Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, combining tender ground chicken with sharp cheddar and a spicy chipotle glaze. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together easily.

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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Spray a baking dish liberally with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, add all meatloaf ingredients. Combine with your hands until well incorporated, but be careful not to over mix to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and shape into a long, uniform loaf. Leave about a 1-inch gap on both long ends of the pan.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the chipotle glaze ingredients until smooth. Pour the glaze evenly over the meatloaf and brush to coat fully. There will be excess glaze in the pan for basting later.
6. Step 6: Bake the meatloaf for 25 minutes at 350°F. Then, remove it from the oven and brush the top with the pooled glaze to build a thick, caramelized coating.
7. Step 7: Return the meatloaf to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
8. Step 8: Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy and makes it easier to cut.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, omit the jalapeño or use a sweet bell pepper instead.
• Use ground turkey or lean ground beef as alternative proteins, adjusting cooking time if needed.
• If you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work fine.
• Add a handful of diced bell peppers or corn to the meat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• The chipotle glaze can be doubled for extra sauce and basting during baking.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a covered dish and warm in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. Meatloaf also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze 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 gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the chicken meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Meatloaf combines lean ground chicken with sharp cheddar cheese and a mild spicy kick from jalapeños, all topped with a smoky, sweet chipotle glaze. It’s a flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf, perfect for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

• Author: Daniel
• 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

• 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 prepare for baking the meatloaf.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a baking dish liberally with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, add all the meatloaf ingredients. Use your hands to combine them thoroughly but be careful not to overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Form the Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and shape it into a long, uniform loaf. Leave about a 1-inch gap on both long ends of the pan to allow even cooking.
5. Prepare and Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the chipotle glaze ingredients until combined. Pour the glaze evenly over the meatloaf and brush it to coat thoroughly. Excess glaze will remain in the pan and will be used for basting later.
6. Bake Initial Phase: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for 25 minutes to allow the meat to start cooking and the flavors to meld.
7. Baste and Continue Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush it with the remaining glaze in the pan to create a thick, caramelized coating. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute, ensuring moist slices.

Notes

• Removing jalapeño seeds reduces heat; leave seeds in for spicier meatloaf.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain moisture and improves texture.
• The excess glaze in the pan thickens during baking and adds flavor when used for basting.

Keywords: Chipotle chicken meatloaf, cheddar chicken meatloaf, spicy meatloaf, ground chicken recipes, easy meatloaf, baked meatloaf, chipotle glaze