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To make Mini Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup milk - 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for topping) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. Ground chicken serves as the base, while breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add structure and richness. Fresh parsley brings a burst of color and taste. Garlic and onion infuse aromatic notes. The egg binds everything together, while milk keeps the meatloaves moist. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the overall flavor. Topping with marinara sauce adds a delicious twist. Finally, fresh basil leaves make for a pretty and tasty garnish. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat will help the meatloaves cook evenly. - Prepare the Muffin Tin Lightly grease a muffin tin or use paper liners. This step makes removal easy later. - Combine Main Ingredients In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to combine well. - Add Milk Pour in the milk to keep the meatloaves moist. Mix gently but don’t overdo it. - Fill Tin and Add Sauce Scoop the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Top each one with a tablespoon of marinara sauce. - Baking Time and Temperature Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the tops look golden brown. - Cooling and Serving Once baked, let them cool for 5 minutes. Carefully remove them from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. - Importance of Adding Milk Adding milk keeps the meatloaves moist. It helps balance the dryness of the chicken. This small step makes a big difference in flavor and texture. I always add milk to my mixture for the best results. - Avoiding Overmixing Overmixing can make meatloaves tough. Mix just until all the ingredients blend. Use your hands or a wooden spoon for a gentle touch. This keeps the meatloaves light and tender. - Pairing with Sides Mini meatloaves pair well with many sides. Try a fresh salad or roasted veggies. Mashed potatoes also make a great choice. You can even serve them with pasta for a hearty meal. - Garnishing Ideas Fresh basil leaves add a nice touch. Sprinkle them on top right before serving. They bring a pop of color and flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for more taste. - Best Muffin Tins A non-stick muffin tin works best. It helps the meatloaves come out easily. If you prefer, use paper liners to catch any drips. This saves time on cleanup, too. - Mixing & Measuring Tools A large mixing bowl is a must for this recipe. Use measuring cups for precise ingredient amounts. A wooden spoon or your hands works well for mixing. These tools help you create perfect mini meatloaves every time. Pro Tips Keep it Moist: Adding milk to the mixture helps keep the meatloaves tender and juicy, so don’t skip this step! Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique flavor twist. Freezing Tips: These mini meatloaves freeze well! Prepare a batch and freeze them before baking for a quick meal later. {{image_2}} You can change the ground meat in this recipe for fun. Ground turkey works well. If you want beef, that’s great too. Just remember, the taste will change. For a leaner meal, try ground chicken or turkey. Both keep the meatloaf light. Gluten-free is possible too! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also use oats or crushed rice cakes. They work as great binders. Want to spice things up? Add some heat! Red pepper flakes give a nice kick. You can also try smoked paprika or cumin for a unique twist. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can deepen the flavor. Changing the topping sauce can be fun too. Instead of marinara, use barbecue sauce. You can also try a creamy garlic sauce or even pesto. This can change the whole dish! Mini meatloaf sliders are a hit! Just place one meatloaf between two small buns. Add lettuce and tomato for a tasty meal. You can also serve these mini meatloaves with pasta. A side of spaghetti with marinara pairs perfectly. You can make a meatloaf platter too! Slice the mini loaves and serve with a salad. This adds color and freshness to your meal. Refrigeration Tips After enjoying your mini garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaves, let them cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. Freezing Mini Meatloaves You can freeze these mini meatloaves for longer storage. Wrap each meatloaf in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. This is great for quick meals! Best Methods for Reheating To reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatloaves in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but this may dry them out. Tips for Maintaining Moisture To keep them juicy, add a splash of water to the baking dish before reheating. Covering with foil helps trap steam, which keeps the meatloaves moist. This step makes a big difference in flavor and texture! How Long They Last in the Fridge/Freezer In the fridge, your mini meatloaves stay fresh for three days. In the freezer, they can last for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating, like odd smells or changes in color. Enjoy your leftovers safely! The best temperature is 375°F (190°C). This heat cooks the meatloaf evenly. It helps the chicken cook through without drying out. Yes, you can use lean chicken. However, lean chicken may dry out more easily. Adding a bit more milk can help keep it moist. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The tops should also look golden brown. Yes, you can double or halve the recipe. Just adjust the ingredients accordingly. Make sure to adjust cooking time if needed. These meatloaves pair well with many sides. Think about serving them with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. You could also add steamed veggies or garlic bread for a complete meal. In this blog post, I shared a simple guide for making mini garlic Parmesan chicken meatloaves. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for juicy results. I also explored variations and storage options to keep your meatloaves fresh. Try these recipes for a tasty meal your family will love. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the versatility of this dish. Get cooking, and make mealtime fun!

Mini Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves

Delicious mini meatloaves made with ground chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, topped with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the milk to the mixture to keep the meatloaves moist, and mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until everything is well combined but not overmixed.
  • Scoop the chicken mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup to about 3/4 full to allow for expansion.
  • Spoon a generous tablespoon of marinara sauce on top of each mini meatloaf.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the tops are golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing the mini meatloaves from the muffin tin.
  • Garnish each with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, garlic, meatloaf, parmesan