenly across the top of the uncooked meatloaf, reserving the remainder for later application.
❸ Cover the loaf pan loosely with aluminum foil, creating a tent that allows some steam to escape while protecting the surface from drying out.
🔸Step 6: Bake to Perfection
❶ Place your prepared chicken meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake, covered, for 40 minutes, allowing the interior to cook through gently.
❷ After this initial baking period, carefully remove the foil, apply the remaining reserved glaze, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes. This final uncovered baking creates that irresistible caramelized finish while ensuring your chicken meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
🔸Step 7: Rest and Serve Like a Professional
❶ Once baked to perfection, allow your chicken meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 full minutes. This patience-testing but essential step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
❷ Using the parchment paper extensions as handles, carefully lift your beautifully finished chicken meatloaf from the pan, transfer to a cutting board, and slice with a sharp knife to serve.
Each step in this carefully crafted process contributes to what makes this chicken meatloaf recipe exceptional—the perfect balance of healthier ingredients with maximum flavor and ideal texture.
👨🍳 Pro Cooking Tips
🥩 Meat Selection Matters
For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken meatloaf recipe results, opt for a mixture of dark and white meat chicken (approximately 80/20 ratio) rather than using exclusively white meat. Dark meat contains more natural fat and flavor compounds that prevent your chicken meatloaf from becoming dry during baking. If your market only offers pre-packaged ground chicken, ask the butcher if they can prepare a custom blend for your chicken meatloaf recipe.
🧪 The Taste Test Method
Before committing your entire mixture to the loaf pan, take a small spoonful and cook it in a skillet for 2-3 minutes until no longer pink. This simple test allows you to evaluate and adjust the seasoning of your chicken meatloaf recipe before baking the entire loaf, ensuring perfectly balanced flavors every time.
🍞 Free-Form Alternative
For maximum caramelized exterior (which many consider the best part of any meatloaf), consider shaping your chicken meatloaf mixture into a free-form loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan. This technique allows heat to circulate around the entire chicken meatloaf, creating more of those deliciously flavored edges.
🌡️ Temperature Precision
Because chicken requires thorough cooking for food safety, a reliable meat thermometer is non-negotiable when preparing this chicken meatloaf recipe. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the loaf to ensure it reaches the required 165°F (74°C) internal temperature while avoiding overcooking that could dry out your chicken meatloaf.
⏱️ The Critical Rest Period
After removing your chicken meatloaf from the oven, resist the temptation to slice it immediately. Allowing it to rest for at least 10 minutes (up to 15 for larger loaves) permits the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than flowing out when cut, resulting in a significantly moister chicken meatloaf with better texture and flavor in every bite.
🧄 Vegetable Preparation
For the best texture in your chicken meatloaf recipe, ensure all vegetables are chopped very finely or grated. Larger pieces can create pockets that cause the loaf to fall apart during slicing. Taking the extra minute to chop ingredients uniformly pays dividends in the final presentation of your chicken meatloaf.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Your finished chicken meatloaf recipe pairs wonderfully with many side dishes:
🔸 Creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal
🔸 Roasted vegetables for a lighter, colorful plate
🔸 Garlic bread and a crisp garden salad for an easy weeknight dinner
🔸 Over cauliflower mash with mushroom gravy for a lower-carb option
Sauce Pairings: While the glaze adds delicious flavor to this chicken meatloaf recipe, you can serve additional sauces on the side like cranberry sauce, mushroom gravy, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
🥗 Recipe Variations
🔹 Mediterranean Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped olives, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and swap parsley for fresh dill in your chicken meatloaf recipe.
🔹 Mexican-Inspired
Incorporate 1 diced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the basic chicken meatloaf recipe.
🔹 Asian Fusion
Add 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and replace the ketchup glaze with a mixture of hoisin sauce and sriracha.
🔹 Mini Chicken Meatloaves
For quicker cooking, divide the chicken meatloaf recipe mixture into a muffin tin for individual servings that bake in just 25-30 minutes.
⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using only white meat: All breast meat can make a dry chicken meatloaf recipe. Mix in some dark meat for moisture and flavor.
❌ Overmixing the ingredients: This compacts the meat and results in a dense, tough loaf. Mix just until combined.
❌ Skipping the thermometer: Chicken must reach 165°F for safety, but overcooked chicken meatloaf becomes dry. Use a thermometer for perfect results every time.
❌ Cutting immediately after baking: Not allowing your chicken meatloaf to rest causes juices to run out, resulting in a drier texture.
❌ Using dry breadcrumbs without soaking: Always soak your breadcrumbs in milk first to add moisture to your chicken meatloaf recipe.
📊 Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/8 of loaf) |
| Calories | 245 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
*Note: Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used in your chicken meatloaf recipe.
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Can I make this chicken meatloaf recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it uncooked in the loaf pan. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
Q: How do I store leftover chicken meatloaf?
A: Store leftover chicken meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating.
Q: Can I freeze this chicken meatloaf recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze chicken meatloaf either cooked or uncooked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.
Q: Why is my chicken meatloaf falling apart?
A: This typically happens when there isn’t enough binding agent. Make sure you’re using enough eggs and soaked breadcrumbs in your chicken meatloaf recipe, and that you’ve allowed it to rest before slicing.
Q: Can I make this chicken meatloaf recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Form the loaf and place it in a slow cooker lined with parchment paper. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Chicken Meatloaf Recipe: How to Make It in 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground chicken preferably a mix of white and dark meat
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs regular or panko
- ½ cup Milk
- 2 Large eggs beaten
- 1 Medium onion finely diced
- 2 Celery stalks finely diced
- 1 Medium carrot grated
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: Set Up Your Kitchen for Success❶ Preheat your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking throughout your chicken meatloaf.❷ Prepare your loaf pan by creating a parchment paper liner with extended sides for easy removal later. This prevents your chicken meatloaf from sticking and maintains its beautiful shape.Step 2: Create the Perfect Foundation❶ In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your breadcrumbs and milk, then allow this mixture to rest for approximately 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures the breadcrumbs fully absorb the liquid, creating the moisture foundation that makes this chicken meatloaf recipe exceptionally tender.❷ Incorporate the beaten eggs, salt, freshly ground pepper, and Worcestershire sauce into your breadcrumb mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform, well-seasoned base.Step 3: Incorporate Aromatics and Meat❶ Add your meticulously prepared aromatic vegetables—the diced onion, celery, grated carrot, minced garlic—along with the fragrant herbs (parsley and thyme) to the mixture. These ingredients not only provide flavor but also contribute essential moisture to your chicken meatloaf recipe.❷ Gently add the ground chicken to the bowl and, using clean hands, blend everything together with a light touch until just combined. This gentle handling is absolutely critical to achieving the perfect texture in your chicken meatloaf recipe. Pro Tip: For the most tender chicken meatloaf, handle the meat mixture minimally during mixing. Over-working the mixture activates proteins that can make your finished chicken meatloaf dense and tough rather than light and juicy. Think of it as gently folding the ingredients together rather than aggressively kneading them.Step 4: Form and Prepare for Baking❶ Transfer your perfectly mixed chicken meatloaf mixture into the prepared pan, using gentle pressure to eliminate air pockets without compacting the meat.❷ Shape the top into a slightly rounded dome, which not only looks appealing but also helps the glaze distribute beautifully over the surface of your chicken meatloaf.Step 5: Create and Apply the Signature Glaze❶ In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well incorporated. This tangy-sweet glaze is a hallmark of this chicken meatloaf recipe, creating a caramelized, flavor-packed exterior.❷ Spread half of your prepared glaze evenly across the top of the uncooked meatloaf, reserving the remainder for later application.❸ Cover the loaf pan loosely with aluminum foil, creating a tent that allows some steam to escape while protecting the surface from drying out.Step 6: Bake to Perfection❶ Place your prepared chicken meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake, covered, for 40 minutes, allowing the interior to cook through gently.❷ After this initial baking period, carefully remove the foil, apply the remaining reserved glaze, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes. This final uncovered baking creates that irresistible caramelized finish while ensuring your chicken meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).Step 7: Rest and Serve Like a Professional❶ Once baked to perfection, allow your chicken meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 full minutes. This patience-testing but essential step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.❷ Using the parchment paper extensions as handles, carefully lift your beautifully finished chicken meatloaf from the pan, transfer to a cutting board, and slice with a sharp knife to serve.Step 2: Create the Perfect FoundationStep 3: Incorporate Aromatics and MeatStep 4: Form and Prepare for BakingStep 5: Create and Apply the Signature GlazeStep 6: Bake to PerfectionStep 7: Rest and Serve Like a Professional
🎯 Conclusion
This flavorful chicken meatloaf recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic comfort food while delivering on taste and texture. By using ground chicken instead of beef, you’ve created a protein-rich, lower-fat meal that’s still moist and delicious. The simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this chicken meatloaf recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
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