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Chicken Meatloaf with Glaze Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

A flavorful and juicy chicken meatloaf that is a lighter and leaner alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. This recipe includes fresh onion, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning, with a tangy and sweet glaze made of ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. Perfectly baked in the oven, it makes an easy and family-friendly dinner that pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 pound ground chicken (lean chicken breast preferred)
  • 1 small onion, very finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular unflavored breadcrumbs)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves, very finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons BBQ sauce
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or any white or wine vinegar)
  • 1 pinch garlic powder
  • 1 pinch onion powder
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients thoroughly. Ensure the onion, garlic, parsley, and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the ground chicken mixture for consistent flavor.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf: Form the chicken mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet. Make it compact and even in thickness for predictable cooking.
  4. Initial Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. At this stage, it won’t be fully cooked, but this half-cook prepares it for glazing.
  5. Prepare the Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, mix all glaze ingredients in a small bowl: ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
  6. Apply Glaze and Continue Baking: After 20 minutes, carefully take the meatloaf out of the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute. Then slice and serve with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey if preferred; lean ground turkey will also work well.
  • Adjust the brown sugar in the glaze to reduce sweetness if desired.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meatloaf mixture instead of ketchup.
  • Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a traditional meal.