1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your baking dish or muffin pan generously with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 lbs of ground chicken, one diced onion, minced garlic cloves, and bread crumbs.
3. Add milk or a beaten egg to the mixture to act as a binder.
4. Mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add mozzarella cheese for an extra gooey texture.
5. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and consistency.
6. Shape the mixture into a loaf or divide it into portions to create mini meatloaves using a muffin pan.
7. Place the shaped meatloaf into the greased dish or muffin pan.
8. Bake in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Mini meatloaves typically take 22-25 minutes, while a larger loaf may take longer.
9. While baking, prepare an optional topping such as a butter and Parmesan crust or a garlic Parmesan cream sauce made with heavy whipping cream, flour, garlic, and Parmesan.
10. Once baked, allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices redistribute for a moist texture.
11. Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf with buttery garlic bread to complement the dish.
12. For storage, cool leftovers at room temperature for no more than two hours, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.
13. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or microwave for a quick option, ensuring it is heated through before serving.