How Long to Cook Chicken Meatloaf: The Complete Guide for Perfect Results Every Time

Ground beef, pork, and veal are often mixed together to make meatloaf, which is a traditional American comfort food. But for a different twist, I decided to make a meatloaf with ground chicken instead. My inspiration was the ever popular Chicken Parmesan. Using ground chicken, I made this Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf and it has now become the favorite meatloaf recipe at our house!.

My husband isn’t much of a meatloaf fan. His previous experience with meatloaf growing up weren’t very good and he tries to eat beef sparingly anyway. I made a chicken meatloaf when I had some ground chicken to use up in the hopes that he would begin to like meatloaf again.

It’s a good thing I did! I was inspired by Chicken Parmesan – chicken, italian spices, Parmesan cheese… how could this combination go wrong? I seasoned the ground chicken with a few dry spices, added some shredded cheese and formed it into a loaf.

Before baking, I topped it with a homemade tomato sauce. A mix of shredded Italian cheeses was put on top of the meatloaf right before it was served. I then baked it again until the cheese melted.

It was delicious and probably a lot easier to make than chicken Parmesan itself! This dish went especially well with Scalloped Tomatoes. If you’re looking for a new meatloaf recipe to try, this may be one to consider!

Are you staring at that raw chicken meatloaf in your kitchen, wondering exactly how long it needs to cook? You’re not alone! Getting the cooking time right for chicken meatloaf can be tricky – cook it too little and it’s unsafe, cook it too much and it turns dry and crumbly

We’ve learned how to make the best chicken meatloaf in our kitchen through many tests and family dinners. I can’t wait to tell you everything you need to know to always get moist, tasty baking!

The Quick Answer: Chicken Meatloaf Cooking Time

For those in a hurry here’s the basic timing

For a standard 2-pound chicken meatloaf at 350°F (175°C)

Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Target internal temperature: 165°F (74°C)
Don’t forget: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking

But wait! There’s more to know if you want truly amazing results. Keep reading for all the details that’ll make your chicken meatloaf a family favorite.

Factors That Affect Chicken Meatloaf Cooking Time

Several things can change how long your meatloaf needs to cook:

1. Size and Shape Matters

The size and shape of your meatloaf significantly impacts cooking time:

Larger meatloaves (2+ pounds) typically need 50-60 minutes
Smaller meatloaves cook faster
Tip: Make two smaller loaves instead of one big one to cut cooking time nearly in half!
Thin, evenly shaped loaves cook more quickly than tall, thick ones

2. Your Oven’s Personality

Let’s be real – ovens can be temperamental! Many run hotter or cooler than what the dial says:

Use an oven thermometer to verify the actual temperature
Some ovens have hot spots that cause uneven cooking
Convection ovens generally cook faster than conventional ones

3. Starting Temperature of Ingredients

Cold ingredients straight from the fridge will take longer to cook:

Allow ground chicken and other ingredients to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing (safely, of course!)
This small step can reduce overall cooking time

4. Ingredient Moisture Content

The more vegetables or wet ingredients you add, the longer your meatloaf might need:

Ingredients like grated zucchini, mushrooms, or extra liquids extend cooking time
These moisture-adding ingredients make for a juicier meatloaf but require patience

The ONLY Way to Know When Chicken Meatloaf is Done

Forget the old “it looks done” approach. With chicken, safety is non-negotiable.

Always use a meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the meatloaf. Your chicken meatloaf is safe to eat ONLY when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Remember: Pink chicken meatloaf is NOT safe to eat, regardless of how it looks on the outside.

Cooking Methods and Times

Conventional Oven Method (Most Common)

This is the tried-and-true approach most home cooks use:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Shape your 2-pound meatloaf mixture on a lined baking sheet
Bake for 50-60 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F
Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing

Tip: If you use a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan, the meatloaf will cook more evenly, and you can glaze all sides of it.

Air Fryer Method (Faster Option)

Got an air fryer? You’re in luck! According to Bell & Evans:

Preheat air fryer to 335°F
Lightly spray basket or line with parchment
Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes
If adding glaze, brush surface after about 18 minutes of cooking
Always verify 165°F internal temperature

Slow Cooker Method (Hands-Off Option)

Perfect for busy days when you need dinner to cook itself:

Line slow cooker with parchment paper for easy removal
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
Be aware that slow cookers create more liquid, so drain if needed

The Rest is Essential!

I can’t stress this enough – don’t skip the resting step! After removing your meatloaf from the oven:

Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing
During this time, juices redistribute throughout the meat
Slicing too soon = dry, crumbly meatloaf
Resting = moist, perfectly sliceable meatloaf

Common Questions About Cooking Chicken Meatloaf

Can I cook chicken meatloaf at a higher temperature?

While you can technically cook at higher temps, it’s generally not recommended. Higher temperatures risk drying out the exterior before the inside is fully cooked. Stick with 350°F for even cooking and better moisture retention.

What happens if I overcook my chicken meatloaf?

Overcooked chicken meatloaf becomes dry and crumbly – nobody wants that! This is why using a meat thermometer is so important. Remove the meatloaf as soon as it hits 165°F to prevent overcooking.

Is it safe to eat pink chicken meatloaf?

No! Pink chicken meatloaf is not safe to eat. Unlike beef which can be served medium-rare, chicken must always be cooked to 165°F to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella. The pink color indicates the chicken isn’t fully cooked.

Can I freeze chicken meatloaf?

Absolutely! Chicken meatloaf freezes well both cooked and uncooked:

Uncooked: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking.
Cooked: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating.

Making Sure Your Chicken Meatloaf Stays Moist

Nobody likes dry meatloaf! Here are our favorite tricks for keeping chicken meatloaf moist:

Add moisture-rich ingredients like grated zucchini, finely chopped mushrooms, or shredded carrots
Use bread soaked in milk or broth to add moisture and bind ingredients
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture (develops gluten and toughens texture)
Consider covering the meatloaf with foil for the first half of cooking time
Don’t overcook! Use that meat thermometer religiously

Perfect Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Are you ready to use what you’ve learned? Here’s our favorite recipe that families all over the world love:

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground chicken
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup dried breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons milk
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the glaze:

½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper
Combine all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl, mixing gently with your hands until just combined (don’t overmix!)
Form into a 9×5 inch loaf on the prepared baking sheet
Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl and spread evenly over the meatloaf
Bake for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing
Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes and veggies

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Meatloaf

Chicken meatloaf pairs beautifully with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Green beans
Fresh salads
Corn on the cob

The Bottom Line

Cooking chicken meatloaf doesn’t have to be complicated! The key takeaways:

Cook a 2-pound chicken meatloaf at 350°F for 50-60 minutes
ALWAYS verify internal temperature reaches 165°F
Let it rest 10-15 minutes before slicing
Use moisture-adding ingredients for better texture
Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and glazes!

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be serving up perfectly cooked, moist and flavorful chicken meatloaf that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!

Have you tried making chicken meatloaf before? What’s your favorite glaze or mix-in? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

how long to cook chicken meatloaf

Additional Ingredients For Making Chicken Meatloaf

Here are some of the most common things you’ll need to make Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf and what they do for the dish:

For Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf, ground chicken is the main source of protein. It gives the dish most of its flavor and texture. What kind of ground chicken you use has a big effect on the end result. Ground chicken breast has a mild flavor and is lean. You can use both chicken breasts and thighs to get the right amount of flavor and moisture.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are an important part of meatloaf recipes because they help the mixture stay together and soak up any extra water. They also help hold the meatloaf’s shape while it’s baking by binding the ingredients together. The breadcrumbs give the dish texture by making the outside crispy.
Eggs: Eggs are a key part of Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf because they help hold the other ingredients together and add moisture to the mix. That way, the meatloaf won’t dry out while it’s baking, and the end result will be juicy and tender.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Parmesan cheese is an important part of Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf. It provides flavor and moisture to the dish. It also helps keep the meatloaf together while it’s baking because the cheese holds the mixture together. Adding parmesan cheese to the meatloaf also makes it taste rich and savory. It thinks about how the ground chicken and marinara sauce taste.
Marinara sauce: This sauce is put on top of the meatloaf to make it taste better and stay moist. The sauce gives the meatloaf a layer of moisture on top. The acidity of the sauce helps to balance the flavors. Also, it keeps the meatloaf from becoming too heavy. The marinara sauce is also a great way to balance out the cheesy and savory flavors of the meatloaf.
mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese is put on top of the meatloaf to make a layer of crispy, melted cheese. The cheese adds flavor and texture to the dish. Its high moisture level helps the meatloaf stay juicy and tender while it’s baking. Melted mozzarella cheese adds a tasty and appealing layer to the top of the meatloaf, making it a dish that stands out.
Salt, pepper, and dried herbs: To season the meatloaf mix, salt, pepper, and dried herbs help the food taste better. There are seasonings that help the ground chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce taste their best. It creates a well-balanced and delicious dish. Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme are often used in Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf.
Onion: You don’t have to use onion in Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf, but it makes the dish taste better and keep it moist. Cut the onion into small pieces and add them to the meatloaf mix. It will go well with the ground chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce because it has both sweet and savory flavors.
Garlic: You don’t have to use garlic in Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf, but it makes the dish taste better. Cut the garlic into small pieces and then add them to the meatloaf mix. Its strong and tasty flavor will go well with the other things in the dish.
Parmesan cheese: You don’t have to use Parmesan cheese in Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf, but it makes the dish taste better and keep it moist. You can add the cheese to the meatloaf mix, sprinkle it on top of the meatloaf, or mix it into the marinara sauce to make the flavors more complex and rich. The parmesan cheese will also add a nutty and salty flavor that will make the dish taste better overall. The moisture in the cheese will also help the meatloaf stay juicy and tender while it’s baking.

What is Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf?

The classic meatloaf recipe is changed to make Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf, which has the tastes of both meatloaf and chicken parmesan. It can be a main dish on its own or with a side dish like pasta, vegetables, or a salad. Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf is very helpful. You can slice and serve it in a sandwich, or even dice and added to pasta or soup.