Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining smoky chipotle heat with sharp cheddar cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and a little adventurous.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 1/4 cup fresh grated extra sharp cheddar
• 1 small jalapeño, finely minced (seeds removed)
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
• 1 1/2 tbsp Adobo sauce from canned chilis in Adobo (7 oz can)*
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a baking dish liberally with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated cheddar, minced jalapeño, panko breadcrumbs, diced shallot, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Mix with your hands until well incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
3. Step 3: Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape into a long, uniform loaf, leaving about a 1-inch gap on both long ends of the pan.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the Adobo sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar to create the chipotle glaze. Pour the glaze evenly over the meatloaf and brush to coat thoroughly. Excess glaze in the pan will be used for basting later.
5. Step 5: Bake the meatloaf for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush with the glaze pooled in the pan to build a thick, caramelized coating.
6. Step 6: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Step 7: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps retain juiciness and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For less heat, reduce or omit the jalapeño and Adobo sauce.
• Substitute cilantro with fresh parsley if preferred or unavailable.
• Add a handful of finely chopped bell peppers for extra texture and sweetness.
• Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked meatloaf wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator 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 and shape it into the loaf the day before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready.

What can I serve with chipotle cheddar chicken meatloaf?

This meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the sharpness of extra sharp cheddar cheese, creating a juicy and flavorful meatloaf. Enhanced with fresh jalapeño, cilantro, and a sweet and tangy honey adobo glaze, this dish is a modern twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a wholesome family dinner.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatloaf Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 1/4 cup fresh grated extra sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small jalapeño, finely minced (seeds removed)
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 medium shallot, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro

Chipotle Glaze Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf evenly.
2. Prepare baking dish: Liberally spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Mix meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated cheddar, minced jalapeño, panko breadcrumbs, diced shallot, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chopped cilantro. Use your hands to mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated, taking care not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
4. Form the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and shape it into a uniform loaf with your hands, ensuring about a 1-inch gap on both long ends of the pan for heat circulation and even cooking.
5. Prepare and apply glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the Adobo sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar to create the chipotle glaze. Pour the glaze evenly over the meatloaf and use a brush to coat the top thoroughly. Excess glaze in the pan will be used later for basting.
6. Initial baking: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing it to start cooking while flavors meld.
7. Baste with glaze: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the top with the glaze pooled in the pan to achieve a thick, caramelized coating.
8. Final baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
9. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful slices.

Notes

• Removing the seeds from the jalapeño reduces the heat but keeps the flavor; adjust to your spice preference by including some seeds if desired.
• Panko breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and keep the meatloaf tender without making it dense.
• Resting the meatloaf is crucial to prevent juices from running out when sliced.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid under or overcooking.
• The leftover glaze thickens as it bakes and is perfect for basting, enhancing flavor and appearance.

Keywords: chicken meatloaf, chipotle meatloaf, cheddar chicken meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, baked meatloaf