In this recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmigiana Meatloaf, you actually cook the meatloaf in a loaf pan INSIDE the slow cooker!

Chicken Parmigiana Meatloaf recipe - from RecipeGirl.com

I really love the idea behind this recipe – cooking a meatloaf (in a loaf pan) INSIDE the slow cooker. How fun is that?

365 Slow Cooker Suppers

The recipe comes from my current favorite cookbook:  365 Slow Cooker Suppers by Stephanie O’Dea. It’s totally hard to serve a decent dinner to your family when you’re not home to prepare it. And it gets tiring (and unhealthy) to pick up fast food all the time. Your slow cooker is youre best friend on busy days. I’ve tried a ton of slow cooker recipes in the past that are just duds. This cookbook is much different. I’ve tried three recipes in the book, and they have all been big successes. This recipe was one of them.

Chicken Parmigiana Meatloaf recipe - from RecipeGirl.com

Check it out: You just mix the meatloaf ingredients together in a bowl, then stuff it in your loaf pan, then place your loaf pan in the slow cooker and press START! That’s it!

Chicken Parmigiana Meatloaf recipe - from RecipeGirl.com

7 or 8 hours later, the meatloaf is done. It’s one of the most tender, juicy, flavorful meatloaf recipes I’ve ever tasted. I use ground turkey instead of chicken, and it is completely wonderful (and low fat)!

Chicken Parmigiana Meatloaf recipe - from RecipeGirl.com

I enjoy the meatloaf straight out of the pan, unadorned and all by itself… served with a side salad. My husband likes a little more sauce drizzled on top (just a little marinara- easy). I recommend the recipe to try out on your family for dinner. It really is quite delicious. And I recommend that you purchase the cookbook too- lots of great, easy recipes that I can’t wait to try.

If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you’ll find a link to the WW Points on the recipe card below.

Here are a few more meatloaf recipes you might enjoy:

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmigiana Meatloaf
4 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmigiana Meatloaf

You actually cook this meatloaf in a loaf pan INSIDE the slow cooker!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 7 hours
Total: 7 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (I use Classico Tomato- Basil), divided
  • cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chicken (or turkey), eggs, onion, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ½ cup marinara and ½ cup cheese (it's easiest to just use your hands to do this).
  • Spray an 8x5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray (metal or glass- see notes below). Scoop the meatloaf mixture into the pan and smooth the top. Spread the remaining ½ cup of marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
  • Put the pan in a 6 quart slow cooker and place the lid on top. Cook for 7 to 8 hours on low (or 4 hours on high). Slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Note: I used a glass pan and cooked mine on LOW. If you're opting for cooking it on HIGH, you might consider using a metal pan instead. I'm not certain the glass would work well with such a high temperature.
  • If you are preparing this recipe as GLUTEN-FREE, be sure to use a sub for the regular breadcrumbs (like GF breadcrumbs), and be sure to use a brand of marinara sauce that is known to be GF (Classico Tomato Basil is GF).
  • Option: Place some small potatoes around the sides of the pan so that they can be slow cooked along with the meatloaf.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 273kcal, Carbohydrates: 12g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 149mg, Sodium: 573mg, Potassium: 617mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 490IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 196mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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4 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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53 Comments

  1. Melissa (I Crashed the Web) says:

    this looks great – like one big fat chicken meatball!
    do you know if you could use a metal loaf pan? that’s what mine is.

    1. Lori Lange says:

      Yes, I’m sure a metal pan would work just fine.

  2. EMK says:

    Can you use a metal pan instead of glass? Thanks! Looks delish!

    1. Lori Lange says:

      yes!

  3. Liz @ Virtually Homemade says:

    So creative. This would be a huge hit with my family.

  4. Andrea @Andreas Kitchen says:

    This recipe sounds wonderful! I am trying to gather more great slow cooker recipes.
    During the hot summers here in AZ, I use the slow cooker in the garage so I don’t heat up the house.

  5. danielle says:

    I just pinned this – What a genius idea!

  6. Stephanie ODea says:

    Oh I’m so glad you liked your dinner! Thank you for the kind words — this was such a joy to wake up to this morning!

    We have a super busy afterschool and early-evening schedule, too. I still can’t believe that all they prepare you for when they hand over the baby is that the carseat is properly installed! 🙂

    1. Lori Lange says:

      You’re very welcome! Thanks for a great recipe!

  7. Lesley says:

    I love this idea, but doesn’t there need to be water or some type of liquid in the crockpot? Especially if you are adding potatoes or anything else.
    Thanks

    1. Lori Lange says:

      Nope- no liquid needed.

  8. marcie says:

    I absolutely love the idea of a slow cooker meatloaf, because the men in my house always welcome meatloaf at dinner!

  9. DessertForTwo says:

    This sounds so unique and delicious! Loving slow cooker recipes right now!

  10. Taylor @ FoodFaithFitness says:

    My household love love LOVES meatloaf…but I have never made it with turkey. What a genius idea to make it a little healthier. And, cheese? Yes. Love this recipe! Pinned!