Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, featuring lean ground chicken and melty mozzarella inside. This flavorful loaf is topped with marinara and a crispy breadcrumb crust, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 80 g onion (finely diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 900 g ground chicken
• 60 g seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 30 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 mozzarella cheese strings (cut into 1 cm slices)
• 120 ml marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• 20 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• 120 g mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Let this cool completely.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion mixture, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix.
4. Step 4: Pat two-thirds of the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a rectangle about 20cm x 10cm. Arrange the mozzarella cheese string pieces down the centre, then top with the remaining chicken mixture. Shape into a proper loaf, sealing the cheese inside.
5. Step 5: Spread the marinara sauce over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for 45 minutes.
6. Step 6: Meanwhile, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and parsley for the topping.
7. Step 7: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Top with the shredded mozzarella, then sprinkle over the breadcrumb mixture.
8. Step 8: Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the topping is golden and the centre reaches 74°C (165°F).
9. Step 9: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture.
• Use fresh mozzarella balls instead of cheese strings for a different texture inside.
• Substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme if preferred.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This meatloaf can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and will yield a similar flavor and texture.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The center should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Simple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 111 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful and moist dish combining ground chicken with aromatic herbs, Parmesan cheese, and gooey mozzarella stuffed in the center. It’s topped with marinara sauce and a golden, cheesy panko crust, baked to perfection for a comforting family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 80 g onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 900 g ground chicken
• 60 g seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cheese Filling

• 3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into 1 cm slices

Topping

• 120 ml marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
• 20 g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 120 g mozzarella cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow this mixture to cool completely.
3. Mix Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion and garlic mixture, seasoned breadcrumbs, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
4. Shape Meatloaf with Cheese Filling: On the prepared baking sheet, pat two-thirds of the chicken mixture into a rectangular shape roughly 20cm by 10cm. Lay the sliced mozzarella cheese strings evenly down the center. Cover with the remaining chicken mixture, shaping into a neat loaf, ensuring the cheese is sealed inside.
5. Add Sauce and Bake: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to cook through.
6. Prepare Topping Mixture: While the meatloaf bakes, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. This will make a crispy and flavorful topping.
7. Apply Cheese and Topping: Remove the meatloaf from the oven after 45 minutes. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture to create a crust.
8. Bake Until Golden: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), ensuring it is safely cooked.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps retain juices and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
• Ensure the mozzarella cheese strings are fully sealed inside the meatloaf to prevent leaking during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; internal temperature should be 74°C (165°F) for safety.
• Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps the juices redistribute for moist slices.
• You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite tomato-based sauce for variation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf, chicken meatloaf recipe, baked chicken meatloaf, mozzarella stuffed meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, Italian meatloaf