Chicken Meatloaf

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This chicken meatloaf is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, an easy, family-style dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time14

Cook Time50

Total Time1 4

Course: Entree, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: meatloaf, chicken recipes, Meal Prep

Calories: 6835kcal

Preheat the oven to 375° F.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
In a medium skillet heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Next, add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl add the beaten eggs, milk and cracker crumbs. Set aside for 3 minutes for the crackers to soak.
After 3 minutes add the onion and garlic mixture, ground chicken, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt and pepper. Use clean hands to knead until combined.
Dampen your hands and form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Use a silicone spatula to cover the top and sides of the loaf with the barbecue sauce.
Bake in preheated oven until internal temperature is 165° F (about 50-60 minutes). Serve warm and enjoy.

TFN Pro Tips

Double and freeze: Make two loaves instead of one—bake both, then freeze one for later. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months. It’s a perfect way to have a homemade dinner ready on busy nights.
Crispy glaze tip: Brush an extra layer of sauce on during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a caramelized finish that locks in moisture.
Make our homemade 3 ingredient BBQ sauce for this recipe.

Recipe Variations

Italian-style chicken meatloaf: Transform this into an Italian-inspired dish by substituting breadcrumbs for the crackers and adding ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Season with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder instead of just salt and pepper. Top with marinara sauce instead of barbecue sauce and add slices of mozzarella cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy, melty finish. The combination of Italian herbs and spices creates a completely different flavor profile!
Cheesy BBQ chicken meatloaf: For extra cheesy goodness, mix 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese directly into the meat mixture before forming the loaf. Top with your barbecue sauce as directed, then sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking. The melted cheddar adds richness and creates delicious pockets of gooey cheese throughout. You can also add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the BBQ sauce for a sweeter glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
Herb and garlic meatloaf: Give your classic loaf a fresh twist with extra herbs and aromatics. Add 1–2 teaspoons of oregano, thyme, or rosemary along with the parsley, and stir in ½ teaspoon each of onion and garlic powder for a deeper flavor. This fragrant version is delicious served with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Reheating Instructions

Assemble the loaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it raw and bake straight from the freezer, adding about 15 minutes to the cook time.
Cool the loaf completely, slice, and wrap portions individually in foil or airtight containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave slices on medium power for 1–2 minutes until warm.