Chicken Meatloaf: A Healthy Twist on the Classic

Chicken Meatloaf

Jani

Hi, I'm Janice! I'm a chef, food photographer, and DIY enthusiast. On this blog, I share reliable, budget-friendly recipes that anyone can make, regardless of their cooking experience. Alongside these delicious dishes, I also offer a peek into my DIY projects, showing you how I’m transforming my home one step at a time. Whether you're here to cook up something tasty or get inspired to tackle a home improvement project, you'll find something to enjoy!

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Chicken Meatloaf is a delightful variation of the traditional American Meat Loaf, offering a lighter and healthier option by using ground chicken breast. This version is ideal for those seeking a flavorful and wholesome meal. The process remains similar: sauté the vegetables of your choice, then combine them with spices, breadcrumbs, and eggs to form a compact mixture.

One of the secrets to a perfect Chicken Meatloaf lies in the glaze. Made with tomato sauce, it adds a touch of sweetness and contributes to a visually appealing, mouthwatering finish.

Why try this recipe?

Healthy and Affordable: Ground chicken breast is a leaner alternative to ground beef, and it’s often more budget-friendly. If you’re planning a hearty family meal, Chicken Meatloaf is an excellent option.

Simple and Versatile: This dish requires minimal ingredients and is easy to make. It’s loved by both adults and children, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients

⭐ Ground Chicken Breast: The star of this recipe. It’s lean, tender, and absorbs flavors well.

🌶️ Sautéed Vegetables: A mix of yellow bell peppers, finely chopped onions, crushed garlic, and grated carrots adds texture and flavor.

🍞 Breadcrumbs and Egg: These are essential for binding the mixture together.

🍅 Tomato-Based Glaze: A simple blend of ketchup and a teaspoon of oil to brush on top of the meatloaf before baking.

Let’s Get Cooking Chicken Meatloaf

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by sautéing finely chopped yellow bell peppers, onions, crushed garlic, and grated carrots in a pan. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, oregano, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, ground chicken breast, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix everything thoroughly to create a cohesive, compact mixture.

Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf form. This will help it cook evenly.

Glaze and Bake: For the glaze, mix ketchup with a teaspoon of oil and brush it over the top of the meatloaf. This adds a beautiful caramelized finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

Chicken Meatloaf
Chicken Meatloaf

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Variations and Substitutions

  • Bacon Touch: Add crumbled bacon to the mixture for a smoky twist.
  • Stuffed Meatloaf: Line the loaf pan with seasoned ground chicken, then fill the center with hard-boiled eggs, olives, or finely chopped vegetables for a surprise filling.
  • BBQ Flavor: Swap out the ketchup in the glaze for barbecue sauce to give the meatloaf a smoky, tangy kick.

Tips and Tricks

  • Choose Fresh Ground Chicken: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, skinless, and boneless chicken breast. If you can’t find it pre-ground, you can easily make it at home using a food processor or finely chop the meat with a sharp knife.
  • Season Well: Since chicken breast is naturally lean and mild, be generous with seasonings like garlic, onions, and herbs to infuse flavor into the meatloaf.
  • Use an Egg and Breadcrumbs: These two ingredients are crucial for binding the meatloaf and keeping it moist during baking.
  • Don’t Skip the Glaze: The glaze not only adds flavor but also keeps the meatloaf moist. Applying it before baking ensures a nice, caramelized finish.
  • Let It Rest: After baking, allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and delicious.

 

Chicken Meatloaf
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Chicken Meatloaf

Chicken Meatloaf Recipe with ground chicken breast, breadcrumbs, vegetables, spices, and glaze.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Palabra clave Chicken Meatloaf, Meatloaf
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 200kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons of oil
  • 1/2 cup white onion chopped (60 g)
  • 2 cloves of garlic crushed
  • 1 cup grated carrot 100 g
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper chopped (60 g)
  • 4 cups ground chicken breast 450 g
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 60 g
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup ketchup 125 g

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease an oven-safe loaf pan.
  • Pour 1 tablespoon of oil into a hot skillet and sauté the onions and crushed garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent. Immediately add the grated carrot and bell pepper, continue cooking for 5 more minutes, and then turn off the heat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, sautéed vegetables, oregano, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until you have a homogeneous mixture.
  • Place the mixture into the greased loaf pan and press it down firmly to compact it. Mix the ketchup with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and brush it over the top of the meatloaf. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • After 20 minutes, remove from the oven and brush with more glaze. Bake for 45 minutes or until the chicken meatloaf is golden on top and cooked through. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to let it brown.
  • Once ready, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into portions. Enjoy!

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