Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
If you’re searching for an unforgettable dinner that’s both family-friendly and packed with flavor, Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves will absolutely win your heart. These hand-sized delights bring the ultimate combination of tender, juicy ground chicken and a sticky-sweet ketchup glaze—delivering classic comfort food with a lighter, modern twist. From busy weeknights to meal prep Sundays, this recipe fits the bill for taste, ease, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, and trust me, there won’t be leftovers for long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward, relying on pantry staples that all work together to make every mini meatloaf mouthwatering. Each element brings a little something special—whether it’s tenderness, bold notes, or that crave-worthy glaze—so don’t skip a thing!
- Ground chicken: Lean and mild, chicken keeps these meatloaves juicy without heaviness.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps hold it all together while soaking up flavors for a perfect, tender texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and softness to every bite—don’t be tempted to leave it out!
- Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring your mini loaves stay perfectly shaped.
- Onion, finely minced: Sweet, aromatic bits mixed throughout for lots of background flavor.
- Garlic, minced: That zesty punch of savory goodness you just can’t fake.
- Worcestershire sauce: Depth and umami—think of it as the secret weapon here.
- Dijon mustard: Brings tang, subtle heat, and lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Salt & black pepper: Classic seasoning duo, just enough to round out the flavors.
- Dried thyme: An earthy herbal note that works wonders in chicken-based recipes.
- Ketchup: The classic meatloaf topping—sweet, tangy, and glossy!
- Brown sugar: Gives that coveted caramelized, sticky-sweet finish to the glaze.
- Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness for a finger-licking glaze that’s never cloying.
How to Make Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Vessel
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you just the right temperature for perfectly cooked, juicy Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves. For easy cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a muffin tin if you prefer neatly-shaped portions. Both options work beautifully, so use whichever you have handy!
Step 2: Soak the Breadcrumbs
The secret to super-tender chicken meatloaves is all in the breadcrumb soak! Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a large mixing bowl, and let them sit for two minutes. This little step ensures your meatloaves are soft and juicy instead of dense or dry—totally worth the extra minute.
Step 3: Mix Up the Meatloaf Base
Add ground chicken, egg, finely minced onion and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme to the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently fold everything together using clean hands or a spatula; you want the mixture just combined, not overworked, so the meatloaves stay light and tender.
Step 4: Shape Your Mini Meatloaves
Divide the meat mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a small loaf—about the size and shape of your palm. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet or press them gently into muffin tin cups for perfectly uniform mini loaves. Either way, these adorable portions look and taste fantastic.
Step 5: Whisk Up the Glaze
While the loaves are waiting, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar together in a small bowl. This trio is the magic behind that irresistible shiny, sweet-savory glaze that gives Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves their signature finish.
Step 6: Glaze and Bake
Brush half of the luscious glaze over the top of each mini meatloaf, coating generously for flavor in every bite. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the tray and brush on the remaining glaze for a deep, burnished finish. Return your meatloaves to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe and succulent 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This little pause keeps all their juices locked in, so every serving is as moist as the first. Resist the urge to dig in right away—it’s absolutely worth the wait!
How to Serve Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves
Garnishes
Top your Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and a fresh herbal lift. For extra flair, a dusting of grated Parmesan or a few thinly sliced green onions will look beautiful and add a subtle savory kick.
Side Dishes
Traditional mashed potatoes and classic green beans make these mini meatloaves a true comfort food feast. For a lighter plate, try roasted broccoli, a vibrant garden salad, or even mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb twist. These meatloaves also pair wonderfully with fluffy rice or crispy roasted potatoes—take your pick depending on your mood!
Creative Ways to Present
Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves look darling nestled on a platter for family-style serving, or arrange individually on plates with a puddle of extra glaze for a more gourmet vibe. Tuck a mini loaf inside a toasted bun, top with crunchy onions and glaze, and you’ve got a serious sandwich moment! They’re also super cute in lunchboxes, bento-style, alongside your favorite veggie sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extras? Lucky you! Store leftover Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Their flavor actually deepens overnight, so you may find yourself sneaking one cold from the fridge!
Freezing
These meatloaves are freezer superstars. Let them cool, then wrap individually in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and they’re perfectly meal-prep friendly for future dinners or lunches.
Reheating
To reheat, place the meatloaves in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. For a quick fix, you can also microwave them in 30 second bursts, but the oven will keep that beautiful glaze intact and edges slightly crisp.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic swap and will yield similarly tender, juicy mini meatloaves. Just follow the recipe as written and adjust seasonings to your taste.
How do I keep my meatloaves from getting dry?
Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk, not overworking the mixture, and letting the meatloaves rest after baking are all key to keeping your Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves moist and delicious every single time.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids adore these mini meatloaves! Their small size is perfect for little hands, and the sweet-tangy glaze is always a big hit. You can even sneak in a handful of finely grated veggies if you’d like to add a little extra nutrition.
What can I add for more flavor or variety?
Try mixing in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the chicken mixture, or experiment with different herbs like parsley, rosemary, or chopped fresh basil. You can also adjust the glaze with a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a fun twist!
Can I make the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the regular ones. The rest of the ingredients should naturally be gluten free, making these Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves a welcoming option for everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves are one of those recipes that magically combines comfort, flavor, and easy prep all in a tidy, irresistible package. Next time you’re craving a wholesome dinner that will put smiles around your table, give them a try—you’ll find this dish joining your regular rotation before you know it!
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Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini loaves 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves are a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, made with ground chicken and a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner or meal prep lunches!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet or muffin tin.
- Prepare the meatloaves: Combine breadcrumbs and milk, then add chicken, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Shape into loaves and place on baking sheet.
- Make the glaze: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Brush half over the meatloaves.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, brush with remaining glaze, and bake for another 10 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let the meatloaves rest before serving.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with shredded cheese in the meat mixture.
- These meatloaves are great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini loaf
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
