The aroma of a well-cooked Christmas Healthy Chicken Meatloaf with Hidden Veggies wafts through the house, wrapping around you like a warm hug. It’s that comforting dish that makes even the pickiest eaters wonder if there might actually be magic in your kitchen. savory chicken meatloaf recipe As you slice into it, the tender meatloaf reveals vibrant flecks of hidden vegetables, a delightful surprise that would make even Santa proud.
Remember the time when you hosted your first holiday dinner and worried about impressing everyone? You whipped up this chicken meatloaf, and it stole the show! It’s perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family nights, delivering amazing flavor without the guilt. perfect holiday appetizer You can almost hear the applause as each bite melts in your mouth.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Christmas Healthy Chicken Meatloaf offers a healthy twist on a classic favorite, making meal prep easy and stress-free. The hidden veggies are a sneaky way to boost nutrition while keeping flavors bold and satisfying. Its beautiful presentation guarantees it will be the star of any holiday table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as leftovers in sandwiches or salads! [/info_box]
Sharing this recipe with friends had them raving about how delicious and moist it turned out. spicy jalapeno popper twists.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken is the star here; it keeps the meatloaf moist while being healthier than beef. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole recipe.
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Carrots: Grate them finely to blend seamlessly into the meatloaf; they add sweetness and color.
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Zucchini: Squeeze out excess moisture before adding; it contributes to the juiciness without overpowering flavors.
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Onion: Use finely chopped onions for aromatic goodness; they provide depth of flavor as they caramelize.
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Breadcrumbs: Opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber; they help bind everything together perfectly.
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Eggs: Two eggs act as a binder; they give structure to retain that glorious shape during baking.
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Ketchup: A dollop on top adds sweetness; feel free to use low-sugar varieties if you’re watching calories.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan lightly with nonstick spray for easy removal later.
Prepare Your Veggies: Finely grate carrots and zucchini. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini—this prevents your meatloaf from becoming soggy.
Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This step enhances their sweetness and flavor profile beautifully.
Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated veggies, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, and half of the ketchup. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overdo it!
Shape and Bake Your Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf and spread remaining ketchup evenly over the top for that nice glossy finish.
Bake Until Done!: Place in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
Let your Christmas Healthy Chicken Meatloaf with Hidden Veggies rest for 10 minutes before slicing. festive cranberry brie bites Serve with some festive sides like mashed potatoes or green beans for an unforgettable meal!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful Christmas Healthy Chicken Meatloaf with Hidden Veggies not only tastes amazing but also sneaks in some nutritious goodness. The aroma of this dish fills the kitchen, making it feel like a cozy holiday gathering. It’s perfect for family dinners and meal prep! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook the veggies until tender, then mix them with the chicken and other ingredients. Shape into a loaf and bake for about an hour for juicy results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out veggies based on what’s in your fridge! Try adding chopped spinach or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrients. Seasonings like garlic powder or Italian herbs can elevate the flavor! For more inspiration, check out this honey garlic butter roasted carrots recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For best results, use fresh herbs to enhance flavor without added calories. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender. Let it rest after baking for perfect slices every time. [/info_box]
The first time I made this meatloaf, my kids devoured it before I could snap a picture! It became an instant family favorite, bringing smiles all around the dinner table.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well and adds a slight variation in flavor.
What vegetables can I hide in the meatloaf?
Zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers are excellent choices for hidden veggies.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F when fully cooked.
Christmas Healthy Chicken Meatloaf with Hidden Veggies
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Christmas Healthy Chicken Meatloaf with Hidden Veggies. This dish is a delightful blend of lean ground chicken and finely grated vegetables, creating a moist and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this meatloaf not only pleases the palate but also sneaks in nutritional goodness, making it a guilt-free indulgence everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup ketchup (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Finely grate the carrots and zucchini, squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini.
- Sauté chopped onions in a skillet over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated veggies, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, half of the ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf in the greased pan and spread remaining ketchup on top.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
