Remember those chilly evenings when a hearty meatloaf felt like the ultimate comfort food? Well, get ready to bring that cozy feeling back, but with a healthy, keto-friendly twist! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is my personal go-to when I’m craving something satisfying without the carb overload. I first discovered this gem when I was diving headfirst into the keto lifestyle, looking for ways to recreate those nostalgic childhood dinners. As I chopped the fresh garlic and stirred in that savory Parmesan, my kitchen filled with scents that instantly transported me back to family gatherings. And the taste? Pure bliss! It’s proof that healthy eating can be incredibly comforting and utterly delicious. I’m Mark Williams, The Keto Performance Chef, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you. For more inspiration on delicious chicken dishes like this, check out this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Seriously, this meatloaf is a weeknight dinner superhero! It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, even on your busiest days. You get all that amazing, comforting flavor you crave, but it’s totally low-carb and keto-friendly. Plus, the garlic and Parmesan combo? Oh my gosh, it’s just *chef’s kiss*! You’ll wonder why you ever ate boring meatloaf before!
- Super quick and simple to make
- Packed with savory garlic and Parmesan flavor
- Perfectly keto and low-carb friendly
- Ultra-comforting and satisfying
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Alright, my friends, let’s gather our goodies for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf! It’s all about keeping things simple and flavorful. We’re using lean ground chicken for a lighter feel, but trust me, it doesn’t skimp on taste. That Italian breadcrumb base gives it just the right texture, and the Parmesan cheese? Well, that’s where the *magic* happens, along with plenty of fresh garlic and onion to really wake everything up. Grab your apron, and let’s get these ingredients ready!
For the Meatloaf
- 1.5 pounds ground chicken
- 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs (plain works too!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup minced yellow onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
How to Prepare This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Alright, let’s get this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf into the oven! It’s seriously straightforward, and you’ll be so proud of the masterpiece you create. First things first, crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your trusty 9x5x2-inch loaf pan and give it a quick spray with some nonstick cooking spray. This just makes sure our beautiful meatloaf slides right out later – no sticking allowed! For more great keto recipes that are easy to make, check out this Keto Beef Stroganoff!
Now, for the fun part. Grab a nice big mixing bowl. We’re going to toss in all our meatloaf ingredients: the ground chicken, those Italian breadcrumbs, the lovely grated Parmesan, your minced onion and garlic (don’t be shy with the garlic!), the egg, milk, parsley, salt, and pepper. If you’re feeling bold, using your clean hands is the best way to really get everything mixed together perfectly. Squish and combine until it’s all nice and evenly distributed. You want it to look like one happy, cohesive mixture, ready to become something amazing.
Once it’s all mixed up, gently shape that glorious mixture into a loaf right there in the pan. Try to make it even so it bakes up nicely. Now, for the grand finale topping! Sprinkle that shredded Parmesan cheese all over the top, and then scatter the remaining chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for a full hour. If you want that gorgeous golden-brown finish, you can pop it under the broiler for the last 2 minutes, but seriously, keep a close eye on it – broilers can be feisty!
Pro Tip: If you’re ever unsure if it’s done, you can insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. It should read around 165°F (74°C).
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Alright, let’s make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf absolutely legendary! A few little tricks up your sleeve can make all the difference, ensuring it’s perfectly juicy and packed with flavor every single time. When you’re mixing the ingredients, try not to overwork the chicken mixture. Just combine everything until it’s *just* mixed. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough, and we definitely don’t want that! For more meatloaf magic, check out my Perfect Keto Meatloaf Recipe.
When you’re forming the loaf in the pan, be gentle. You want to create a nice shape, but don’t pack it down too tightly. This helps keep it tender. And don’t feel shy with the garlic and Parmesan – they’re the stars of the show here! Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you pop it in, and resist the urge to open the oven door too often while it’s baking. Patience is key for that perfect, tender bite!
Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Now that you’ve got this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf ready to go, what should you put alongside it? You want sides that sing with flavor but keep it low-carb, right? My absolute favorite is a big helping of roasted veggies. Think broccoli or asparagus tossed with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of garlic powder – they get wonderfully tender and slightly crispy. For a more robust side, these Crispy Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are always a winner, even though they’re not strictly keto, they are made with red potatoes which are known to be a little lower in carbs than other potatoes. Or, if you want a huge variety of ideas, you can check out my full list of 100 Side Dish Recipes. Anything that’s fresh and green or lightly roasted just ties everything together perfectly!
Storing and Reheating Your Meatloaf
Don’t you hate when you have a little bit of leftover meatloaf and you’re not sure what to do with it? Don’t toss it! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is fantastic the next day. Once it’s cooled down a bit, just wrap it up tight in plastic wrap, then maybe foil, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it even longer, freezing is your best bet! Wrap it really well, label it, and it’ll be good for 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before you’re ready to reheat.
Reheating is super easy too. You can zap it in the microwave for a minute or two, or if you want it a bit crisper, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Got questions about this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf? I’ve got answers! Cooking should be fun, not fussy, and I want to make sure this recipe is a total win for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you think of anything else!
Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! This meatloaf is fantastic for meal prep. You can mix up the meatloaf mixture and store it covered in the fridge for up to a day before you plan to bake it. Or, bake it completely, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or even quick weeknight dinners. For more meal prep ideas, check out my meal prep breakfast ideas!
What can I substitute for the Italian breadcrumbs?
Great question if you’re keeping things super low-carb! You can easily swap out the Italian breadcrumbs. Almond flour or even flaxseed meal make fantastic substitutes. You’ll want to use about the same amount, maybe just a little less flaxseed meal if it seems too dense. They’ll give you a similar binding effect but keep the carbohydrate count way down. You could also try pork rinds pulsed into fine crumbs – they add a little extra savory flavor too!
How do I know when my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is cooked through?
The easiest and safest way is to use a meat thermometer! Pop it into the thickest part of the meatloaf. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can insert a thin knife or skewer into the center; it should come out hot, and if you cut into a small piece, the juices should run clear, with no pink meat visible.
Can I use other types of ground chicken?
You sure can! I usually opt for ground chicken because it’s a bit leaner, which I love for a healthier meatloaf. But if you have ground chicken thighs or a mix, that will work too! It might just make the meatloaf a tiny bit richer and more moist, which is never a bad thing!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate based on the ingredients listed, and it can totally vary depending on the brands you use and how you make it. But roughly, each serving of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf comes in around 313 calories, with about 14g carbs, 29g protein, and 16g fat. It’s a seriously satisfying meal!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x5x2-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced yellow onion, minced garlic, egg, whole milk, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients until they are well combined. You can use clean hands or a large spoon.
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf pan. Top with the shredded Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. For a golden brown top, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
