Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining spicy chipotle with sharp cheddar and fresh herbs. Perfectly moist and packed with bold flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 ¼ cup fresh grated extra sharp cheddar
• 1 small jalapeño, finely minced (seeds removed)
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

Chipotle Glaze:

• 1 ½ tablespoon Adobo sauce from canned chilis in Adobo (7 oz can)
• 2 tablespoon honey
• ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Spray a baking dish liberally with cooking spray.
3. Step 3: Add all meatloaf ingredients to a large bowl and combine with your hands until well incorporated, being careful not to over mix.
4. Step 4: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the greased pan and form into a long, uniform loaf, leaving about a 1-inch gap at both long ends of the pan.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the chipotle glaze ingredients. Pour evenly over the meatloaf and brush to coat. Reserve the excess glaze in the pan for basting.
6. Step 6: Bake the meatloaf at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with the glaze collected in the pan to create a thick, caramelized coating.
7. Step 7: Return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Step 8: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use finely minced jalapeño without seeds for milder heat or include seeds for extra spice.
• Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
• For a smoky depth, try adding a dash of chipotle powder directly into the meat mixture.
• If you don’t have fresh cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley for a different but fresh flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatloaf, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated before baking. This can help the flavors meld even more.

What if I don’t have Adobo sauce?

If you don’t have Adobo sauce, you can use chipotle chili powder mixed with a bit of tomato paste and a splash of apple cider vinegar to mimic the flavor.

Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 66 reviews

This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, combining lean ground chicken with sharp cheddar, jalapeño, and a smoky chipotle glaze. It’s perfectly spiced, moist, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner packed with bold flavors and a slight kick of heat.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 ¼ cup fresh grated extra sharp cheddar
• 1 small jalapeño, finely minced (seeds removed)
• ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

Chipotle Glaze

• 1 ½ tablespoon Adobo sauce from canned chilis in Adobo (7 oz can)
• 2 tablespoon honey
• ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a baking dish liberally with cooking spray to prevent the meatloaf from sticking during baking.
3. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, add ground chicken, cheddar, jalapeño, Panko breadcrumbs, shallot, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Mix together thoroughly with your hands until well incorporated but avoid over mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and form it into a long, uniform loaf shape, leaving about a 1-inch gap on both long ends of the pan to allow for even cooking.
5. Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the Adobo sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar to make the chipotle glaze. Pour the glaze evenly over the shaped meatloaf and brush to coat thoroughly. Some excess glaze will pool in the pan, which will be used for additional basting.
6. Bake Initial Phase: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 25 minutes to start cooking through and set the shape.
7. Baste with Glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the top with the excess glaze collected in the pan. This will add a thick, caramelized, smoky layer of flavor.
8. Finish Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier slice. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• Removing the seeds from the jalapeño reduces the heat but keeps the flavor; adjust based on your heat preference.
• Do not over mix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
• Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
• The chipotle glaze can be adjusted in sweetness or tang by tweaking the honey and apple cider vinegar amounts.
• Using ground chicken makes the meatloaf leaner than traditional beef or pork versions.

Keywords: chipotle meatloaf, chicken meatloaf, cheddar cheese meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, healthy meatloaf recipe