This chicken apple meatloaf is an easy, lighter twist on meatloaf. The dried apples add a little sweetness while the poblano peppers give it just the right kick!
Meatloaf is the quintessential easy comfort food. It’s simple to prep for a tasty, hearty meal.
Traditional recipes use beef, which I think can be a little heavy. For a lighter dish that’s packed with delicious flavors, I love making this chicken apple meatloaf variation!
Where ground beef can be overpowering, the mild flavor of chicken really lets the other ingredients shine. You’ll taste a nice sweetness from the dried apples, and the poblano peppers give it just the right amount of kick.
Of course, if you prefer more heat, you’re always welcome to substitute jalapeños instead. The dish will still feel nice and balanced thanks to the apples, celery, and onion.
When you’re looking for a hearty dish that only takes minutes to prep, try this lighter side of meatloaf. The unique flavor combination may become a new favorite!
How to make chicken apple meatloaf
This recipe comes together with common ingredients in just a few simple steps. It’s great for even the busiest weeknights!
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, sauté the celery and onion until the onion is just translucent, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, egg, panko, dried apples, poblano peppers, salt, pepper, and sautéed onions and celery. Mix gently.
Step 4: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place in a baking dish just large enough to hold the loaf. An 11 x 7-inch baking dish works well.
Step 5: Bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Spread the pickapeppa sauce over the top of the loaf, then continue baking until the internal temperature is 160°F, about 30 more minutes.
Step 7: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Once rested, cut your loaf into 4 slices and serve!
What is pickapeppa sauce?
Pickapeppa sauce is a sweet, sour, and mildly spicy Jamaican condiment made with tomatoes, onion, vinegar, mangoes, raisins, garlic, sugar, and cloves. It packs a tangy punch that’s great for marinades, “jerked” meats, and more!
You can usually find Pickapeppa Sauce near the Worcestershire sauce in your grocery store. I love using it in place of ketchup, especially for recipes like this chicken meatloaf. It adds a whole new depth of flavor.
Storage
This recipe is for four servings of meatloaf. It’s great if you’re feeding a crowd, or you can enjoy leftovers as easy meals later in the week!
Any extra meatloaf can be stored covered in the refrigerator. I recommend eating within 3-4 days.
Other tasty chicken recipes
Chicken is such a healthy meat to incorporate into your weekly cooking. And with the right recipes, your dishes will be packed with wonderful flavor!
Here are a few of my favorite chicken recipes I think you’ll enjoy:
- Chicken Enchilada-Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Tex-Mex Burrito Bowl with Lime-Avocado Sauce
- Low-Carb General Tso’s Chicken
You can also take a look at some of my favorite healthy low-carb chicken recipes for more inspiration.
When you’ve tried this dish, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked it and rate the recipe in the comments below!
Chicken Apple Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 cup sweet onion (diced)
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg (or 1/4 cup egg substitute)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 ounces dried apples (diced)
- 1 4-5 inch poblano pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons Pickapeppa Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, sauté the celery and onion until the onion is just translucent, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, egg, panko, dried apples, poblano peppers, salt, pepper, and sautéed onions and celery. Mix gently.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place in a baking dish just large enough to hold the loaf. An 11 x 7-inch baking dish works well.
- Bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes.
- Spread the pickapeppa sauce over the top of the loaf, then continue baking until the internal temperature is 160°F, about 30 more minutes.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
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