Description
These Delicious Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Muffins are a perfect blend of juicy ground chicken, nutritious broccoli, and classic Italian flavors like parmesan, oregano, and basil. Topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, these individual meatloaf muffins bake quickly for an easy, family-friendly meal or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 2/3 cup cooked broccoli, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce of choice
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Topping
- Additional tomato sauce for topping
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your muffin pan by spraying it generously with non-stick spray. This will ensure the muffins come out easily without sticking.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped cooked broccoli, grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of tomato sauce, grated garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix thoroughly using clean hands, a wooden spoon, or spatula until everything is well incorporated but not overmixed to keep the texture tender.
- Shape the Muffins: Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Using an ice cream scooper helps ensure consistent size. Press down slightly so the mixture holds its shape while baking.
- Add Toppings: Spread a thin layer of your favorite tomato sauce atop each muffin using a small spoon or pastry brush. Then sprinkle each with a generous pinch of shredded mozzarella cheese to create that perfect cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the internal temperature of the meatloaf muffins reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are cooked through and safe to eat.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning, removing the muffins as soon as the cheese bubbles and turns a light golden brown.
Notes
- Use ground chicken for a leaner meatloaf, but ground turkey or lean beef can be substituted if preferred.
- Finely chopping the broccoli ensures it cooks well and integrates smoothly into the mixture.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption of poultry.
- Using an ice cream scooper helps create uniform muffin sizes for even cooking.
- Broiling at the end adds a deliciously golden, crispy cheese finish but watch carefully as it can burn quickly.