Description
These Mini Chicken Parmesan Meatloaves are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining ground chicken with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce. Perfectly portioned and baked to juicy perfection, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing meal with a cheesy, savory finish.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until combined to avoid tough meatloaves.
- Shape Meatloaves: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small loaf and place them spaced a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Initial Meatloaves: Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook them through.
- Add Toppings: Remove the meatloaves from the oven. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each loaf, then sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons of freshly grated mozzarella cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return the meatloaves to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the meatloaves reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the meatloaves before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious mini chicken Parmesan meatloaves!
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaves tender.
- You can prepare these meatloaves ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- For a low-carb version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked.
- Freshly grated cheeses melt better and provide superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
