The Ultimate Ground Chicken Meatloaf: Juicy, Flavorful, and Surprisingly Easy
Meatloaf might have a reputation as old-school comfort food, but trust me—this Ground Chicken Meatloaf is anything but boring.
Juicy, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to make, it’s a lighter twist on the classic that still delivers all the hearty, homey goodness you crave. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meatloaf or just want to shake things up at dinnertime, this recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Why Ground Chicken Meatloaf?
Swapping out beef for ground chicken gives you a leaner, protein-packed version of this dinnertime classic. But don’t worry—this meatloaf isn’t dry or bland (because nobody wants that). Thanks to a perfect blend of seasonings, moisture-boosting ingredients, and a killer glaze, every bite is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Bonus: It’s great for meal prep, freezes well, and makes amazing leftovers (hello, meatloaf sandwiches!).
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – based on 6 servings per meatloaf)
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: ~28g
- Fat: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~580mg
(Nutritional values may vary slightly based on specific ingredient brands and measurements.)
What You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making the perfect Ground Chicken Meatloaf:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground chicken (lean, but not too lean—ground chicken with a little fat helps with moisture!)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (adds flavor and keeps it juicy)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 egg (acts as a binder to keep everything together)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or almond flour (for structure and texture)
- ¼ cup milk (helps keep the meatloaf moist)
- 2 tbsp ketchup or BBQ sauce (adds a little sweetness and depth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for that umami kick)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds a bit of tang)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but adds a subtle smokiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or balsamic for a deeper flavor)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (a little sweetness balances it out)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
How to Make Ground Chicken Meatloaf
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic over medium heat until soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). This little extra step prevents crunchy onions in your meatloaf and adds extra moisture.
3. Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and seasonings. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon—don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with dense meatloaf.
4. Shape & Bake
Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a loaf (or press it into a loaf pan). Bake for 25 minutes before adding the glaze.
5. Glaze & Finish Baking
While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar, honey, and garlic powder for the glaze. After 25 minutes of baking, brush the glaze generously over the top and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let it Rest
Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making sure every bite is moist and delicious.
Serving Ideas
This meatloaf pairs well with just about anything, but here are a few side dish ideas:
- Mashed potatoes (because, duh—comfort food perfection)
- Garlic roasted Brussels sprouts
- Steamed green beans with lemon zest
- A simple side salad
- Cauliflower mash for a low-carb option
And if you have leftovers? Slice it up for the best next-day sandwiches—just add a little extra ketchup or BBQ sauce and layer it between toasted bread.
Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Meatloaf
✔️ Use some fat! Super lean ground chicken can dry out, so using 90/10 ground chicken or adding a little olive oil to the mix helps.
✔️ Don’t overmix the meat. Gently mix the ingredients just until combined—overmixing makes the meatloaf tough.
✔️ Let it rest. Giving it 5-10 minutes before slicing ensures a juicier, more flavorful meatloaf.
✔️ Customize it! Want to add extra veggies? Finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or spinach blend right in without changing the flavor too much.
Final Thoughts
Ground Chicken Meatloaf is easy, comforting, and packed with flavor—all while being a lighter take on the classic. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers all the deliciousness you crave.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready for the best ground chicken meatloaf ever. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
