The Ultimate Oven-Baked Chicken Meatloaf Recipe: Healthy, Flavorful & Easy
Are you searching for a delicious, satisfying, yet lighter alternative to your classic comfort food? Look no further! This **oven-baked chicken meatloaf** recipe is a game-changer. While traditional meatloaf, often made with minced beef, holds a special place in many hearts (and I even have a fantastic recipe for it on my site if that’s what you crave!), this chicken version offers a fresh, wholesome twist without compromising on taste. It’s truly the “skinny” rendition of the meatloaf you love, crafted to be equally flavorful and incredibly moist.
There’s something inherently comforting about a perfectly baked meatloaf, and this chicken variant takes that comfort to a new level. It’s especially wonderful during the warmer months of spring and summer when you might prefer a lighter meal, but its rich flavor profile makes it a delightful dish year-round. And, if you’re like me and often find yourself trying to stick to healthier eating habits (especially after New Year’s resolutions!), this recipe fits the bill perfectly. We’ve elevated the flavor profile with a delightful Greek-inspired touch, incorporating crumbled feta cheese and aromatic dried oregano, alongside fresh celery for a subtle crunch and added nutrition.
Why Choose Chicken Meatloaf? A Healthier, Lighter Alternative
When it comes to comfort food, meatloaf often tops the list. However, traditional recipes can sometimes feel heavy. This is where chicken meatloaf shines! By swapping ground beef for chicken breast, you immediately cut down on saturated fat, making for a significantly leaner meal. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeps you feeling full and satisfied longer.
Beyond the health benefits, chicken meatloaf offers a milder canvas, allowing other ingredients to truly pop. This versatility means you can experiment with a wider array of flavors. For this particular recipe, we’ve focused on creating a vibrant and savory experience. It’s proof that a “skinny” version doesn’t mean skimping on taste; in fact, it often means a more nuanced and exciting culinary journey.
The Greek-Inspired Twist: Feta, Herbs, and Freshness
What sets this chicken meatloaf apart is its unique flavor profile, drawing inspiration from the sun-drenched kitchens of Greece. The addition of **feta cheese** is not just for a creamy texture; it introduces a salty, tangy, and utterly addictive dimension that perfectly complements the lean chicken. Feta melts beautifully into the loaf, distributing pockets of savory goodness throughout.
Then there’s the **oregano**. This classic Mediterranean herb brings its earthy, slightly peppery, and aromatic notes, infusing the entire dish with a warm, inviting fragrance. Combined with the freshness of finely sliced shallots and diced celery, the meatloaf achieves a wonderful balance of richness and crispness. These fresh ingredients, along with garlic, add depth and complexity, ensuring every bite is packed with exquisite taste. Even with these simple additions, the flavor is surprisingly robust and undeniably delicious.
It’s a good taste! Indeed!
Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Meatloaf: Tips for Success
Making a flavorful and moist chicken meatloaf is easier than you might think, but a few key tips can elevate your dish from good to extraordinary:
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overworking the chicken can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. A light hand will ensure a tender and juicy result.
- Finely Chop Your Vegetables: Ensure your shallots, celery, and garlic are finely diced. This allows them to cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the meatloaf mixture, rather than creating large, inconsistent chunks.
- The Bacon Blanket: Don’t skip the bacon! Wrapping your meatloaf in slices of bacon is not just for aesthetic appeal or added flavor (though it certainly provides both). The bacon renders fat during baking, basting the chicken and keeping it incredibly moist. It also crisps up beautifully, adding a delightful textural contrast.
- Resting is Key: After baking, it’s crucial to let the meatloaf rest for about 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with aluminum foil. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the loaf, ensuring it stays juicy when sliced. Skipping this step can result in a drier meatloaf.
- Internal Temperature: For food safety and optimal texture, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf.
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, even for novice cooks. The combination of fresh ingredients, savory feta, and aromatic herbs creates a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a modern, healthy twist.
📖 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
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Line a baking plate with baking paper.
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Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
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Slice the chicken breast into very small cubes and put them in the bowl of your kitchen machine (with knife attachment).
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Chop the chicken breast until it’s very fine, resembling minced meat.
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Put it in a bowl and store in the refrigerator until later use.
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Heat some oil in a frying pan and add the shallot and celery.
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Sauté for 3 minutes until the shallot is translucent, then add the garlic.
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Stir-fry everything for about 1 minute and then add the sautéed shallot mixture to the minced chicken in the bowl.
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Add the egg, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture.
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Gently knead everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
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Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking paper and shape it into a neat loaf.
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Carefully cover the entire meatloaf with the bacon slices. This step is key for moisture and adds an extra layer of delicious flavor.
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Place the baking sheet with the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°C (74°C).
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Remove from the oven, cover the meatloaf loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist meatloaf.
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Slice the meatloaf into thick portions and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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What Kitchen Tools Did I Use for This Recipe?
Having the right kitchen utensils can make all the difference in preparing this delicious chicken meatloaf with ease. Here’s a list of the key items I used, along with a brief explanation of their role. If you need any of these, following the links will take you to more information or direct purchasing options.
- A good pair of knives: Essential for finely dicing the chicken breast, shallots, celery, and garlic, ensuring even cooking and a cohesive meatloaf texture. Sharp knives make prep work quicker and safer.
- Cutting board: A sturdy and stable cutting board is crucial for safe and efficient chopping of all your ingredients, protecting your countertops and providing a good surface for your knives.
- Brushes, spatulas, and other cooking utensils: Various tools for mixing, stirring, and handling ingredients. A spatula is particularly useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing the meatloaf ingredients without overworking them.
- Frying pan: Used to sauté the shallots, celery, and garlic until translucent and fragrant, building the foundational flavor layers of your meatloaf.
- Sheet pan, baking tray, or baking sheet: The base for baking your meatloaf in the oven. A good quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning.
- Baking paper or baking mat: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat prevents the meatloaf from sticking, makes cleanup a breeze, and helps maintain the loaf’s shape.
- Blender or kitchen machine with knife attachment: This is key for transforming the chicken breast into a finely minced texture, similar to ground meat, which is vital for the meatloaf’s consistency.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This oven-baked chicken meatloaf is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic comfort meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a vibrant sweet potato purée. If you’re aiming for a lighter dinner, consider a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus. It also makes an excellent meal prep option, slicing easily for lunches throughout the week.
Want to experiment with variations? Feel free to swap dried oregano for other Mediterranean herbs like thyme or rosemary. You could also add a spoonful of sun-dried tomato paste to the mixture for an even richer, more intense flavor. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes would be a welcome addition. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
One of the best things about meatloaf is how well it keeps and reheats. Leftover chicken meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s fantastic sliced cold for sandwiches, or gently reheated for another satisfying meal. To reheat, you can use the microwave for quick individual portions, or for larger slices, place them in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, often with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
This oven-baked chicken meatloaf with feta and herbs truly offers a delightful and healthy take on a beloved classic. It’s simple to prepare, packed with incredible flavor, and versatile enough for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy meatloaf!