Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf combines tender ground chicken with sharp cheddar cheese and a spicy kick from jalapeño and chipotle adobo sauce. The meatloaf is glazed with a sweet and smoky chipotle-honey sauce, baked to perfection, and finished with a caramelized crust. It’s a flavorful twist on classic meatloaf that’s sure to please the whole family.
- 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
Meatloaf
- 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
Chipotle Glaze
- 1 1/2 tbsp Adobo sauce from canned chilis in Adobo (7 oz can)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a baking dish liberally with cooking spray to prevent the meatloaf from sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the meatloaf ingredients using your hands. Mix until well incorporated but be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and shape it into a long, uniform loaf, leaving about a 1-inch gap on both long sides of the pan for even cooking.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the chipotle glaze ingredients. Pour the glaze evenly over the meatloaf and brush to coat thoroughly. There will be excess glaze in the pan, which will be used for basting.
- Initial Bake: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 25 minutes to start cooking it through.
- Baste and Finish Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush with the glaze that has collected in the pan to create a thick, caramelized coating. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing; this helps retain the juices and makes for easier slicing.
Notes
- Removing seeds from jalapeño reduces heat; adjust to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Excess glaze in the pan can be spooned over slices when serving for extra flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs keep the meatloaf light and tender compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Resting the meatloaf allows juices to redistribute for optimal moisture.
Keywords: chipotle chicken meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, cheddar meatloaf, ground chicken recipe, baked meatloaf
