Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Simple Chicken Meatloaf ~ Deep Thoughts...

Simple Chicken Meatloaf
Meatloaf.

There's the good...the bad...and the ugly.

Mom's, Dad's, Grandma's, Aunt Edna's and your own.

The cafeteria's, Boston Market's, Stouffer's and the diner's.

Meatloaf.

It's black...brown...orange...and various shades of red.

Beef, turkey, chicken, tofu, veal and lamb.

Twisted, mushed, poked, prodded, squeezed, lumped and molded.

Meatloaf.

Standing proudly all alone...or stuffed with boiled eggs and cheese.

Overcooked or undercooked ....more times than to perfection.

Economical, comforting, versatile and delicious.

Meatloaf.

~ The End ~
---------------------------

Penny for your thoughts regarding... Meatloaf. 

Simple Chicken Meatloaf  (So, so GOOD!)
Adapted from GoodHousekeeping.com, Chicken Romano Meatloaf

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium onion, finely diced
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1-2 T olive oil
1 t Parsley flakes
1/2 cup freshly grated Romano (or Parmesan) cheese
1/2 cups plain dried bread crumbs
1 large egg
1 cup + quality marinara sauce
2 pounds ground chicken

DIRECTIONS:
Saute onion and garlic in tablespoon olive oil for 5-8 minutes, until soft. Remove from pan and let cool to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 400° F. Line 13" by 9" metal baking pan with foil. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.

In large bowl, stir Romano, bread crumbs, onion/garlic mixture, egg, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add chicken and mix just until combined.

Spoon chicken mixture into center of prepared pan; shape into 9" by 5" loaf, pressing firmly. Spread remaining 1/2 cup + marinara over top.

Bake meatloaf 1 hour and 5 to 10 minutes (mine took 50 minutes) or until temperature on instant-read thermometer inserted in center of meat loaf reaches 165° F (temperature will rise to 170° F upon standing). Let meatloaf stand 10 minutes for easier slicing.

*If you make it ahead of time, you can lightly tent with foil and then a few minutes before eating, preheat broiler, slice the meatloaf, top with a bit more sauce and mozzarella (or cheese of choice)  -heat until cheese is melted and ENJOY! YUMMMM!

15 comments:

Katerina said...

There was a time here in Greece when meatloaf was very much in fashion. Everytime we went to a house there was a meatloaf among other things. A really good cooked meatloaf like the one I see in your photo is perfect. Nevertheless, during the years I have tasted others that aren't anything special.

Nuts about food said...

You know how I feel about meatloaf ;o)

Unknown said...

Strange post, I know...but I wasn't sure what to say about meatloaf.

Everyone raved about this one! It was so moist and flavorful!

@Nutsaboutfood - yes I do know, and I need to make that one on your blog!

Unknown said...

I like meatloaf, but my boyfriend does not, so I never actually make it any more...but this looks good, better then most I have seen!!

Gabrielle said...

I like meatloaf if someone else cooks it for me. By the time I am done with my own it just grosses me out. I know it too intimately and I can't believe how much stuff is crammed inside of the thing. You would think that I would prefer to know and therefore enjoy my own creation but not so...I am a sort of "ignorance is bliss" gal when it comes to ground meats. I feel the same way about meatballs. One can learn a lot about a person based on her meatloaf feelings.

Clint said...

Looks GREAT! I love meatloaf. I like it because it goes so well with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable. I like it because the leftovers make a wonderful sandwich the next day. Your meatloaf looks terrific.

HEY CINDY!!!---CHECK OUT DESIGN WINE & DINE'S POST!!! CAN WE HAVE MEATLOAF TONIGHT?

The Food Hound said...

I have conflicting emotions surrounding meatloaf. It can be delicious and homey, but there's something distinctly un-classy and un-appetizing about the thought of a gray-brown lump of meat mixed with wet bread in a loaf pan. So although I do like it, I rarely make it. I think I gave more than a penny... :) But this does look delicious, and I'm sure it is!!

Pam said...

Woo hoo! Meatloaf is my very favorite comfort food and yours looks perfect. I've never made it with chicken though so this is a must try!

Cindy Ellison said...

That is one fine looking meatloaf! Yes, I have thoughts about meatloaf and they're emotional ones! When you see my old meatloaf recipe card, you will realize just how emotionial.

You have so many great recipes I need to make ♥

Thank you!

art is in the kitchen said...

The best looking meatloaf ever! This I must try. It is so inviting. I really like how you titled your blog too. Cheers!

blackbookkitchendiaries said...

this meatloaf looks so delish!

Simply Life said...

ha, I love this post and you look like you know how to make the "beautiful" version! :)

Charisse said...

LOL I love your ode to meatloaf...not the prettiest dish but it is sure delish!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Your meatloaf looks and sounds wonderful, but your poem steals the show:-). I hope you had a great day. Blessings...Mary

Karen said...

That does sound like a good meatloaf. My go-to is an old recipe from my mom that she thinks came from the Lipton onion soup package. I don't even attempt to try others because I love that one so much!