Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaf Muffins: A Fun Twist on a Classic Dish

If you love the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan but want something a little different, these Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaf Muffins are the perfect solution. These bite-sized muffins are packed with all the deliciousness of traditional Chicken Parmesan, but in a fun, easy-to-serve format. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even entertaining, these mini meatloaf muffins are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 pound ground chicken
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup Romano or Parmesan cheese, plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling
• ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1-2 tablespoons water (optional, if needed)
• ¾ cup marinara sauce, plus more if serving with pasta (1 tablespoon per muffin for topping)
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (1 tablespoon per muffin for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a standard-size non-stick muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent the muffins from sticking, and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ½ cup of Romano cheese (reserve 1 tablespoon for later). Add the seasoned bread crumbs and mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
• If the mixture seems too dry, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to achieve the right consistency.

3. Fill the Muffin Pan:

• Evenly divide the chicken mixture among the 12 muffin cups. Gently press each portion to smooth the tops, ensuring the mixture is packed in tightly. This helps the muffins hold their shape during baking.

4. Bake the Muffins:

• Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial baking time allows the meatloaf muffins to set and start to brown.

5. Add the Toppings:

• After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Top each muffin with 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce, spreading it evenly across the top. Then, sprinkle each muffin with 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Finish Baking:

• Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Once the muffins are fully baked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with the reserved 1 tablespoon of Romano cheese. Allow the muffins to rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the muffins firm up, making them easier to remove from the pan.

Tips for Success

• Use Ground Chicken: Ground chicken works best for these muffins, but you can also use ground turkey for a slightly different flavor.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the meatloaf mixture feels too dry, don’t hesitate to add a little water until it reaches the right texture.
• Customize with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the meatloaf mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Calories: 250 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12 muffins

These Chicken Parmesan Mini Meatloaf Muffins are a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve them with a side of pasta and extra marinara sauce for a complete meal, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty appetizer. With their cheesy, flavorful topping and tender, juicy meatloaf base, these muffins are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Give them a try, and watch them disappear from the table!

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