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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/chipotle-cheddar-chicken-meatloaf-recipe/