Switch up meatloaf night with Cheesy Italian Ground Chicken Meatloaf. This easy ground chicken meatloaf is delicious and tastes just like yummy chicken parmesan with three kinds of cheese, marinara sauce, and Italian herbs.

Cheesy Italian Ground Chicken Meatloaf

Name: Cheesy Italian Ground Chicken Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground chicken; 1/4 cup marinara sauce; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tsp dried parsley; 2 tsp onion powder; 1 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup full fat ricotta cheese, drained*; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; Sprinkle of parsley after baking, if desired

Wanna switch up meatloaf night? Love chicken parmesan?

Then try my Cheesy Italian Ground Chicken Meatloaf for a delicious, flavorful, and easy dinner recipe the whole family will love!

My Cheesy Italian Ground Chicken Meatloaf is perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, stuffed with a three cheese filling, and topped with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese for one incredibly delicious meatloaf.

Best of all – this parmesan chicken meatloaf is easy to prepare and bakes in under an hour time!

If you want to learn how to make Cheesy Italian Ground Chicken Meatloaf then keep reading for full instructions below or check out my step-by-step video tutorial over here.

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Cheese Stuffed Ground Chicken Meatloaf

As much as I love traditional ground beef meatloaf, this chicken parmesan meatloaf is one of my absolute favorites!

Here’s just a few reasons you’ll love Cheesy Italian Ground Chicken Meatloaf:

This ground chicken meatloaf is full of delicious Italian flavor and tastes just like yummy chicken parmesan with three kinds of cheese, marinara sauce, and herbs.
It’s a versatile and an easy dinner recipe to prep in just 10 minutes time
Ground chicken meatloaf serves great alongside potatoes, veggies, and bread.

Check out some of my favorite side recommendations below!

What to Serve with Ground Chicken Meatloaf:

Garlic Cheese Biscuits (Red Lobster Copycat)
Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Honey Glazed Baked Carrots
Green Beans

Italian Ground Chicken Meatloaf – Helpful Tips + Tricks

1. Drain Your Ricotta

To prevent your cheese stuffed center from being too liquidy, I recommend using cheesecloth (or paper towels) and a mesh strainer to drain away any excess moisture from your ricotta.

I like to do this the night before and let it sit covered in the fridge to drain overnight, but you can also do it right before preparing your meatloaf.

2. Use Parchment Paper

For easy removal from the pan, I recommend lining your loaf pan with parchment paper.

Make sure you allow for enough overhang where you can easily lift the meatloaf out of the pan and transfer to a tray or plate for cutting.

3. Wait Before Slicing

Because you want your stuffed cheese center to stay in tact, I recommend waiting at least 10 minutes (or more) before slicing your meatloaf.

The meatloaf will be very hot and the cheese is way too melted when you first remove it from the oven, so you definitely want to allow it to firm up slightly so that it stays in place and doesn’t ooze out when you slice it.

Waiting to slice will also help prevent your meatloaf from falling apart.

Ground Chicken Meatloaf No Breadcrumbs FAQS

How do I cook ground chicken without drying it out?

To prevent dried out meatloaf, make sure you don’t overbake it.

This ground chicken meatloaf recipe also uses both marinara sauce and three types of cheese to add moisture and flavor.

How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?

Normally you need binder ingredients like eggs or breadcrumbs to keep your meatloaf from falling apart, but this recipe instead uses delicious and gooey cheese to help bind it together.

Is ground chicken healthier than ground beef?

Both are great options for meatloaf, but ground chicken has less calories, lower cholesterol, and lower saturated fat, making it a healthier alternative with those who may have dietary restrictions.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes! If you can’t find ground chicken at your grocery store or simply prefer the taste of ground turkey instead, you can easily substitute it for ground chicken.

Can I substitute anything for ricotta cheese?

Although I haven’t personally tried it, you should be able to use cottage cheese for ricotta cheese, if preferred.

Can I add veggies?

Yes! Feel free to add in veggies such as diced onion, diced peppers, diced mushroom, or chopped spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Is this ground chicken meatloaf gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe doesn’t use any breadcrumbs making it a wonderful gluten free option!

How do you know when ground chicken meatloaf is done?

Ground chicken meatloaf should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

I recommend using a digital thermometer like this and check in several places throughout the meatloaf to ensure it is fully cooked to the proper temperature.

Can I make ground chicken meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can easily prepare the meatloaf the night before, cover, and refrigerate, and then bake the next day when ready.

I recommend setting it on the counter and coming to room temperature while you pre-heat your oven.

Storage and Freezer Instructions:

To Store:

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Re-heat leftover slices in the microwave in 30 second-1 minute increments until warm.

To Freeze:

Wrap individual slices in aluminum foil and place in a freezer safe bag or container, and freeze up to 3 months.

Re-heat slices in the microwave until warm (no thawing needed).

How to Make Ground Chicken Meatloaf (Step-by-Step Photos)

Ingredients Needed:

Ground Chicken
Marinara Sauce
Minced Garlic
Italian Seasoning
Dried Parsley
Onion Powder
Sea Salt
Black Pepper
Ricotta Cheese
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Kitchen Tools Needed:

Step 1: Prepare Your Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, marinara sauce, minced garlic, and all your seasonings, and stir until evenly combined.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cheese Filling

In another mixing bowl combine drained ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and parsley, and stir until evenly combined.

*Make sure you drain your ricotta with cheese cloth, to avoid your cheese mixture from being too liquidy.

Step 3: Assemble Your Meatloaf + Bake

Next, place half of the meatloaf mixture into the bottom of the parchment paper lined loaf pan, ensuring it gets into all the corners.

Make a slight groove down the center of the meat and fill with cheese mixture. (see photo below)

Top with the remaining meatloaf mixture, and use a spatula to evenly spread it in the pan, ensuring the cheese filling is fully covered.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

After baking 20 minutes, remove from oven, and top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

Place meatloaf back in the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

I recommend using this digital thermometer.

Once fully baked, let meatloaf cool on a wire cooling rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

If desired, top with a sprinkle of dried parsley, slice, and serve with additional marinara sauce.