If you’re craving comfort food with an Italian twist, this Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s a juicy, flavorful meatloaf packed with tender ground chicken, cheesy goodness, bright marinara, and a crispy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Healthy and hearty: Using ground chicken keeps it lighter than traditional beef meatloaf but still packed with protein and flavor.
Melty cheese magic: Mozzarella strings inside and shredded on top create irresistible gooey pockets and a bubbly golden crust.
Simple ingredients, spectacular results: Pantry staples like Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce transform humble components into a showstopper.
Family-friendly dinner: It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that can easily become a staple at your dinner table.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of this Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role — from the aromatic onions and garlic adding depth, to the fresh parsley bringing a pop of color and brightness.
- Ground chicken: A lean alternative to beef that keeps the meatloaf tender and healthy.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and umami that elevates the savory profile.
- Mozzarella cheese: Using string cheese inside creates fun melted layers, while shredded on top forms a gorgeous crust.
- Marinara sauce: The perfect tangy topping that locks in moisture and brings Italian flavors.
- Seasoned bread crumbs: Help bind and give just the right texture to the meatloaf.
How to Make Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat and gently cooking the finely diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and infuses the meatloaf with rich flavor. Let them cool completely before mixing with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, milk, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want everything to bind well but keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
Step 3: Shape and Add Marinara Topping
Form the mixture into an 8×4 inch loaf shape right on your lined and greased baking pan. Next, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over the top — this will help keep things juicy and add a tangy zip that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken.
Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf
Bake the meatloaf at 400°F for 45 minutes, allowing it to cook through and firm up. This first bake ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked while the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Topping, Then Bake More
Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, melted butter, and parsley for the crunchy topping. Carefully arrange the mozzarella string slices on the meatloaf, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, then add the shredded mozzarella. Return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the center reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
After baking, let the meatloaf cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices redistribute so every slice is tender and moist with a perfect cheesy finish.
How to Serve Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves brightens up the plate visually and adds a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the meatloaf beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty chicken meatloaf alongside classic mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables to add balance and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf into individual mini meatloaf muffins for a fun twist, or serve slices stacked on toasted Italian bread as a savory meatloaf sandwich with leftover marinara drizzled on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and tasty for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside a freezer bag for up to 4 months. It’s a lifesaver when you want an easy dinner—no thawing required!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture, or warm slices in the microwave if you’re short on time—the cheesy topping still melts beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will provide a similar texture and mild flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as turkey can sometimes dry out faster—adding a bit more moisture like milk or marinara helps keep it juicy.
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Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the seasoned bread crumbs and panko with gluten-free alternatives or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain texture without gluten. Be sure to check that your marinara sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
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Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time without baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the meatloaf in the loaf pan, tightly cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for busy days when you want to save time later.
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What’s the best way to ensure the meatloaf stays moist?
Using ground chicken with a little added milk and not overmixing the meat mixture helps keep it tender. Baking with the marinara sauce on top also locks in moisture and prevents drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s simple to prepare yet bursting with layers of flavor and texture that make every bite special. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite at your table, just like it has in mine!
Print
Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with Marinara and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious, tender, and flavorful twist on classic meatloaf made with ground chicken and rich Parmesan cheese. Topped with a savory marinara sauce and a crispy breadcrumb and mozzarella topping, it’s perfect for a comforting family dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 mozzarella cheese strings, cut into ½” slices
Topping:
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons Panko bread crumbs
- 1½ tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking pan with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before mixing with the meat.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, seasoned bread crumbs, milk, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir just until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking pan. Shape it into a roughly 8″ x 4″ square. Press the mozzarella cheese string slices into the top of the meatloaf evenly.
- Add the Marinara and Bake: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Prepare the Topping: While the meatloaf bakes, in a small bowl combine the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and chopped parsley.
- Add Topping and Cheese: Remove the meatloaf from the oven after the initial bake. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then add the breadcrumb mixture.
- Finish Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the meatloaf hold its shape and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in the oven until heated through.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 4 months. Wrap individual slices in foil and place in a freezer bag for convenient reheating without thawing.
