Hearty Chicken Loaf With Whole Wheat Crumbs
A flavorful chicken loaf with whole wheat bread crumbs, roasted red pepper, leeks, and herbs, perfect for hearty family dinners and satisfying lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups fresh crumbs from whole grain bread ⓘ
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 large leeks, white part only, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Position the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400°F.
- Spread the bread crumbs in a shallow metal pan and toast in the oven, stirring often, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
- Cool the toasted crumbs to room temperature.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped red bell pepper, chopped leeks, minced garlic, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooled bread crumbs and chicken stock to the mixture and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown on top.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the mixture. For a gluten-free option, substitute whole grain bread with gluten-free bread. You can also use ground turkey if you want a lighter alternative. Ensure to mix well but avoid overworking the meat to maintain a tender texture in your loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hearty chicken loaf with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Ginny'S Tomato-Shrimp Casserole for a comforting family dinner. Consider adding a dollop of your favorite sauce or gravy on top for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Chicken Loaf With Whole Wheat Crumbs contains roughly 702 calories, with 24g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (143% of the Daily Value), iron (94% of the Daily Value), and calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 722mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or even lean beef if you prefer. Each type of meat will give a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose based on your personal preference.
What can I use instead of chicken stock?
If you don't have chicken stock, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt for moisture. This will still keep the loaf moist and flavorful, making it a versatile recipe.
How do I know when the chicken loaf is done cooking?
The chicken loaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown on top. You can also check for doneness by cutting into the middle to ensure there is no pink meat remaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).