Chicken Loaf

Chicken loaf with mushroom gravy is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion, from weeknight family dinners to festive gatherings. This savory loaf, made with ground chicken, bread crumbs, mayo and seasonings, offers a tender texture and mild flavor, enhanced by a rich mushroom gravy. The ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to traditional meatloaf, while sauteed onions and celery add a subtle crunch. Ensure the loaf reaches 165°F for perfect doneness, and serve it with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Loaf

• Chicken breasts and thighs: Use a mix of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs to achieve a moist and tender loaf with the perfect blend of textures. Pre-ground chicken can be used to save time.
• Eggs and mayonnaise: The combination of eggs and mayonnaise works together as binding ingredients to hold the loaf together. This is vital to creating a meat loaf that won’t fall apart as you slice it. You can also use Greek yogurt, sour cream or milk in place of mayo.
• Panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs provide a light and airy texture to this ground chicken loaf, helping it stay moist and tender. As a substitute, you can use regular seasoned bread crumbs, crushed saltine crackers or oats for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Onion soup mix: Onion soup mix infuses the loaf with a savory, well-rounded flavor.
• Seasonings: Fresh parsley, horseradish, salt, pepper, garlic powder, sage leaves and thyme bring a vibrant mix of flavors and herbal notes to this chicken loaf.

Gravy:

• Fresh mushrooms: The natural umami of mushrooms adds a rich, earthy flavor and a hearty texture to the mushroom gravy.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the gravy.
• Chicken broth: A homemade chicken broth makes the flavorful foundation for the mushroom gravy.
• Seasonings: Dried rosemary, salt and white pepper provide the aromatics. 
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent in the mushroom gravy, giving it a smooth and velvety consistency. You can also use an equal amount of flour or arrowroot powder to achieve a similar texture.
• White wine (optional): A splash of white wine adds a subtle acidity to the mushroom gravy. You can substitute it with a splash of white wine vinegar mixed with water.

Directions

Step 1: Process the chicken

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Place the chicken in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it begins to freeze. Cut into 1-inch pieces. In a food processor, cover and process the chicken in batches until it’s ground.

Step 2: Make the chicken mixture

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, soup mix, parsley, horseradish, salt, garlic powder, sage, thyme and pepper. Crumble the chicken over the mixture, then mix lightly but thoroughly.

Step 3: Shape and bake

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Shape the chicken mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 165°, 55 to 60 minutes. Let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Make the gravy

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Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute the mushrooms in butter until tender. Add the broth, rosemary, salt and white pepper. Bring to a boil. Combine the cornstarch and wine until smooth, then gradually stir into the mushroom mixture. Bring to a boil, then cook and stir for two minutes, or until thickened. Serve the gravy over your meatloaf.

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Chicken Loaf Variations

• Switch up the sauce: Try coating your chicken loaf with a tangy barbecue sauce, a rich marinara, a creamy mustard sauce or a honey-garlic glaze. 
• Stuff it: Fill the center with cheese or vegetables and bake as usual for a surprise filling.
• Skip the oven: Prepare the chicken loaf mixture and cook it in a slow cooker, an air fryer or on the grill. 
• Use different meats: There are many ways to make meat loaf. Try using different meats such as ground turkey, beef, pork, lamb, venison or a combination, to create various flavorful and unique versions of chicken loaf.
• Add new ingredients: Use feta cheese and spinach to create a Greek chicken loaf, or add ham to make a meat loaf cordon bleu.

How to Store Chicken Loaf

Leftover chicken loaf is good in the refrigerator for three to four days. Wrap the chicken loaf whole if you plan to reheat it all at once. Otherwise, cut it into individual portions, and store it in a container with a tightly fitted lid. The gravy should be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the same duration. 

Can you freeze chicken loaf?

You can freeze the chicken loaf before or after cooking it. Raw chicken loaf lasts up to six months when wrapped whole and stored in a freezer-safe resealable bag. Thaw the chicken loaf in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or cook it from frozen (remember that it will take almost twice as long to cook from frozen).

Cooked ground chicken loaf is best when frozen in slices, so it’s easier to portion. Wrap the slices and store them in a freezer-safe bag; they should be good in the freezer for about three months.

Chicken Loaf Tips

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Can you make this chicken loaf recipe without a loaf pan?

If you don’t have a loaf pan on hand, place the loaf in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. A baking sheet works in a pinch too.

What do you serve with chicken loaf?

This chicken loaf would go well with any of our meat loaf sides. Serve it with classic buttery mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots and green beans for a healthy meal with a colorful touch. A side of herbed rice pilaf offers a light and flavorful contrast, while a fresh green salad adds a refreshing element.

How do I prevent the chicken loaf from drying out? 

To prevent the chicken loaf from drying out, ensure you incorporate moisture-rich ingredients such as mayonnaise, eggs and milk. Additionally, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F (74°C). Covering the loaf with foil during baking and letting it rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven can also help retain moisture.