Healthy Chicken Meatloaf
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Aug 14, 2025 
This classic Healthy Chicken Meatloaf recipe has all of the hearty and comforting flavors you love but is made guilt-free with lean ground chicken and veggies. Ready in under an hour, this is a fantastic family-friendly and make-ahead freezer recipe!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
There is something so satisfying about cutting into a thick slice of homemade meatloaf. With a tangy glaze on top and hearty chopped vegetables throughout, it’s incredible how many different, delightful flavors and textures there are to enjoy in every bite!
We have a classic mini meatloaf recipe that incorporates ground beef, ground turkey, and lots of veggies. It’s tasty, to be sure. However, this fabulous Chicken Meatloaf is a leaner, meaner version for people who are watching their fat and caloric intake.
Why You’ll Love Healthy Chicken Meatloaf
- Go-to comfort food – This chicken loaf is just as comforting, juicy, and flavorful as classic meatloaf made with ground beef.
- Easy to make – This chicken meatloaf recipe is so easy to prepare! Combine the ingredients, bake and enjoy.
- Meal-prep hero – Chicken meatloaf is great to make ahead, freeze, and serve with your favorite comfort food side dishes. I promise you won’t miss the beef one tiny bit!
Ingredients and Tips
- Ground chicken – Use white meat, or a combo of 50/50 white meat and dark meat.
- Veggies – You’ll need bell pepper, sweet onion, carrot, celery, and parsley for garnish.
- Jalapeños – These are optional but they’re great for heat!
- Panko breadcrumbs – To get that crunchiness, I love to use Panko.
- Milk – Whole milk is best, but low-fat will do.
- Italian seasoning – Use either store-bought or our homemade Italian seasoning.
- Worcestershire sauce – This is great for that smoky, savory, classic meatloaf flavor.
- Ketchup – Adds a great tangy taste.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Cheesy – Mix in some grated parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese into the meatloaf before baking.
- BBQ sauce – Swap the ketchup with BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
- Gluten-free – Use GF breadcrumbs instead of panko.
- Bacon – You can either stir in some bacon bits or top off the meatloaf with bacon before baking for a crunchy finish.
How To Make Healthy Chicken Meatloaf
This nutritious and juicy chicken meatloaf comes together in just a few, easy steps. Mix everything together in a bowl, bake and you’re ready to enjoy!
Find the full Chicken Meatloaf recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Leftovers – Wrap slices of the meatloaf in seran wrap and then foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw before reheating.
- Reheating Leftovers – You can reheat leftovers in the oven, or in the microwave in short bursts.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy slices of homemade chicken meatloaf warm with your favorite comfort food side dishes. Mashed potatoes are a classic! Or serve with mashed cauliflower for an even healthier and low-carb meal.
For a complete dinner spread, consider including steamed, roasted, or sautéed vegetables on the table. We love savory, juicy ground chicken meatloaf with Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Green Bean Almondine Recipe or Air Fryer Green Beans, Fried Brussels Sprouts or Best Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts (Fresh or Frozen), or Irish Bacon and Cabbage.
Use leftover meatloaf to create fabulous meatloaf sandwiches with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and slices of cheddar cheese.
Healthy Ground Chicken Meatloaf + VIDEO
Video
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 bell pepper any color
- ½ large sweet onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1-2 jalapenos
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the bell pepper and the jalapeno seeds and stems. Then chop all the produce into large chunks. Place the veggies in a food processor and pulse into a fine mash.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, vegetable mash, panko, milk, egg, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix by hand until the mixture is very smooth and even.
- Set out a large rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions. Use your hands to form each portion into two 10 X 4 inch loaves.
- In a small bowl, mix the ketchup and balsamic vinegar. Brush the glaze over both loaves. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the interior temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Serve warm with mashed potatoes or low carb cauliflower mash.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can prepare the recipe the day before serving or as part of your weekly meal plan. When the meatloaf has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
This main dish is GREAT to make ahead. I love to serve one loaf the night it’s made, and keep the other in the freezer for a quick, ready-to-go meal. Prepare as directed and then let the meatloaf cool completely. Wrap securely in a layer of plastic wrap, and then in an additional layer of aluminum foil. Keep the chicken meatloaf in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen in a 350°F oven for 1 to 1.5 hours. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake for 40 minutes at 350°F.
The best way is to check using a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. The meatloaf should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the center.
Easy and delicious!
We love this recipe. I have Mondays off work so do a crock pot meal and pre-make this for Tuesday. All I have to do is pop it in the oven and do some instant mashed potatoes and a bag salad and we’re good. My 6-year-old has seconds, and my husband and I clean our plates. It’s a staple.
This is a delicious change from regular meatloaf. I prefer this chicken version!
Oh wow! I had never made this before and then I saw this recipe and knew I had to! It was FABULOUS! Thank you!
Wow – this is a wonderful recipe! I made it and everyone loved it!
this recipe is so good! I even tried it with some turkey and it was phenomenal!