To make this barbecue-flavored version of a traditional meatloaf recipe we taken all the ingredients in our favorite, homemade barbecue sauce and mixed them right in with the meat.
We chose to use ground chicken as a lighter alternative to the more classic combination of ground beef and pork and it really takes on the barbecue flavors well.
Barbecue Chicken Meatloaf
Made with ground chicken and homemade barbecue sauce ingredients, this meatloaf is a light, tasty change from traditional recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, very finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a shallow baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Place the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, and smoked paprika in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and combine thoroughly.
- Turn the mixture onto the prepared pan and form it into a uniform loaf. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Make the topping by combining the ketchup, Worcestershire, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the topping evenly over the top.
- Continue baking the meatloaf for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Recipe Notes
This meatloaf can easily be made with ground beef, pork or turkey as well.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Barbecue Chicken Meatloaf
Amount per Serving
Calories
217
% Daily Value*
Fat
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
6
g
Cholesterol
112
mg
37
%
Sodium
236
mg
10
%
Carbohydrates
13
g
4
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
20
g
40
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.
Curious says
If I use 2 lbs of ground chicken do I double the cooking time?
Lynne Webb says
Hi there. The short answer to your question is no, you don’t need to double the cooking time for 2 pounds of ground chicken. How much longer you need to bake it will depend on how you shape the meatloaf. The recipe for 1 pound of meat calls for 40 to 45 minutes total baking time to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you shape your larger meatloaf to approximate the size of a somewhat elongated version of a standard loaf pan, you will probably only need to add 10 or 15 minutes to the overall baking time. I would suggest checking the temperature after 40 minutes and making a judgment from there.
Sara says
This is such a wonderful recipe!!! Thank you so much for sharing it 🙂 I’ve made meatloaf using this recipe 3 times before, and tonight is the 4th time. I’ve used ground chicken, ground beef, and ground turkey. All turn out great with this recipe! The only things I’ve done differently is to add 1 carrot, grated, and 1 stalk of celery, chopped very finely, to help add additional moisture when I’m using ground chicken or ground turkey. Plus it’s a way to sneak in a bit more veggies, and it doesn’t add any additional cooking time. For the sauce I just add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar to the ingredients to give it a smidge more sweetness. The first time I make a recipe I make it as listed, and did for this one. It was delicious as is, and you really don’t need to make any changes. I’ve just done so to see how they changed things, and my family liked the additions. But it’s always nice to have a great recipe that doesn’t need any adjustments, some do, this isn’t one of them. So if I didn’t have the extra stuff on hand, I could skip it and know it would still be yummy 🙂 Anyway, thanks again for the recipe, we’re so glad to have it as a new and reliable family favorite!
Zeenia says
I was afraid this would turn out dry because of the lack of fat in the ground chicken but it was perfect. I added a quarter cup of chopped carrots, capsicum and spring onions for colour.
I have pictures but don’t know how to upload them.
Lynne Webb says
Hi Zeenia,
Those are nice additions, both for color and flavor!
Jeanne Walling says
I am trying to cut down on beef. Tired of turkey. But I love chicken. This was good! I will make again. Will have to check other chicken recipes you have
Lorraine J says
It was the best ground chicken meatloaf I have ever made. Quick and easy and ingredients I have in my pantry. Perfect with no adjustments. My famiy loved it
Lynne Webb says
Hi Lorraine,
So glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for taking the time to let us know!
Lorraine J says
It was the best ground chicken meatloaf I have ever made. Quick and easy and ingredients I have in my pantry. Perfect with no adjustments. My famiy loved it
Lucy says
I have a question, does this come out being very sweet?
Lynne Webb says
Hi Lucy,
This meatloaf is made with a combination of ingredients that give the meat itself the flavor of a sweet-and-savory barbecue sauce. I would not consider it to be “very sweet,” but then I like the contrast of sweet and savory flavors. If you don’t care for that, either reduce or eliminate the 1 tablespoons of brown sugar in the meat mixture. Hope I’ve answered your question!
Lorraine J says
No. Not at all. 1 tblsp of brown sugar will not.make it sweet. Try it..you will be glad you did. Do not
over mix the meat. It will change the texture.
Steve says
Just made this for the family. Would Have taken a pic but nothing left. Was one of the best BBQ Chicken Meatloafs I have ever had.
Is now Going to beastaple in this household
Dianne says
I made this last night. I loved the taste but would like a little more texture and am going to try adding finely chopped carrots and celery along with the onion next time I make it. This was an excellent recipe as written!
Lynne Webb says
Hi Dianne,
Glad you liked the recipe overall. I think the chopped carrots and celery would be a nice addition.
Lois says
The best ever! 2 changes: I used fresh bread crumbs soaked in milk and made individual muffins. 3o minutes later-fantastic!!! Thanks!!!!
Lynne Webb says
Hi Lois,
I’m glad you liked the recipe. Thanks for sharing the tips on the fresh breadcrumbs and individual muffins – great ideas!
Melissa says
I found this recipe by accident and figured I’d give it a try. It is perfect.
Lynne Webb says
Thanks Melissa! Glad you liked the meatloaf.
Steve says
Just made this for the family. Would Have taken a pic but nothing left. Was one of the best BBQ Chicken Meatloafs I have ever had.
Is now Going to beastaple in this household
Steve says
Just made this for the family. Would Have taken a pic but nothing left. Was one of the best BBQ Chicken Meatloafs I have ever had.
Is now Going to beastaple in this household
Lynne Webb says
Hi Steve,
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting us know.