Description
Cheesy Italian Ground Chicken Meatloaf is a comforting, cheesy twist on classic meatloaf. Packed with Italian herbs, marinara, and three cheeses, it tastes just like chicken parmesan in a tender, easy-to-make loaf. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 lb lean ground chicken
¼ cup marinara sauce
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp dried parsley
1½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Filling:
½ cup full-fat ricotta cheese, drained
½ cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup shredded Parmesan
1 tsp dried parsley
For the Topping:
½ cup marinara sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup shredded Parmesan
Optional: sprinkle of dried parsley after baking
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, blend ground chicken with marinara sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Layer the Meatloaf: Spread half of the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the loaf pan.
- Add the Cheese Filling: Spoon the prepared cheese mixture over the meat layer, staying centered.
- Seal and Smooth: Cover the cheese layer with the remaining meat mixture. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure the cheese is completely enclosed.
- Bake and Check: Bake for 20 minutes, then add marinara and cheese toppings. Return to the oven for another 20–25 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert it horizontally for the most accurate reading.
- Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This step helps it hold its shape for clean slices.
Notes
Drain ricotta to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Don’t overmix the meat for a tender texture.
To freeze, wrap individual slices and store in freezer-safe containers up to 3 months.
Reheat directly from frozen or refrigerated until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven, Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Sugar: ~2 g
- Carbohydrates: ~4 g
- Protein: ~22 g