If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and fun to eat, this Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe is going to be your new kitchen hero. These tender, bite-sized meatloaves pack in juicy ground chicken mixed with savory sautéed veggies, all finished with a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a casual get-together, this recipe balances simplicity and bold flavors in every single mini meatloaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to making these mini glazed chicken meatloaves come alive. Each component plays a simple but essential role, adding layers of texture, moisture, and flavor that make this dish truly memorable.
- Butter or oil: Used to sauté veggies and build a rich, aromatic base.
- Onion (minced): Provides sweetness and a hint of bite that complements the chicken.
- Celery stalk (minced): Adds subtle crunch and freshness to the meatloaf mix.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Delivers a punch of warm, savory flavor.
- Ground chicken (1 lb): The lean, tender protein that makes these meatloaves light yet satisfying.
- Panko breadcrumbs (½ cup): Help keep the texture light and airy while soaking up moisture.
- Milk (¼ cup): Moisturizes the breadcrumbs, ensuring tender meatloaves.
- Egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together for perfect shape and consistency.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the meatloaves.
- Salt (¾–1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper (â…“ teaspoon): Adds just enough heat to balance the savory elements.
- Ketchup (â…“ cup): A key ingredient in the tangy glaze that coats the meatloaves.
- Barbecue sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings smokiness and depth to the glaze.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami richness to the glaze’s flavor profile.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Gives the glaze its signature sweet, shiny finish.
How to Make Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting your oven ready early ensures that the meatloaves will cook evenly and develop that gorgeous caramelized glaze you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, heat your butter or oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced onion, celery, and garlic, sautéing until the veggies soften and turn a lovely golden color. This step unlocks their flavors and creates a delicious foundation for the meatloaf mixture. Once done, give them a moment to cool before combining with the rest of your ingredients.
Step 3: Soak the Breadcrumbs
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a bowl and pour the milk on top. Let them soak for a few minutes until the milk is fully absorbed. This keeps your meatloaves wonderfully moist without making them soggy.
Step 4: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This careful mixing ensures a tender, flavorful meatloaf every single time.
Step 5: Shape the Mini Meatloaves
Divide the meat mixture into small, even portions — about ¼ cup each works perfectly. Shape them into miniature loaves and arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased to prevent sticking. These compact sizes not only speed up cooking but make each bite delightfully manageable.
Step 6: Begin Baking
Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatloaves uncovered for 15 minutes. This initial bake cooks through the chicken gently, setting the shape so the glaze can be added without causing them to fall apart.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the meatloaves bake, whisk together the ketchup, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl. This glaze will give your mini meatloaves that irresistible shiny, sticky coating that’s bursting with sweet-savory flavor.
Step 8: Glaze and Finish Baking
Once the first baking is complete, brush each meatloaf generously with the glaze. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes. During this time, the glaze will thicken and caramelize, locking in moisture while providing that gorgeous glossy finish.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
When your Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe comes out of the oven, let the mini loaves rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful. Then, dig in!
How to Serve Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions adds a lovely fresh pop of color and brightness to these meatloaves. You could also add a dash of sesame seeds on top just before serving for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
These mini meatloaves pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For a fun twist, serve alongside some buttery dinner rolls or even a tangy coleslaw, balancing the sweet glaze perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, arrange the mini meatloaves on a large serving platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You could also serve them atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a wholesome weeknight meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meatloaves, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick and easy lunches or dinner second helpings.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze the cooked and cooled mini meatloaves on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen meatloaves keep well for up to 2 months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes, to preserve their juicy texture. You can also microwave them covered on medium power, though baking enhances the glaze’s shine and flavor best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe, offering a similar light texture and flavor. Just be sure to watch the cooking time as turkey can dry out easily.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This keeps the meatloaves tender without compromising texture.
Can I prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time?
You can mix all the ingredients up to a day in advance and keep the mixture covered in the fridge. Shape and bake them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe is mild and approachable, perfect for everyone, including kids. You can add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the mix if you like a little kick.
What if I don’t have barbecue sauce?
If you’re out of barbecue sauce, you can substitute with extra ketchup mixed with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a bit of smoked paprika for that smoky sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for all kinds of occasions, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves simple comfort food with a twist. Give it a go — you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Glazed Chicken Meatloaves are a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender ground chicken mixed with savory vegetables, breadcrumbs, and herbs, baked to perfection and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, these bite-sized meatloaves deliver a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaves:
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- 1 onion, minced
- 1 celery stalk, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground chicken (or other ground meat)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- ¾ – 1 teaspoon salt
- â…“ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
- â…“ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaves.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the minced onion, celery, and garlic. Cook until they are softened and golden brown, releasing a fragrant aroma. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly to prevent cooking the meat prematurely.
- Prepare breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs into a small bowl and pour the milk over them. Let them soak for a few minutes until the milk is absorbed, which will help keep the meatloaves moist.
- Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, minced parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a cohesive mixture ready to shape.
- Shape meatloaves: Using about ¼ cup of the mixture for each, form small individual meatloaves with your hands. Place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatloaves uncovered for 15 minutes to start cooking them through.
- Make the glaze: While the meatloaves bake, whisk together the ketchup, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl until smooth, creating a flavorful glaze to top the meatloaves.
- Glaze the meatloaves: After the first 15 minutes of baking, brush the glaze generously over each meatloaf. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and the meatloaves to finish cooking through.
- Serve: Remove the meatloaves from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a tasty appetizer or main dish, paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ground chicken can be substituted with ground turkey or beef according to preference.
- Ensure the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- The glaze can be adjusted in sweetness and tanginess by altering honey and barbecue sauce quantities.
- Leftover meatloaves can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
