Lively Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaf Muffins Recipe

Comfort food takes a delightful twist with these chicken parmesan mini meatloaf muffins that pack serious flavor into every single bite.

Tender ground chicken blends seamlessly with savory herbs and cheesy goodness for a compact meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Each muffin-sized portion delivers a crispy golden exterior that gives way to a juicy, seasoned interior.

Italian-inspired spices dance through the meat, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

parmesan cheese adds a nutty, rich undertone that makes these mini meatloaves irresistibly delectable.

Sharp marinara sauce drizzled on top provides a zesty complement to the hearty chicken base.

These portable protein powerhouses will become your new favorite go-to dinner solution that pleases everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaf Muffins

• Ground Chicken: Select fresh, lean ground chicken for a lighter texture and healthier profile.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binder, ensuring the meatloaf muffins hold together perfectly.
• Romano Cheese: Adds robust, sharp flavor and helps create a rich, savory profile.

• Salt: Elevates and balances the overall taste of the meatloaf muffins.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a subtle, warming heat and aromatic depth.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a concentrated, consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Onion Powder: Delivers a sweet, rounded onion essence without chopping fresh onions.

• Bread Crumbs: Creates a light, tender texture and helps absorb moisture.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture, tangy brightness, and classic Italian flair.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a golden, stretchy cheese topping.

Essential Tools for Mini Meatloaf Muffins

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ground chicken and other ingredients.
• Muffin pan: Standard-size, non-stick pan for creating perfectly portioned meatloaf muffins.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring seasonings and cheese.
• Measuring cups: To measure bread crumbs and other dry ingredients.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent muffins from sticking to the pan.
• Cheese grater: For shredding mozzarella and Romano cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing ingredients without overworking the meat.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot muffin pan.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Muffins

Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaf Muffins

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a toasty 400°F environment and lightly coat a muffin pan with cooking spray.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend ground chicken with a harmony of seasonings, creating a tantalizing mixture that promises a burst of Italian-inspired goodness.

• Muffin Formation

Gently nestle the chicken mixture into each muffin cup, crafting little flavor vessels with smooth, even surfaces.

• First Bake

Let these savory treats dance in the hot oven for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to transform into a golden delight.

• Saucy Topping

Crown each mini meatloaf with a vibrant splash of marinara sauce, adding a pop of color and zesty flavor.

• Cheese Finale

Sprinkle a blanket of melty mozzarella over the muffins and return to the oven for a final 10-minute sizzle until the cheese becomes irresistibly bubbly.

• Resting Moment

After pulling these beauties from the oven, let them rest briefly, then dust with a sprinkle of Romano cheese for a perfect finishing touch.

Mini Meatloaf Tweaks for Big Flavor

• Mix ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for varied flavor profiles and textures.
• Add grated zucchini or finely chopped spinach to the meat mixture to keep meatloaf muffins extra juicy and packed with hidden vegetables.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like Italian seasoning, chopped fresh basil, or red pepper flakes to create unique taste experiences.
• Prepare the muffins in advance, cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Replace traditional bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Serve Chicken Parmesan Muffins Like a Pro

• Side Salad Companion: Pair these mini meatloaf muffins with a crisp mixed green salad topped with cherry tomatoes and light Italian vinaigrette for a fresh, balanced meal.
• Pasta Perfect Plate: Serve alongside al dente angel hair pasta or zucchini noodles with a light drizzle of extra marinara sauce for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
• Veggie Harmony: Complement the meatloaf muffins with roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or colorful bell peppers to add nutrition and vibrant color to the plate.
• Wine and Dine Moment: Enhance the dining experience by pairing these muffins with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir to elevate the flavors.

Store Chicken Parmesan Muffins the Right Way

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep these delightful chicken parmesan muffins in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool them completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Make a double batch and freeze individual muffins in freezer-safe bags. These grab-and-go protein bites remain delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated muffins in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Portion Control Hack: Separate layers with parchment paper when storing in the freezer, making it super easy to grab exactly the number of muffins you want without thawing the entire batch.

Hearty Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaf Muffins

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Home cooks adore this chicken parmesan mini meatloaf muffins recipe for its clever fusion of classic Italian flavors. Crispy cheese-topped morsels deliver nostalgic comfort with modern convenience, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup (180 ml) marinara sauce
• ¾ cup (180 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) Romano or Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp Romano or Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1–2 tbsps water (optional)
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F and generously coat a standard muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Mixing: Blend ground chicken with egg, seasonings, Romano cheese (reserving a portion), and bread crumbs until achieving a cohesive texture, incorporating water if the mixture appears parched.
3. Molding: Evenly distribute the chicken mixture across all 12 muffin cavities, compressing and smoothing to create uniform, compact mini meatloaves.
4. Initial Baking: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and develop a golden-brown exterior.
5. Sauce and Cheese Application: Remove the pan and lavish each mini meatloaf with marinara sauce, then crown with shredded mozzarella, creating a luscious, melty layer.
6. Final Baking: Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, slightly bronzed topping.
7. Finishing Touch: Retrieve the muffin pan and dust the tops with reserved Romano cheese for an intense flavor profile, then allow the mini meatloaf muffins to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Dryness: Add a splash of water if the ground chicken mixture feels too crumbly, ensuring moist and tender meatloaf muffins.
• Cheese Distribution: Reserve some Romano cheese for a final flavor-boosting sprinkle after baking, creating a delicious finishing touch.
• Uniform Cooking: Press the chicken mixture evenly into muffin cups, promoting consistent cooking and preventing undercooked or dry spots.
• Non-Stick Tip: Generously spray the muffin pan with cooking spray to guarantee easy removal and minimal cleanup after baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg