Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish balances hearty and delicate flavors. The ground chicken stays moist and tender thanks to the milk and breadcrumbs, while the Parmesan adds a savory depth that pairs perfectly with garlic and herbs. The buttery garlic glaze gives it a restaurant-quality finish that makes everyone at the table reach for seconds. Plus, it’s baked in one pan, making cleanup simple and stress-free.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatloaf:

• 900 g ground chicken

• 100 g grated Parmesan cheese

• 60 g panko breadcrumbs

• 2 large eggs

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 0.5 tsp dried basil

• 0.5 tsp dried parsley

• 0.5 tsp fine salt

• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper

• 60 ml whole milk

For the Garlic Parmesan Glaze:

• 45 g unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 25 g grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley

• Pinch of fine salt

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 190°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the ground chicken, Parmesan, panko, eggs, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and milk. I mix until everything is just combined—being careful not to overmix to keep the texture light and tender.

3. I shape the mixture into a loaf and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan.

4. I bake it for 40–45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 74°C.

5. While it bakes, I prepare the glaze. I melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes. I stir in Parmesan and parsley, letting it cook another couple of minutes until slightly thickened. I season with a pinch of salt.

6. Once the meatloaf is done, I brush it generously with the garlic Parmesan glaze and return it to the oven for 5–7 minutes to set the glaze.

7. I let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing, then garnish with a little extra parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 servings and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes total—20 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of cooking.

Variations

Sometimes I like to switch things up by adding a small amount of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese into the chicken mixture for an extra creamy texture. For a spicy twist, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze. I’ve also made this recipe with ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor that’s just as tender and juicy.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover slices with foil and warm them in the oven at 180°C for about 10–12 minutes, or microwave them gently for 1–2 minutes. For longer storage, I freeze individual portions wrapped in foil and reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the meatloaf a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to bake, I simply let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Can I use another type of meat?

Absolutely. I sometimes use ground turkey or a mix of chicken and pork for more richness. Just make sure the internal temperature still reaches 74°C.

How do I keep the meatloaf from drying out?

I make sure not to overmix the meat and always include the milk—it keeps the texture tender and moist. Also, resting the loaf before slicing helps retain the juices.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, I can easily double the ingredients and bake two loaves side by side. I just make sure to check the internal temperature, as thicker loaves may need a few extra minutes.

What can I serve with this garlic Parmesan chicken?

I like to serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also pairs beautifully with garlic bread or buttered noodles.

Conclusion

This melt-in-your-mouth garlic Parmesan chicken is one of my go-to comfort dishes. The tender meat, aromatic garlic, and rich buttery glaze come together for a truly irresistible meal. Whether I’m making it for family dinner or entertaining guests, it’s always a hit—and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day.

Print