Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
If you love the flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu but crave a simpler, homestyle spin, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy ground chicken mingling with savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all rolled up and baked to golden perfection. It’s as comforting as meatloaf gets, but with a gourmet twist that’ll wow your family or any dinner guests. The best part? You get all the flavor and none of the fuss of pounding, stuffing, or frying individual chicken breasts. Welcome to the easiest way to bring a crowd-pleasing favorite to your weeknight table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward, but every ingredient has a purpose—adding flavor, moisture, or a little bit of magic. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each piece matters to the final masterpiece.
- Ground chicken (1 1/2 pounds): The juicy, lean base that soaks up all the savory flavors and keeps the meatloaf light.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Help bind everything together and create a tender texture that holds up to slicing.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and ensures your meatloaf stays soft, never dry.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, holding the meatloaf together as it bakes and slices.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle tang and classic Cordon Bleu flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle aromatic warmth that pairs perfectly with the ham and cheese.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers savory depth without overpowering the delicate chicken.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every component evenly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of mild spice to balance the richness.
- Deli ham (4 slices): The salty, savory heart of the dish, bringing true Cordon Bleu vibes.
- Swiss cheese or Gruyère (4 slices): Melts into creamy, gooey layers for that irresistible cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, golden crust.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for brushing): Helps crisp up the crust and carry the Parmesan’s flavor.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish right before serving.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up—trust me, you’ll appreciate this later! This step helps ensure the meatloaf doesn’t stick and makes rolling and transferring it a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix—gentle handling keeps your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe tender, not tough.
Step 3: Shape and Fill
Transfer your chicken mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Pat it into a flat rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Now, layer the ham slices evenly over the surface, followed by the Swiss cheese. Leave a small border around the edges so you can seal everything up later. This is where the classic flavors really shine!
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Here’s the fun part: carefully roll the meatloaf up, jelly-roll style, starting from a short end. Use the parchment paper to help guide the roll, tucking as you go so the ham and cheese stay put. Pinch the edges to seal the loaf—no cheese leaks allowed! Shape it gently into an even log for beautiful slices later on.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Brush the top of your meatloaf with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. This combo gives you a gorgeous, golden crust that’s full of flavor. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). For an extra bubbly, browned top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Let the loaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing—this keeps all those delicious juices in place.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Not only does it look fresh and inviting, but it also adds a bright flavor that balances the richness of the ham and cheese. If you love a bit of spice, a light dusting of cracked black pepper is lovely too.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, a simple green salad, or buttered green beans. For a special touch, try a Dijon mustard cream sauce drizzled on top—it’s a nod to the classic dish and takes your meal to the next level.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your dinner spread by slicing the meatloaf thick and arranging the slices on a platter, showing off that gorgeous swirl of ham and cheese. For parties, cut into smaller rounds and serve as hearty appetizers. Leftover slices make incredible sandwiches—just tuck them into a soft roll with a swipe of extra mustard!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days and is just as tasty reheated as it is fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap followed by foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C), covered loosely with foil so they don’t dry out. You can also microwave individual pieces, but add a splash of water or broth to keep things moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your deli ham and cheese are gluten-free if you’re sensitive. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.
What other cheeses work besides Swiss or Gruyère?
If you want to switch it up, try provolone, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda for a new flavor profile. Just make sure you use a cheese that melts well for that signature creamy core.
How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?
Proper binding is key! Make sure to use the egg and breadcrumbs as written, and let the loaf rest after baking. This helps everything firm up and slice beautifully. Chilling the chicken mixture before rolling also makes shaping easier.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute, especially if you have it on hand. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and moist, especially with the flavorful ham and cheese center.
Is it possible to assemble the meatloaf ahead of time?
You sure can. Prepare the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe up to the rolling stage, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Bake just before serving for a fresh, hot dinner with minimal last-minute prep.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly special about transforming the classic flavors of cordon bleu into a cozy, sliceable meatloaf. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe delivers big on comfort and flavor. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new weeknight signature dish!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic, combining tender ground chicken with ham and Swiss cheese rolled inside a flavorful meatloaf. Perfectly baked to a golden finish and topped with Parmesan, this hearty main dish offers a comforting yet elegant meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fillings and Toppings
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat for a tender texture.
- Shape and Layer: Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a flat rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Evenly layer the deli ham and Swiss cheese over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges to enable rolling.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll the meatloaf jelly-roll style from one short end to the other, using the parchment paper to assist if needed. Seal the edges well and shape it into a tight loaf to keep fillings inside during baking.
- Add Toppings: Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil to promote browning and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top for a delicious crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Optional Broil: For a golden, bubbly top, broil the meatloaf for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the chicken mixture for 15 minutes before shaping makes rolling easier.
- This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with Dijon cream sauce or classic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftover slices refrigerate well and can be reheated for tasty sandwiches.
- For Gluten-Free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
