Moist & Juicy Chicken Meatloaf Recipe with Glaze

Discover the best chicken meatloaf recipe! Juicy, flavorful, and easy with a sweet-savory glaze. Perfect for dinners, meal prep, and family meals.

Why This Chicken Meatloaf Recipe Works

If you’ve ever been skeptical about ground chicken in meatloaf, this chicken meatloaf recipe will change your mind. It’s lighter than beef meatloaf yet still moist, flavorful, and satisfying.

With the right binders and seasonings, you’ll get a loaf that holds together, slices beautifully, and delivers big comfort food vibes. Plus, the sweet-savory glaze makes every bite irresistible.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, this recipe is simple, healthy, and delicious.

Ingredients for Chicken Meatloaf + Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make a juicy, flavorful chicken meatloaf:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes / Substitutions
Ground chicken	1 ½ lbs	Lean ground chicken, not extra-lean (to retain moisture)
Breadcrumbs	¾ cup	Use panko, regular, or gluten-free.
Egg	1 large	Helps bind ingredients
Milk	½ cup	Can use almond or oat milk for dairy-free
Onion	½ cup, finely chopped	Adds sweetness & moisture
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	Fresh or powdered works
Parmesan cheese	¼ cup	Optional, adds savory flavor
Worcestershire sauce	1 tbsp	Deepens flavor
Italian seasoning	1 tsp	Or a dried thyme/oregano mix
Salt & black pepper	To taste	Essential seasoning
Ketchup	½ cup (for glaze)	Can sub BBQ sauce or chili sauce
Brown sugar	2 tbsp (for glaze)	Optional, balances acidity
Mustard	1 tsp (for glaze)	Adds tang

Tip: If you want a low-carb chicken meatloaf, swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

How to Make the Best Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Follow these step-by-step instructions to get perfect results every time:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment or lightly oil it.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk egg, milk, Worcestershire, and seasonings.
3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and Parmesan until combined.
4. Fold in ground chicken: Mix gently—overmixing makes the loaf tough.
5. Shape the loaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan or shape it freeform on a baking sheet.
6. Prepare the glaze:Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half over the top.
7. Bake: Place loaf in oven for 40–45 minutes.
8. Glaze again: Brush remaining glaze on top. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden.
9. Check doneness: Meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Rest & slice: Let the loaf rest 10 minutes before cutting so it holds together.

Baking Time, Temperature & Doneness

• Bake at 375°F (190°C).
• Total time: 50–60 minutes
• Internal temp: 165°F (74°C)

Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, which can dry out your loaf.

Tips to Keep Chicken Meatloaf Moist & Intact

• Use fat content wisely:Don’t use extra-lean ground chicken. A little fat = juicy loaf.
• Binders matter: Egg and breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb) keep the loaf together.
• Add moisture: Milk, onion, and ketchup prevent dryness.
• Don’t overmix: Handle the mixture gently to avoid a dense texture.
• Rest before slicing: Letting it sit ensures firm slices that don’t crumble.

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Variations: Italian Style, Low-Carb, Mini Loaves

• Italian Chicken Meatloaf: Add basil, oregano, mozzarella, and marinara instead of ketchup.
• Low-Carb Chicken Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
• Mini Chicken Meatloaves: Bake mixture in a muffin tin (20–25 minutes) for quick servings.
• Buffalo Style: Swap ketchup glaze for buffalo sauce and blue cheese topping.

Glaze for Chicken Meatloaf & How to Apply

A delicious meatloaf glaze adds both flavor and shine to your dish. The base is usually ketchup, though BBQ sauce or chili sauce works well for variation.

For sweetness, brown sugar or honey balances the acidity, while a touch of tang from mustard or vinegar keeps the flavor lively. The best trick is to apply the glaze in two layers—one before baking and another halfway through.

This double-coating creates a glossy, caramelized finish that makes every slice of this chicken meatloaf recipe irresistible.

What to Serve with Chicken Meatloaf

The beauty of this chicken meatloaf recipe is that it pairs well with a variety of sides. For a comforting plate, serve it with mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash. If you want more balance, add roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

For something lighter, try green beans, sautéed spinach, or a fresh garden salad with vinaigrette. To round out the meal, rice pilaf or quinoa also make excellent accompaniments. Each option helps transform your meatloaf into a complete and satisfying dinner.

Store, Freeze & Reheat Chicken Meatloaf

Leftovers from your chicken meatloaf recipe are easy to handle and perfect for meal prep. To refrigerate, store slices in an airtight container for up to four days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the loaf by wrapping individual slices in foil and sealing them in a freezer bag, where they will last up to three months.

When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes. Because it holds moisture well, this recipe is also excellent for meal prep, making quick lunches and weeknight dinners hassle-free.

FAQ: Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

1. What internal temperature should chicken meatloaf reach?
Always cook until the loaf reaches 165°F (74°C) at the center.

2. Can I substitute ground turkey or beef?
Yes—ground turkey is a close substitute, while beef adds richness. Adjust cooking time slightly.

3. How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?
Use enough binders (egg + breadcrumbs) and allow it to rest before slicing.

4. Can I make mini chicken meatloaves?
Absolutely—bake in a muffin tin for 20–25 minutes. Great for portion control and meal prep.

5. How long do leftovers last?
In the fridge: up to 4 days. In the freezer: up to 3 months.

6. Can I use gluten-free binders?
Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs, oats, or almond flour.

Final Thoughts & Try This Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

This chicken meatloaf recipe proves that comfort food can be light, flavorful, and family-friendly. With its savory glaze, juicy texture, and versatile flavor options, it’s bound to become a regular weeknight favorite. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back to this easy, healthy twist on a classic.