Bread crumbs are traditionally used in meat loaf and meatballs to add moisture and bulk. I often use oatmeal instead — it does the trick while adding fiber instead of just white flour.

I don’t add too much because I still want the dish to be predominantly protein-based, but it’s important to add some, especially with leaner meat like chicken and turkey breast. With the right recipe, turkey and chicken loaves can taste just as satisfying as their beef counterparts.

BBQMeatloaf

BBQ-Bacon Meat Loaf

A moist chicken meat loaf built on oats instead of bread crumbs, topped with barbecue sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 4 slices extra-lean turkey bacon, chopped
  • 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup fat-free milk
  • 1 pound extra-lean ground chicken breast
  • 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (7g carbohydrates or less per 2 tablespoons)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly mist a 9″ x 5″ x 3″ nonstick loaf pan with the olive oil spray.
  2. Place a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly mist with spray and add the onion and bacon. Cook, stirring, for 6 to 8 minutes, until the onion is tender and just starting to brown and the bacon is crisped. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Combine the oats and milk in a medium mixing bowl and stir to mix. Let stand for 3 minutes, until the oats begin to soften. Add the cooled onion and bacon mixture, the chicken, egg whites, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread so the top is flat. Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and no longer pink. Let sit for 10 minutes before cutting into 8 slices to serve.

Notes

Makes 4 servings.
Per serving: 258 calories, 35g protein, 20g carbohydrates, 3g fat (trace saturated), 76mg cholesterol, 2g fiber, 529mg sodium.
Reprinted from The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook by Chef Devin Alexander and the Biggest Loser Experts and Cast © 2009 by Universal Studios Licensing LLLP. The Biggest Loser (TM) and NBC Studios, Inc., and Reveille LLC. Permission granted by Rodale, Inc., Emmaus, PA 18098. Photo credit: Mitch Mandel.
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