Stuffed Cheese Chicken Meatloaf (Printable)

Ground chicken wrapped around melted cheese and herbs, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

# Components:

→ Meat Mixture

01 - 1.5 lbs ground chicken
02 - 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 0.25 cup milk
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 0.5 tsp paprika
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - 0.5 tsp black pepper

→ Cheese Filling

12 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Topping

14 - 0.33 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Allow to sit for 2 minutes to soften.
03 - Add ground chicken, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Combine gently until just incorporated; avoid overmixing.
04 - Spread half of the chicken mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press down lightly to form a shallow indent in the center.
05 - Distribute mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the indent, ensuring it stays away from the pan edges.
06 - Cover with the remaining chicken mixture, pressing and sealing the edges to fully enclose the cheese.
07 - Brush the top surface with tomato sauce or ketchup, followed by a drizzle of olive oil.
08 - Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden.
09 - Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses simple pantry staples for the entire recipe
  • Comforting, cheesy center with every slice
  • Easier and lighter than classic beef meatloaf
  • Meal prep and reheats beautifully
  • Crowd pleaser for both kids and adults
02 -
  • Naturally high in protein and lower in saturated fat than beef
  • Feeds a crowd and makes amazing leftovers
  • Easy to adapt for gluten-free diets with one swap
03 -
  • Always let the meatloaf rest before slicing so the cheese settles and each slice holds together
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and stretch every bite feels special
  • If you like a little extra tang, add a spoon of Dijon mustard to the topping or inside the meat mixture