Save This hearty Cherry-Coded Cranberry Chicken Meatloaf Minis recipe transforms ordinary ground chicken into festive, flavorful individual servings perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The sweet-tart combination of cherries and cranberries creates a delightful contrast against the savory chicken backdrop, while the tangy glaze adds a beautiful finishing touch.
I first created these mini meatloaves for a holiday gathering when I wanted something festive but not too heavy. My family was instantly hooked, and now they request these colorful little loaves whenever dried cherries appear in our pantry.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: forms the protein base with less fat than beef while remaining juicy and tender
- Dried cherries: add natural sweetness and chewy texture that balances the savory elements
- Dried cranberries: provide tartness and festive color perfect for holiday meals
- Breadcrumbs: help bind the mixture while adding structure
- Finely chopped onion: delivers essential aromatic flavor without overwhelming chunks
- Egg: acts as the crucial binding agent that holds everything together
- Unsweetened applesauce: provides moisture and natural sweetness without added sugar
- Ketchup: adds umami depth and comfort food flavor
- Dijon mustard: brings tangy complexity that enhances the meat
- Salt and pepper: essential for proper seasoning always use kosher salt for better flavor distribution
- Dried thyme: complements poultry perfectly with its earthy herbaceous notes
- Cranberry sauce in the glaze: reinforces the berry flavor while creating a beautiful sheen
- Cherry preserves: add concentrated sweetness and help the glaze adhere beautifully
- Balsamic vinegar: balances the sweetness with sophisticated acidity
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F making sure it reaches full temperature before baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking or prepare a muffin tin by greasing each well thoroughly. The right baking vessel ensures even cooking and perfect presentation.
- Create the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a spacious mixing bowl combine all meatloaf ingredients starting with the ground chicken. Add the chopped cherries cranberries breadcrumbs onion egg applesauce ketchup mustard salt pepper and thyme. Use clean hands to gently fold everything together until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are incorporated to keep the meatloaves tender rather than tough.
- Form the Mini Loaves:
- Divide your mixture into six equal portions using a kitchen scale if available for perfect uniformity. Shape each portion into an oval mini loaf with slightly rounded tops if using a baking sheet or press firmly into muffin tin wells. Wet your hands slightly before handling to prevent sticking and create smooth surfaces.
- Prepare the Signature Glaze:
- Whisk together cranberry sauce cherry preserves and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl until completely smooth. The glaze should have a spreadable consistency that will adhere to the meatloaves while creating a beautiful shiny finish. If too thick add a teaspoon of water if too thin simmer briefly to reduce.
- Apply First Glaze Layer:
- Brush half of your prepared glaze generously over each mini loaf ensuring the tops and sides are evenly coated. This initial layer will caramelize during baking creating depth of flavor while sealing in moisture.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place your glazed meatloaves in the preheated oven and bake for exactly 25 minutes. The meatloaves will begin to firm up and the glaze will start to set creating a beautiful exterior.
- Add Final Glaze and Finish Baking:
- Remove the partially baked meatloaves and carefully apply the remaining glaze focusing on even coverage. Return to the oven for the final 5 minutes of baking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer. This double-glazing technique creates layers of flavor and a gorgeous finish.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the finished meatloaves to rest for a full 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat ensuring moist tender results. The meatloaves will also firm up slightly making them easier to serve intact.
Save The cherries are truly the star of this recipe. I discovered their transformative power in meatloaf completely by accident when I had leftover dried cherries from holiday baking. Their natural sweetness and slight chewiness create these wonderful little pockets of flavor that burst as you eat making an ordinary meatloaf extraordinary. My daughter now requests these as her birthday dinner every year.
Storage and Reheating
These meatloaf minis refrigerate beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat place them in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes but the oven method preserves the texture better. For best results add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of your reheating dish and cover loosely with foil to maintain moisture.
Make-Ahead Options
The entire meatloaf mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. You can even form the meatloaves and place them on a parchment-lined plate covered with plastic wrap. The glaze can also be made ahead and stored separately. Simply bring everything to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking and proceed with the recipe as written. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.
Serving Suggestions
These festive meatloaves pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the delicious glaze. For a complete meal add a bright green vegetable like roasted Brussels sprouts sautéed green beans or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. During holiday seasons serve them alongside traditional sides like cranberry sauce and sweet potato casserole for a lighter alternative to turkey or ham.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey works perfectly in place of chicken with virtually identical results
For a gluten-free version substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers
Honey can replace cherry preserves in the glaze though it will have a milder flavor
Seasonal Adaptations
Winter version add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of cloves to the mixture
Spring variation mix in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like parsley and chives
Summer twist replace cranberries with blueberries for a different berry profile
Save These tips will help you create deliciously moist and flavorful meatloaf minis every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute turkey for chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well in place of chicken, resulting in equally tender and flavorful minis.
- → How should I serve these meatloaf minis?
Pair them with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a satisfying, balanced meal.
- → What can I use if I don't have cherry preserves?
Substitute with additional cranberry sauce or another tart fruit preserve like raspberry or apricot.
- → How do I prevent dry meatloaf minis?
Avoid overmixing the ingredients and add 2 tablespoons of milk or non-dairy milk for extra moisture if needed.
- → How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently for best results.
- → Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally dairy-free. Ensure any added products, such as sauces, are also dairy-free.