Description
These Mini Chicken Parmesan Meatloaves are a delicious, individual-sized twist on a classic comforting dish. Made with ground chicken, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings, baked until juicy and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella cheese, they offer a perfect weeknight meal that’s both hearty and flavorful. Garnished with fresh parsley, they make a great family-friendly dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 lbs. ground chicken
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, all-purpose flour, eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Meatloaves: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small loaf. Place the loaves spaced a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- First Bake: Bake the meatloaves in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing them to cook through and start to firm up.
- Add Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce over each meatloaf, then sprinkle approximately 2 tablespoons of freshly grated mozzarella cheese on top of each.
- Final Bake: Return the meatloaves to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from oven and garnish each meatloaf with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your mini chicken parmesan meatloaves!
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to prevent dense, tough meatloaves.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure each meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- These meatloaves can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenient meal prep.
- Substitute gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 1 month.
