A Spicy Perspective

Healthy Ground Chicken Meatloaf

The Best Ground Chicken Meatloaf – This classic meatloaf recipe has all of the hearty and comforting flavors you love, but is made healthy with lean ground chicken and veggies.

two slices of ground chicken meatloaf with veggies on a white plate with mashed potatoes, full meal elements in the background

There is something so satisfying about cutting into a thick slice of homemade meatloaf. With a tangy glaze on top and hearty chopped vegetables throughout, it’s amazing how many different, delightful flavors and textures there are to enjoy in every bite!

We have a classic mini meatloaf recipe that incorporates ground beef, ground turkey, and lots of veggies. It’s tasty, to be sure. However, this fabulous Chicken Meatloaf is a leaner, meaner version for people that are watching their fat and caloric intake.

top overhead view two slices of meatloaf on a white plate with mashed potatoes

The Best (Healthy) Chicken Meatloaf

This poultry meatloaf is just as comforting, juicy, and packed with flavor as classic meatloaf made with ground beef. You can even make a healthy and gluten-free meatloaf with one simple tweak.

And the healthy chicken meatloaf recipe is just as easy to prepare! Simply combine the wholesome ingredients, shape it into a loaf, and brush with a tangy-sweet glaze. Then bake and enjoy. It’s great to make ahead, freeze, and serve with your favorite comfort food side dishes.

I promise you won’t miss the beef one tiny bit!

bite shot of healthy meatloaf with ground chicken and veggies on a fork with mashed potatoes

Ingredients You Need

  • Ground chickenwhite meat, or a combo of 50/50 white meat and dark meat
  • Veggiesbell pepper, sweet onion, carrot, and celery
  • Garlicwhole cloves
  • Jalapeñosoptional for spice
  • Panko breadcrumbssee notes for other options
  • Milkwhole milk is best, but lowfat will do
  • Eggas a tasty binder for the meatloaf
  • Italian seasoning store bought or homemade Italian seasoning
  • Worcestershire saucefor that smoky, savory, classic meatloaf flavor
  • Salt and pepperjust a bit of each
  • Ketchupadds a great tangy taste
  • Balsamic vinegarto balance the tangy, smoky, and sweet flavors

How to Make Healthy Chicken Meatloaf

This recipe makes two medium-size meatloaves, each with about 12 slices (so 24 slices total). Feel free to halve or double the ingredients as needed!

To make healthier meatloaf with chicken, first, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Remove the bell pepper and jalapeno seeds and stems. Then chop all the produce into large chunks. Place the veggies in a food processor and pulse into a fine mash.

food processor with pureed carrots, peppers and veggies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, vegetable mash, panko, milk, egg, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.

Mix by hand until the mixture is very smooth and even.

smooth mashed ground chicken, veggie, egg and breadcrumb mixture combined in a large white mixing bowl

Set out a large rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions. Use your hands to form each portion into two 10 X 4 inch loaves.

shaped meatloaf top view on parchment paper

Then in a small bowl, mix the ketchup and balsamic vinegar. Brush the glaze over both loaves.

Get the Complete (Printable) Healthy Chicken Meatloaf Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!

basting the unbaked healthy chicken meatloaf with tangy ketchup based glaze

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the interior temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165 degrees F.

baked meatloaf with ketchup glaze  on parchment paper

Let it rest for a few minutes. Then slice each of the two chicken meatloaves into 12 even slices (24 slices total).

side view of full finished healthy chicken meatloaf recipe, with two slices carved

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy slices of healthy homemade chicken meatloaf warm with your favorite comfort food side dishes. Mashed potatoes are a classic!

Or serve with mashed cauliflower for an even healthier and low-carb meal.

For a complete dinner spread, you can include some steamed, roasted, or sauteed veggies on the table. We love savory, juicy ground chicken meatloaf with broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or other seasonal green vegetables.

two slices of healthy ground chicken meatloaf on a white plate with mashed potatoes sprinkled with parsley

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make gluten-free chicken meatloaf?

Simply use your favorite GF-friendly panko bread crumbs.

Can meatloaf with chicken be made ahead?

Absolutely! You can prepare the recipe the day before serving, or as part of your weekly meal plan. When the meatloaf has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

How do I make ahead and freeze healthy chicken meatloaf?

This main dish is GREAT to make ahead. I love to serve one loaf the night it’s made, and keep the other in the freezer for a quick ready-to-go meal. Prepare as directed and then let the meatloaf cool completely. Wrap securely in a layer of plastic wrap, and then in a layer of aluminum foil as well. Keep the chicken meatloaf in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen in a 350 degree F oven for 1 to 1.5 hours. Or thaw overnight in the fridge, and bake for 40 minutes in a 350 degree F oven.

fork cutting a slice from a section of meatloaf on a plate, with mashed potatoes and additional portion of the meatloaf

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Healthy Chicken Meatloaf Recipe + VIDEO

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
The BEST Ground Chicken Meatloaf has all of the hearty and comforting flavors you love, but this easy recipe is made healthy with lean ground chicken and veggies!
Servings: 12 servings (24 slices)

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the bell pepper and the jalapeno seeds and stems. Then chop all the produce into large chunks. Place the veggies in a food processor and pulse into a fine mash.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, vegetable mash, panko, milk, egg, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix by hand until the mixture is very smooth and even.
  • Set out a large rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions. Use your hands to form each portion into two 10 X 4 inch loaves.
  • In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and balsamic vinegar. Brush the glaze over both loaves. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the interior temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
  • Serve warm with mashed potatoes or low carb cauliflower mash.

Video

Notes

This is a great freezer recipe, so enjoy one meatloaf now, and freeze one for later.
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 2slices, Calories: 186kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 79mg, Sodium: 657mg, Potassium: 556mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 1293IU, Vitamin C: 16mg, Calcium: 50mg, Iron: 2mg
Course: dinner, Main, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Sommer Collier

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6 comments on “Healthy Ground Chicken Meatloaf”

  1. Easy and delicious!

  2. We love this recipe. I have Mondays off work so do a crock pot meal and pre-make this for Tuesday. All I have to do is pop it in the oven and do some instant mashed potatoes and a bag salad and we’re good. My 6-year-old has seconds, and my husband and I clean our plates. It’s a staple.

  3. This is a delicious change from regular meatloaf. I prefer this chicken version!

  4. Oh wow! I had never made this before and then I saw this recipe and knew I had to! It was FABULOUS! Thank you!

  5. Wow – this is a wonderful recipe! I made it and everyone loved it!

  6. this recipe is so good! I even tried it with some turkey and it was phenomenal!