The Best Ground Chicken Meatloaf (2024)

Ground Chicken Meatloaf is an old-fashioned classic with a light and healthy twist!

Your whole family will love this moist and flavorful glazed meatloaf, and it’s truly simple to make.

This recipe for Chicken Meatloaf is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s moist and tender, packed with flavor, and covered in a sweet and tangy glaze made with ketchup.

The best meatloaf recipe is the one that you make yourself! Meatloaf is a classic, homestyle comfort food, that just isn’t the same if you order it from a restaurant.

It’s helpful though, if you have a tried and true ground chicken meatloaf recipe to follow so that you can be sure that it turns out perfectly every single time!

If you’re looking for more ways to make meatloaf, check out my classic meatloaf recipe. Or, see how to make meatloaf in the instant pot, or a delicious smoked meatloaf instead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A Healthier Alternative –Compared to ground beef, ground chicken is lower in calories and fat. With the right seasonings and recipe, a meatloaf made with ground chicken is just as delicious though!
2. Traditional Flavors – This recipe is based on my classic meatloaf recipe, and includes many of the same flavors and ingredients, plus some new ones that make the chicken taste meaty and amazing. Finish off your loaf with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze to really enjoy the classic flavor of a homemade meatloaf.
3. An Easy Dinner Recipe – Not only is chicken meatloaf easy to make, but it’s an easy, healthy recipe that your family will actually love! You can make this any day of the week with just a little bit of hands-on time.

If you’re looking for more recipes using ground chicken, try my Chicken Parmesan Meatballs or Ground Chicken Burgers.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Meatloaf

Here’s what you need to make this easy comforting meal:

• Ground Chicken: You need 2 pounds of ground chicken for this recipe. Lean ground turkey can also be used.
• Dried Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs are ideal for this recipe, as we will be adding plenty of seasoning.
• Milk and Eggs: These add moisture to the mixture which helps to keep the meatloaf from drying out.
• Onion: It’s important that the onion is chopped very finely so that you don’t have large crunchy pieces in the meatloaf. You can also saute the onion a bit to soften it first.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty, umami, almost meaty flavor to the ground chicken.
• Seasonings: Fresh garlic, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
• For the Glaze: You’ll need ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. It’s easy!

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

How To Make Chicken Meatloaf

1. Get Ready: Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C. Then line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and spray it with cooking spray.

2. Mix The Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Then add the chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, parsley, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until well combined.

3. Form: Shape the mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Make the Glaze: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a small bowl. Spread the glaze all over the meatloaf.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until the internal temperature of the loaf is 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use your hands. Use clean hands (put on gloves if you prefer) to mix the ground meat with the other ingredients and seasonings. This method distributes the flavors evenly without making the meatloaf mushy.
• Use a meat thermometer. You’ll know that the chicken meatloaf is ready when the temperature in the center of the loaf is 165°F (74°C). This is of course the safe cooking temperature for chicken, so be sure to check!
• To save cooking time, form the meat mixture into two smaller loaves rather than one big one. cook for about 30 minutes, or until done.
• Resting is key. If you try to cut into the meatloaf too soon, you’ll end up with dry, crumbly slices. 10-15 minutes of rest time will allow the meatloaf to solidify and retain its juiciness.

Storing Tips

Store leftover chicken meatloaf in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat your leftovers in the microwave, or enjoy slices of meatloaf cold to make delicious meatloaf sandwiches.

What To Serve With Chicken Meatloaf

This homestyle favorite goes best with creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies. Try broccoli, green beans, or a delicious pear salad using seasonal fruit!

Other delicious sides for meatloaf include cheesy Boursin mashed potatoes, roasted broccolini, scalloped potatoes, or brown sugar glazed carrots.

This is a comfort food meal, so be sure to include sides that your family loves!

For dessert, I suggest a classic favorite like Texas Sheet Cake or Apple Pie.

Recipe FAQs

Remember to save this ground chicken meatloaf recipe! It’s sure to be a hit with your family, and you’ll want to be able to find the recipe for next time.