Chef Mitchell preparing Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe during a family gathering where everyone had requests for a healthier meatloaf. After experimenting with various ingredients, I perfected this Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf that's now a family favorite. It’s rich in flavor yet light, making it an ideal comfort dish. Over the years, I've honed the recipe, ensuring every bite is deliciously satisfying."

With over a decade of experience in the culinary field, I specialize in American cuisine and comfort foods. My passion lies in creating delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that bring families together. I love experimenting with fresh ingredients to make traditional dishes healthier without compromising on taste.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf served on a plate

Why This Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf Recipe Works

This Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf stands out due to its use of fresh herbs and ground chicken, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish. The blend of spices enhances the natural taste of the chicken, making it a delightful alternative to traditional meatloaf. It's not just healthier but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.

The technique of mixing the meat with breadcrumbs and egg ensures a perfect texture. Baking it with a flavorful glaze on top keeps it moist while providing a savory finish. This method guarantees that each slice is tender and packed with flavor, making it a favorite amongst both kids and adults.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use lean ground chicken and avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture. This will help keep the meatloaf tender and prevent it from becoming dense. Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking, as this helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also shape it and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before baking. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use crushed rice or gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use oats, which work well as a binder and add a nice texture. Just ensure they are finely ground for the best results.

The best way to check if the meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the center. Additionally, the meatloaf should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the middle.

Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. If freezing after, allow it to cool completely before wrapping. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with a side of rice or pasta for a heartier meal. A drizzle of gravy or extra ketchup on the side complements the flavors perfectly.

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, ensuring it’s heated through before serving.

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can cook it in advance and reheat it when needed.

The best way to reheat meatloaf is in the oven to retain moisture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the meatloaf in a baking dish, and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals if you're in a hurry.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The meatloaf may have turned out dry if it was overcooked or lacked enough moisture.

Solution: To prevent dryness, ensure not to overmix the ingredients and keep an eye on cooking time. Adding a bit more milk or incorporating some finely chopped vegetables can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The exterior of the meatloaf may not have developed a nice browning or crispness.

Solution: For a crispier exterior, consider broiling the meatloaf for a few minutes at the end of cooking. You can also add breadcrumbs or a layer of bacon on top before baking to enhance the texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: An overcooked meatloaf can become tough and dry.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, always use a meat thermometer and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). If you find it overcooked, serve it with a little gravy or sauce to add moisture back in.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can lead to a raw texture and food safety concerns.

Recovery: If the center is undercooked, return the meatloaf to the oven, covering it with foil to avoid burning the outer layer and continue baking until it reaches the safe temperature.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outside may burn while the inside remains undercooked.

Prevention: To avoid a burnt exterior, consider lowering the oven temperature and covering the meatloaf with foil during the first part of cooking, then uncovering it for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the top.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the meatloaf is too sweet, reduce the amount of ketchup and consider adding more savory herbs or spices.

Too Salty: For a too salty meatloaf, serve it with a side dish that can balance the flavors, like a fresh salad.

Bland: If the meatloaf is bland, enhance the flavor with additional herbs, spices, or a splash of hot sauce in the mix next time.

Fresh ingredients for Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf

Essential Ingredients for Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf

The key ingredients in this meatloaf are ground chicken and fresh herbs, which bring a unique flavor profile that's lighter than traditional beef meatloaf. The use of breadcrumbs and egg helps bind the mixture, resulting in a tender texture. Cheese adds a savory depth, while the mustard and Worcestershire sauce lend a tangy kick.

Quality ingredients make all the difference. Opt for fresh herbs whenever possible, as they provide vibrant flavors that dried herbs cannot replicate. Using good-quality chicken ensures a tender and juicy meatloaf. Remember, the seasoning can be adjusted based on personal taste preferences.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Chicken: Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier meatloaf. It’s low in fat and high in protein, making it a great base for this recipe. Avoid overly fatty chicken, as it can lead to greasy meatloaf.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture. You can make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor. They help absorb moisture and create a tender meatloaf.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme elevate the flavor of the meatloaf significantly. Chop them finely to release their essential oils and enhance the overall taste.
Cooking process for Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by preparing all ingredients and mixing them thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Shaping the meatloaf properly is crucial for even cooking.

Baking is the key technique here; keeping the meatloaf covered initially helps it stay moist, while browning at the end develops a beautiful crust. Letting it rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is flavorful and juicy.

Key Technique for Perfect Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf

The secret to a perfect meatloaf lies in how you mix and shape the ingredients. Be gentle when combining to avoid compacting the meat. Additionally, using a thermometer to check for doneness ensures that the meatloaf is cooked perfectly without becoming dry.

Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup ketchup
    For glazing
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    Adds depth of flavor
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    For tanginess

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb ground chicken
    Lean chicken
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    For binding
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    Adds richness
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    For freshness
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    For flavor
  • 1 egg
    Binder
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
    Adds moisture
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
    Herb flavor
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
    Herb flavor
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/4 cup milk
    For moisture

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients and chop the herbs and onion.

  2. Mix Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, onion, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until well combined.

  3. Shape the Meatloaf

    Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet.

  4. Prepare the Glaze

    In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Spread half over the meatloaf.

  5. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  6. Glaze Again

    In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the remaining glaze on top.

  7. Rest and Slice

    Once done, remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

  8. Serve

    Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store leftover Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices or the whole loaf for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Savory Herb Chicken Meatloaf is excellent when served with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad. You can also top it with extra ketchup or a homemade gravy for added flavor.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this meatloaf by adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots. You can also experiment with various herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. For a cheese lover's version, incorporate shredded cheese into the mix.