Description
This Healthy Ground Chicken Meatloaf is a nutritious twist on a classic comfort food, featuring lean ground chicken, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and a flavorful blend of sautéed onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Perfectly baked and topped with a light layer of reduced sugar ketchup, it delivers a moist and delicious meal that’s ideal for a wholesome family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup ketchup (reduced sugar)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the proper temperature before baking the meatloaf for even cooking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Sauté the finely diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing their fragrant flavors.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, whole wheat breadcrumbs, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with a spoon or your hands until just combined to avoid overworking the meat mixture, which could result in a dense meatloaf.
- Shape and Prepare for Baking: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Add Ketchup Topping: Spread the reduced sugar ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This adds moisture and a tangy, slightly sweet glaze that caramelizes during baking.
- Bake Meatloaf: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making the slices moist and easier to cut. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground chicken to keep the meatloaf healthier and lower in fat.
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber and a nuttier flavor compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense texture.
- A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect doneness and food safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
