BBQ Chicken Meatloaf

Name: BBQ Chicken Meatloaf
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken (I use 99% fat free); 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped); 1/4 cup cilantro or parsley (finely chopped); 1/3 cup almond flour; 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (optional); 1.5 tablespoons BBQ Sauce; 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons avocado oil; 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce; 1/4 cup green onions (optional)

January 21, 2020 |

Last updated on August 3, 2023

BBQ Chicken Meatloaf is a delicious, healthy, one pan dinner. An easy recipe that can be made in the oven, instant pot or slow cooker.

A close up of BBQ Chicken Meatloaf on a white plate with spinach

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Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner: BBQ Chicken Meatloaf.

This is *NOT* the meatloaf you grew up eating….no weird mystery meat or funky ingredients here.

This meatloaf is made with simple ingredients like: ground chicken, onions, spices, and BBQ sauce – making it totally gluten free, paleo, Whole30 friendly, and DELICIOUS! Even the pickiest of eaters is going to love this recipe.

(I mean.. really, can you go wrong with anything BBQ? BBQ Sauce is the best! We love it on Healthy Pulled Pork, but it makes everything taste better!)

Sliced BBQ Chicken Meatloaf on a white plate with roasted potatoes and spinach

It’s super moist (sorry if you hate that word) and has the perfect amount of BBQ sweetness to it, while still being savory and delicious.

I serve it up with spinach and Crispy Roasted Potatoes or Garlic Brussels Sprouts but it truly goes well with everything.

PLUS… you can make it in your crockpot, instant pot, or oven!

Let me show you just how easy it is to make!

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Meatloaf:

To make BBQ Chicken Meatloaf you’ll need:

olive oil
onions
pumpkin puree
almond flour
barbecue sauce
spices
ground chicken

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Meatloaf laid out in small bowls

I’ve included substitutions for all of these ingredients in the green box below so you can customize it to fit your dietary needs!

Here’s a link to the BBQ Sauce I used in this recipe. It does contain a little bit of sugar, so it is not Whole30 compliant.

If you need a sugar free BBQ Sauce try The New Primal, Primal Kitchen, OR make your own with this recipe! (And after you’ve tried this recipe, use up the sauce on our Healthy Pulled Pork!)

How to make BBQ Chicken Meatloaf:

You can make BBQ Chicken Meatloaf in your crockpot, instant pot, or in the oven. The oven is my preferred way to make meatloaf. I find that it helps to not make the meatloaf soggy, and gives the nice browning/caramelization of the sauce on top.

Below I’m showing you how to make meatloaf in the instant pot!

A close up of BBQ meatloaf ingredients in a bowl

ingredients for BBQ meatloaf being mixed together

How to make Meatloaf in the Instant Pot:

Add all ingredients to a bowl.
Mix together your ingredients until combined.
Take a piece of foil and slice it with scissors to create a vent.
Form your meatloaf on top of the foil and place it on a trivet. Here’s a link to the instant pot trivet I use.
Lower your meatloaf into the instant pot and cook per directions.
You’ll notice that the meatloaf isn’t exactly pretty when it comes out of the instant pot (see step 6) that’s why we recommend broiling it in the oven with the sauce when you’re finished.

Instant Pot Notes for this recipe:

Make sure to poke holes in the foil. If you don’t, the meatloaf will sit in its own juices and have a very mushy texture.

Broiling makes a difference. Visually, without broiling – the meatloaf isn’t very appealing. Additionally, the caramelizing of the sauce adds depth of flavor.

An overhead shot of instant pot meatloaf on a spinach lined white plate on a grey background.

How good does that look!?? We love eating this for meal prep. It’s one of those recipes that gets better as the days go on and the flavors can meld.

Substitutions for BBQ Chicken Meatloaf:

These cookies are pretty versatile. Here are a few ways you can customize them!

Meat – You can make this with ground turkey or ground beef. I found ground beef a little greasy, too heavy for my taste but it will work. You can also try this Turkey Meatloaf Recipe or BBQ Chicken Breast!

BBQ Sauce– If you can’t find or don’t have a Whole30 BBQ Sauce – mix together the following: 1/3 cup tomato sauce or Whole30 compliant ketchup, 1 date, 1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard, 2 tsp. Coconut Aminos. This works great!

Pumpkin – Pumpkin puree isn’t necessary for this recipe, but it’s recommended. If you omit it may lead to a drier meatloaf depending on the fat content of your meal

Oil – Avocado, coconut, or olive oil will all work in this recipe.

Cheese – If you’re not paleo/Whole30 you can add 1/4 cup cheddar cheese to this recipe. It’s delicious!

Almond Flour – If you have a nut allergy you can sub in whole wheat breadcrumbs, but this recipe will no longer be gluten free/whole30. I have not tried this recipe with any other flour, but I think coconut flour might work.

BBQ Chicken Meatloaf with a gold fork taking a bite out of it

Storing Whole30 Meatloaf:

Storing: This meatloaf will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. I recommend storing it in airtight containers.

Freezing: I have not tried freezing this meatloaf, however, I do think it would freeze well. I would recommend baking it, letting it cool completely + storing it in freezer safe ziploc bags.

How to serve meatloaf:

This meatloaf pairs well with pretty much anything, but here are some of my favorite recipes to serve it with:

Instant Pot meatloaf on a spinach lined plate

If you love ground turkey, check out these Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes!

Other healthy dinner recipes you’ll love:

Looking for other easy meals? Check out these 40+ Healthy Dinner Recipes. Click here to grab our free healthy 30 minute dinners cookbook.

Love chicken? Check out our favorite healthy chicken breast recipes!