Delicious & Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Meatloaf with Feta and Mediterranean Herbs
Are you looking for a delightful and lighter alternative to the classic beef meatloaf? This oven-baked chicken meatloaf recipe is precisely what you need! It’s a “skinny” version that doesn’t compromise on flavor, offering a fresh, savory experience that’s perfect for any season, especially spring and summer. Infused with crumbled feta cheese, aromatic oregano, and crisp celery, this dish brings a wonderful Mediterranean twist to a traditional comfort food.
Many of us cherish the rich, robust flavor of a traditional beef meatloaf (and yes, I have a fantastic recipe for that on my site if you’re ever in the mood for something more classic!). However, a chicken-based meatloaf offers a refreshing change, providing a leaner, lighter meal without sacrificing that comforting, hearty texture. It’s an excellent choice for those aiming for healthier eating habits, perhaps in line with New Year’s resolutions, or simply wanting a less heavy dinner option.
Experience the Great Taste of a Lighter Meatloaf!
This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breast into a succulent, flavorful loaf. We elevate the taste profile with a carefully selected blend of ingredients: the salty tang of feta cheese, the earthy notes of oregano, and the subtle crunch of finely diced celery. These elements combine to create a meatloaf that’s moist, tender, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Wrapped in bacon, it ensures an extra layer of moisture and a beautiful golden crust.
Why Choose Chicken Meatloaf? The Benefits of a Lighter Option
While beef meatloaf is a beloved classic, opting for chicken offers several compelling advantages. Chicken breast is naturally lower in fat and calories, making this meatloaf a fantastic choice for a balanced diet. It’s packed with lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Furthermore, chicken’s milder flavor acts as a perfect canvas for a variety of seasonings and ingredients, allowing other flavors like our Mediterranean herbs and feta to truly shine.
Beyond the nutritional benefits, chicken meatloaf often feels lighter on the palate, making it incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with a wider range of side dishes, from fresh salads to roasted vegetables, and won’t leave you feeling overly heavy. This makes it ideal for warmer months or when you simply crave a comforting meal that’s not too rich.
Crafting the Perfect Flavor Profile: Key Ingredients Explained
Every ingredient in this chicken meatloaf recipe plays a crucial role in building its distinctive and delicious flavor:
- Chicken Breast: The foundation of our lean meatloaf. Using chicken breast ensures a low-fat, high-protein base. We’ll finely chop it in a food processor to achieve a texture similar to minced meat, ensuring a tender and uniform loaf.
- Feta Cheese: This is where the magic of the Mediterranean touch truly begins. Feta adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element that beautifully complements the chicken. As it bakes, it melts slightly, infusing the entire loaf with its distinctive flavor.
- Celery: Often overlooked, celery brings essential moisture and a subtle, fresh crunch to the meatloaf. It also adds a layer of savory depth and a hint of natural sweetness when sautéed.
- Oregano: A staple in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, dried oregano lends its warm, aromatic, and slightly peppery notes, enhancing the overall Greek-inspired profile.
- Shallot & Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses form the savory base, providing fundamental flavor that permeates the chicken. Finely sliced and sautéed until translucent, they release their sweet and pungent compounds, enriching the meatloaf’s taste.
- Egg & Breadcrumbs: These act as binders, holding the meatloaf together and preventing it from crumbling. Breadcrumbs also help absorb moisture, contributing to a tender texture, while the egg adds a touch of richness.
- Bacon Slices: Wrapping the meatloaf in bacon isn’t just for a beautiful presentation. The bacon cooks down, rendering its fat and basting the chicken, which keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist and adds a wonderful smoky flavor and crispy texture to the exterior.
Tips for a Superb Oven-Baked Chicken Meatloaf
Achieving the perfect chicken meatloaf is simple with a few key techniques:
- Mincing the Chicken: For the best texture, it’s recommended to finely chop chicken breast yourself using a food processor. This gives you control over the consistency, ensuring it’s not too coarse or too pasty. If using pre-ground chicken, opt for lean ground chicken.
- Don’t Over-Knead: When mixing the ingredients, be gentle. Over-kneading can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix just enough until all ingredients are well combined. Your hands are often the best tools for this!
- Even Baking: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Baking the meatloaf on a lined baking sheet allows for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- The Bacon Blanket: The bacon topping is not just for flavor; it’s also crucial for moisture retention. It acts as a protective layer, preventing the chicken from drying out during the baking process and creating a savory crust. Arrange the slices neatly over the loaf, overlapping slightly.
- Resting is Key: After baking, resist the urge to slice into your meatloaf immediately. Covering it loosely with aluminum foil and letting it rest for about 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful slice.
- Internal Temperature: For food safety, ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 74°C (165°F). A meat thermometer is your best friend here.
Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal
This versatile chicken meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a truly Mediterranean experience, serve it alongside a fresh Greek salad, a spoonful of tzatziki, or some roasted lemon potatoes. If you prefer classic comfort, creamy mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf are excellent choices. Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a medley of roasted root vegetables also make fantastic, healthy accompaniments. Don’t forget a drizzle of pan juices or a light gravy if desired!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 800 grams chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 shallot , sliced finely
- 2 stalks celery, in small cubes
- 2 cloves garlic , sliced fine
- 1 egg , size L
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoons oregano , dry
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 slices bacon
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
-
Line a baking plate with baking paper.
-
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350°F).
-
Slice the chicken breast into very small cubes and place them in the bowl of your food processor (with the blade attachment).
-
Process the chicken breast until it’s very finely chopped, resembling minced meat.
-
Transfer the minced chicken to a bowl and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
-
Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced shallot and diced celery.
-
Sauté for about 3 minutes until the shallot is translucent, then add the finely sliced garlic.
-
Stir-fry for another minute, then remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding the onion mixture to the minced chicken.
-
To the minced chicken and cooled sautéed vegetables, add the egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, dry oregano, salt, and ground black pepper.
-
Using your hands, gently knead all ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
-
Remove the meat mixture from the bowl, place it on the lined baking paper, and shape it into a neat loaf.
-
Carefully arrange the bacon slices over the top of the meatloaf, overlapping them slightly. This will keep the meatloaf moist and impart additional flavor.
-
Place the baking sheet with the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through and the bacon is crispy. An internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) should be reached.
-
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and moist result.
-
Slice the meatloaf into thick portions and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious and healthy chicken meatloaf!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
What Did I Use to Prepare This Recipe?
Having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference in preparing this delicious chicken meatloaf. Here’s a list of the essential utensils I used to create this recipe, ensuring efficiency and a perfect outcome:
- A good pair of knives: Essential for dicing celery, shallots, and garlic, and for cubing the chicken breast if you’re not using pre-ground chicken.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for all your chopping needs.
- Frying pan: For sautéing the aromatics like shallots, celery, and garlic to build a flavorful base.
- Food processor (or kitchen machine with a knife attachment): Ideal for finely chopping the chicken breast to a minced consistency, ensuring a tender meatloaf.
- Large mixing bowl: To combine all the meatloaf ingredients thoroughly.
- Sheet pan, baking tray, or baking sheet: The surface on which your meatloaf will bake in the oven.
- Baking paper or baking mat: To prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate measurement of ingredients like herbs, salt, and breadcrumbs.
- Meat thermometer: Highly recommended to ensure the chicken meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
By following this recipe and utilizing these tools, you’ll be able to create a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying chicken meatloaf that will quickly become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram or Twitter. I love seeing your culinary adventures! You can also share your photos on my Facebook channel or pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can easily find it next time. Happy cooking!