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. Topped with a reduced sugar ketchup glaze, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Sauté the finely diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- 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 until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape Meatloaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Apply Ketchup Topping: Spread the reduced sugar ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add moisture and a touch of sweetness during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to cool slightly before slicing to retain its shape and serve warm.
Notes
- Using lean ground chicken keeps this meatloaf lower in fat but can make it prone to drying out, so avoid overmixing the ingredients.
- Ensure the internal temperature reads 165°F with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe cooking.
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber and nutrients compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Reduced sugar ketchup helps control added sugars but still provides that classic glaze flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
