This savory apple chicken loaf combines the sweetness of apples with the heartiness of ground chicken, making a delicious main course for dinner. Perfectly seasoned and glazed, it's sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
2 tablespoons butter
1 stalk celery
1 medium onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 medium carrot
1 medium apple
1 large egg
2/3 cup applesauce
a splash milk
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon sage
to taste black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a skillet, melt some butter over medium heat and add finely chopped celery, diced onion, and a half teaspoon of salt. Sauté until the onions are soft and golden, about 12 minutes. After that, mix in grated carrot and cook for an additional 5 minutes before adding diced apple. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, blend ground chicken with one egg, a third of a cup of applesauce, a splash of milk, bread crumbs, poultry seasoning, sage, half a teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Fold in the sautéed carrot and apple mixture until well incorporated. Shape this mix into a loaf and place it in the center of a greased 9x12-inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining applesauce, Dijon mustard, and honey. Use this mixture as a glaze to coat the top and sides of the meatloaf.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which should take about another 30 minutes. Once done, let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
