Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

This garlic butter Parmesan chicken meatloaf is one of those dinners that feels special but is still very doable on a regular night.

It’s made with ground chicken and Italian chicken sausage, so it stays tender and full of flavor without feeling heavy. I like making this when I want something comforting that isn’t the usual beef meatloaf.

It’s great for family dinners, and the leftovers make lunch the next day feel like a treat. That garlic butter sauce on top is honestly the reason I keep coming back to this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

1. It’s a nice change from classic beef meatloaf
2. The ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store
3. It stays moist and tender, not dry
4. The garlic butter sauce makes it feel extra comforting
5. Leftovers reheat really well
6. It works for weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

This recipe uses ground chicken and Italian chicken sausage. I like using lean ground chicken because it lets the flavors shine without being greasy.

The Italian chicken sausage adds moisture and seasoning, which really helps keep the meatloaf tender.

If your sausage comes in casings, just remove them before mixing. Both fresh and packaged ground chicken work fine here.

4. Options for Substitutes

• Ground turkey can be used instead of ground chicken if needed
• Milk can replace half and half, though the meatloaf will be a little lighter
• Plain breadcrumbs work if Italian breadcrumbs aren’t available
• Dried parsley can be used if fresh isn’t on hand
• Chicken stock can replace chicken broth

5. Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Try not to overmix the meat. Mixing just until everything comes together keeps the meatloaf soft. Be careful not to skip resting the meatloaf after baking, since that helps it hold its shape when sliced.

When making the sauce, keep the heat gentle once the butter goes in so it stays smooth and doesn’t separate.

6. What to Serve With Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf?

1. Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
2. Steamed green beans or broccoli
3. A simple side salad with vinaigrette
4. Buttered noodles or rice
5. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread

7. Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Freeze slices wrapped well for up to 2 months
• Reheat in the microwave for quick meals
• Reheat in the oven, covered, to keep it moist

How To Make Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 8 cloves garlic, minced, divided
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 pound uncooked Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a loaf pan and set it aside.

Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine 6 cloves of garlic, the minced onion, egg, egg yolk, half and half, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 3:
Add the ground chicken, Italian chicken sausage, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Fold in the breadcrumbs and shape the mixture into a loaf.

Step 4:
Place the meatloaf into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top evenly with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 5:
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from the oven and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 6:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 cloves of garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Step 7:
Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until reduced by about three quarters, leaving roughly 1/3 cup of liquid.

Step 8:
Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the cold butter cubes until smooth. Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese, parsley, remaining salt, and crushed red pepper.

Step 9:
Slice the meatloaf and serve warm with the garlic butter sauce drizzled over the top.

Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

This garlic butter Parmesan chicken meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and topped with a rich, buttery sauce.

It’s a great option when you want comfort food that feels a little lighter than traditional meatloaf. Perfect for family dinners and just as good the next day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 8 cloves garlic minced, divided
• 1/4 cup minced onion
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 pound uncooked Italian chicken sausage casings removed
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 6 tablespoons cold butter cut into cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a loaf pan and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine 6 cloves of garlic, the minced onion, egg, egg yolk, half and half, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Add the ground chicken, Italian chicken sausage, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Fold in the breadcrumbs and shape the mixture into a loaf.
4. Place the meatloaf into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top evenly with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the remaining Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from the oven and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
6. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 cloves of garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
7. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until reduced by about three quarters, leaving roughly 1/3 cup of liquid.
8. Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the cold butter cubes until smooth. Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese, parsley, remaining salt, and crushed red pepper.
9. Slice the meatloaf and serve warm with the garlic butter sauce drizzled over the top.

Nutritional Information

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Emma Parker

I’m Emma Parker, the writer and founder behind Emma’s Home Guide. This blog was created to share practical ideas, honest experiences, and helpful guidance for everyday living. My goal is to make home life feel easier, warmer, and more enjoyable, without pressure or perfection.