Cherry-Coded Cranberry Chicken Minis (Print Version)

Mini chicken loaves packed with cherries and cranberries, glazed for tangy flavor. Ideal for gatherings or weeknight meals.

# Components:

→ Meatloaf Mixture

01 - 1 lb ground chicken
02 - 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
03 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
04 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
05 - 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
08 - 2 tbsp ketchup
09 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme

→ Glaze

13 - 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
14 - 2 tbsp cherry preserves
15 - 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing a muffin tin.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped dried cherries, dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, large egg, unsweetened applesauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
03 - Divide the meat mixture into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a mini loaf and place them on the prepared baking sheet or distribute them into the wells of the muffin tin.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, cherry preserves, and balsamic vinegar to create the glaze.
05 - Brush approximately half of the prepared glaze evenly over the tops of the shaped meatloaf minis.
06 - Bake the minis for 25 minutes. Carefully remove them from the oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
07 - Allow the cherry-coded cranberry chicken meatloaf minis to rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Healthier alternative to traditional beef meatloaf
  • Perfect portion control with individual servings
  • Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
02 -
  • Perfect for meal prep these meatloaves actually taste better the next day
  • Each mini loaf provides a complete protein serving with built-in portion control
  • The combination of dried fruit adds natural sweetness reducing the need for added sugars
03 -
  • The key to keeping these meatloaves moist is not overmixing the ingredients. Stop combining as soon as everything is incorporated to avoid tough results.
  • Using slightly wet hands when forming the loaves prevents sticking and creates a smoother finished product.
  • For an extra flavor boost toast your breadcrumbs in a dry skillet until golden before adding them to the mixture. This simple step adds a wonderful nutty dimension that complements the fruit perfectly.
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