Cheesy Ranch Chicken Meatloaf Minis
These Cheesy Ranch Chicken Meatloaf Minis are a quick, flavorful, and comforting dinner idea made with ground chicken, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese. Baked in a muffin tin for perfect portions, they’re family-friendly, meal-prep ready, and freeze beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 minis (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko; gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Nonstick spray or muffin liners
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or line with silicone muffin liners.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Fold in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Do not overmix.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Press gently to shape.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top of each mini.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let minis rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen, then transfer to a plate or cooling rack.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides or dipping sauce.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meat mixture for best texture. Use a cookie scoop for even portions. Let minis rest before removing from the pan to keep them intact. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your ranch mix. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and plant-based milk. These freeze and reheat well—perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini meatloaf
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 15
Keywords: chicken meatloaf, ranch chicken, cheesy meatloaf minis, easy family dinner, meal prep, muffin tin meatloaf, kid friendly, freezer friendly, comfort food