Print

Quick Chicken Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

chicken meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy chicken meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in about 35 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dinner uses simple ingredients and delivers juicy, flavorful results every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds ground chicken (93% lean)
  • ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs (or Panko)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • ½ cup finely diced onion (about half a medium yellow onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
  2. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne (if using). Set aside.
  3. Dice the onion finely (pea-sized) and mince the garlic.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, ½ cup milk, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Add the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir until the breadcrumbs are fully moistened. Let sit for 2 minutes.
  6. Add the ground chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined (about 30 seconds). Do not overmix.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press gently into an even shape. Do not pack tightly.
  8. Spoon about half of the glaze over the top and spread evenly.
  9. Bake for 25 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the center. If not, bake 5 more minutes.
  10. Remove from oven, spoon the remaining glaze over the top, and return to oven for 5 more minutes.
  11. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. Let the breadcrumbs soak for 2 minutes for tenderness. Dice onion very finely to prevent raw crunch. Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to keep slices intact. For extra glaze, make 1.5 times the glaze recipe and reserve some for serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy meatloaf, ground chicken recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/quick-chicken-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-dinner/