Name: Asian Style Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken (93/7% fat); 1 pound ground chicken sausage (or pork sausage); 1/2 cup panko crumbs; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger); 3 garlic cloves, chopped; 1/4 cup soy sauce (prefer low sodium); 1/2 cup chopped onion (whites of green onions preferred); 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts (8 oz can, drained); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper; 1/3 cup barbecue sauce; 1/3 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger); 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Asian Style Chicken Meatloaf Recipe with friends because it’s such a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Combining ground chicken and chicken sausage with savory Asian-inspired ingredients creates a juicy, aromatic loaf that’s both satisfying and a bit unexpected. Every bite offers a perfect balance of ginger, garlic, soy, and sweetness from the glaze, making it my go-to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Style Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

What really draws me to this Asian Style Chicken Meatloaf Recipe is the incredible flavor profile. Unlike traditional meatloaf that can sometimes feel a little heavy or one-note, this version bursts with fresh ginger and garlic, paired with the savory depth of soy sauce and the subtle crunch of water chestnuts. The glaze always steals the show, with a delicious blend of barbecue sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving it a slightly sticky, glossy finish that I find irresistible.

Besides the amazing taste, I appreciate how straightforward and quick it is to prepare. Using simple pantry staples and minimal fuss, this meatloaf comes together easily—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it a fantastic option for family meals or even parties where you want to offer something familiar yet unexpectedly delightful. This recipe stands out because it brings something new to the table, reminding me that meatloaf can be exciting and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows thick red sauce being poured over a chunky mixture in a beige bread pan. The mixture in the pan has a rough texture with visible small white and green pieces scattered throughout the light pinkish base. The sauce is a smooth, rich reddish-brown and is draped over the center of the mixture. The pan is set on a blue and white checkered cloth resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple but essential to achieve the perfect texture and depth of flavor. Each contributes uniquely—whether it’s the tender mix of ground chicken and sausage, or the crunchy water chestnuts for texture, everything works beautifully together.

1 pound ground chicken: Use 93/7% fat for juicy, tender meatloaf that holds together well.
1 pound ground chicken sausage: Adds extra flavor and moisture; pork sausage works if you prefer.
1/2 cup panko crumbs: Provides light binding without making the loaf dense.
1 egg: Helps bind the ingredients and holds the loaf’s shape.
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger: Gives fresh brightness and a little zing, or substitute ground ginger if needed.
3 garlic cloves, chopped: Deepens savory notes and balances the glaze’s sweetness.
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Adds umami richness and that signature Asian flavor.
1/2 cup chopped onion (whites of green onions recommended): Adds subtle sweetness and crunch.
1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts: Brings refreshing, crispy texture inside the loaf.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the savory and sweet.
Glaze ingredients (combined separately):

1/3 cup barbecue sauce: Sweet and tangy base for a sticky finish.
1/3 cup ketchup: Adds tomatoey sweetness and a hint of acidity.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: For umami balance in the glaze.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Keeps the glaze bright and slightly spicy.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Caramelizes beautifully for a glossy finish.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray an 8 by 4-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your meatloaf slides out cleanly and holds its shape beautifully.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, ground chicken sausage, panko crumbs, egg, grated ginger, chopped garlic, soy sauce, chopped onion, chopped water chestnuts, salt, and pepper. I find that using my hands works best here to mix everything thoroughly but gently—be careful not to overwork the meat for a tender result.

Step 3: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down evenly so there are no air pockets. Getting an even shape will help it cook uniformly and look great when sliced.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, and brown sugar to make the glaze. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the uncooked meatloaf, spreading it carefully with a spoon or brush to cover every inch for maximum flavor and glossy caramelization.

Step 5: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the meat is fully cooked but still moist and tender inside.

Step 6: Once baked, let the meatloaf cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing it. This resting time lets the juices redistribute and makes slicing much easier.

Step 7: Serve warm with your favorite sides. I love pairing it with fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli for a balanced, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Servings and Timing

This Asian Style Chicken Meatloaf Recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or for leftovers throughout the week. The prep time is roughly 15 minutes, mostly to gather and mix your ingredients. Baking takes about 50 minutes, and with a 10-minute resting period, you are looking at a total time of approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. This timeline lets you plan a delicious, satisfying dinner that comes together without rushing.

How to Serve This Asian Style Chicken Meatloaf Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three thick, golden brown meatloaf slices stacked slightly on top of each other, covered with a shiny red glaze. These meatloaf slices rest on a smooth, creamy bed of pale mashed potatoes that fill the lower part of the plate. To the right side, there is a neat bunch of bright green cooked asparagus spears, adding a fresh contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand holding a silver fork is reaching in from the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love to serve this meatloaf piping hot right out of the oven, as it showcases the glossy glaze and the aromatic aroma makes everyone’s mouths water. White rice is my go-to side because it soaks up the flavorful juices perfectly. Steamed or stir-fried broccoli adds a fresh, green contrast both in color and taste, rounding out the meal beautifully.

For a fun presentation, I sometimes sprinkle the meatloaf with the reserved green onion tops for a pop of green and a fresh crunch. Slicing the loaf into thick, hearty portions helps everyone get a generous serving, and plating with a small side salad can brighten the whole plate for a slightly lighter feel.

If you’re looking to pair beverages, I find a light, crisp Riesling or a citrusy Asian-inspired cocktail balances the sweetness and umami flavors wonderfully. Non-alcoholic options like ginger-infused sparkling water or jasmine tea also complement the dish without overpowering the nuanced taste. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners but also shines beautifully for casual dinner parties or holiday meals where a fresh take on comfort food is appreciated.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you prefer, you can swap the chicken sausage for pork or even turkey sausage to tweak the flavor. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free panko or substitute with crushed rice crackers for crunch. I’ve also experimented with adding finely chopped shiitake mushrooms to deepen the umami flavor further, which works beautifully.

If you want to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian, consider replacing the meats with a blend of mashed lentils and finely chopped vegetables, plus a flax egg to bind it all. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free, and swap the barbecue sauce and ketchup for vegan-friendly brands. The glaze can also be made with maple syrup and tamari for that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Another fun variation is to cook this meatloaf on the grill in a foil pan for that subtle smoky flavor—it requires careful monitoring to avoid burning the glaze but adds a wonderful dimension. Slow cooking in a crockpot is also an option for a hands-off, tender result, though you’ll lose the caramelized top, so I recommend broiling it briefly at the end.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. I usually keep mine in a shallow container to chill evenly and it stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Labeling your container helps keep track, especially if you’re meal prepping for the week.

Freezing

This Asian Style Chicken Meatloaf freezes really well, which I love for convenient future meals. After cooking and cooling completely, wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

The best way I reheat leftover meatloaf is in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the texture less satisfying. If you want to revive the glaze’s glossy finish, I brush a little extra glaze or barbecue sauce on top before reheating, which brings back that delicious sticky shine and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use all ground chicken, or do I have to mix with chicken sausage?

You can absolutely use all ground chicken if you prefer. The chicken sausage adds additional seasoning and moisture, but if you adjust your seasonings a bit—maybe add a little more soy sauce or aromatics—you’ll still get a flavorful and juicy meatloaf with just ground chicken.

Is water chestnut necessary? What can I substitute if I don’t have any?

Water chestnuts add a refreshing crunch that balances the soft texture of the meat, but if you don’t have them on hand, finely chopped celery or jicama will work well as substitutes. They both bring a similar crispness and slight sweetness.

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix all the ingredients, shape the loaf, and even add the glaze up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh when you’re ready. This makes it a great make-ahead option for busy nights or entertaining.

What is the best way to check if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The safest and most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This guarantees it’s safely cooked without being dry. If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small cut in the center and check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, doubling the recipe works well! I recommend using two loaf pans to ensure even cooking, as a much larger single loaf may take longer to cook through. Alternatively, you can shape smaller individual mini-loaves or even make meatloaf muffins for fun portion control.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Asian Style Chicken Meatloaf Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a classic dish with a fresh, flavorful twist that always impresses. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, this recipe brings delicious comfort and vibrant Asian-inspired flavors to your table with ease. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!