Get ready to fall head over heels for this Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy: a playful twist on a cozy classic! Imagine everything you love about the retro French dish—tender chicken, savory ham, a blanket of melty Swiss, and a creamy mustard sauce—transformed into a comforting meatloaf the whole family will crave. Each slice is hearty, packed with flavor, and so easy to pull together that it might just become your new weeknight favorite. Once you’re hooked on these comforting, cheesy vibes, don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy comes from a short list of everyday ingredients that each play a role in taste, texture, or that irresistible finishing touch. From the creamy Swiss cheese to the tangy Dijon mustard in the luscious gravy, every item adds something special. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip anything!
- Ground Chicken: Lean and mild, it’s the perfect blank canvas for all the rich Cordon Bleu flavors.
- Breadcrumbs: They help keep the meatloaf tender and moist, never dry.
- Large Egg: Acts as the binder, making sure your loaf holds together beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: Brings gentle savory warmth that enhances every other ingredient.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Dried Thyme: One of the secrets to that classic French taste, just a pinch is enough.
- Salt: Balanced seasoning is everything for bringing out the best in savory dishes.
- Black Pepper: Adds just a hint of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Diced Ham: Brings pops of saltiness and smoky flavor in every bite.
- Shredded Swiss Cheese: That signature creamy, nutty melt you expect from Cordon Bleu.
- Milk: A splash helps the breadcrumbs moisten and mix evenly for a fluffier texture.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness for a final flourish.
- Butter (for gravy): Lays the foundation for a rich, silky Dijon sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour (for gravy): Used to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Chicken Broth (for gravy): Adds body, savory backbone, and extra chicken flavor.
- Dijon Mustard (for gravy): The secret weapon for tang and complexity—don’t substitute it!
- Heavy Cream (for gravy): Makes the sauce temptingly luxurious and lush.
- Salt and Black Pepper (for gravy): Season to taste for balance and brightness.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you dive in, set yourself up for success by organizing all your ingredients on the counter. Dice the ham, shred the Swiss cheese, and measure out your breadcrumbs, milk, and spices. Having everything ready makes the assembly of your Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy relaxed and fun.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and milk. Use clean hands or a sturdy spatula, mixing just until all the ingredients are combined. Be gentle—overmixing can make your meatloaf tough, and we want it juicy!
Step 3: Add the Classic Cordon Bleu Filling
Now comes the magic: fold in the diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese. Try to distribute them evenly so that every bite bursts with salty ham and gooey Swiss. This step is what transforms a humble meatloaf into its inspired namesake.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Lightly grease a loaf pan, or line a baking sheet with parchment and shape your mixture into a loaf shape right on top. Either method works great, so use whatever’s easiest. Slide your soon-to-be Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy into a 375°F oven, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until your kitchen smells amazing and an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F in the center. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes outside of the oven so all the cheesy juices settle in.
Step 5: Make the Dijon Gravy
While the meatloaf bakes, start the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux—let it bubble for a minute. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking to keep things smooth, and cook for about five minutes, until thickened. Stir in the Dijon mustard and heavy cream, and season with salt and black pepper. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes until the sauce is silky and ready to drizzle.
Step 6: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!
Once your Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy has rested, slice thick or thin—however you like it. Arrange on plates, then liberally spoon the creamy Dijon gravy over each piece. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds instant color and a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy
Garnishes
A classic sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the plate but also lends a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with the savory, cheesy meatloaf and tangy Dijon gravy. Feeling fancy? Add a few extra shavings of Swiss cheese or a lemon zest curl for pop.
Side Dishes
What better way to celebrate this comforting dinner than with a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or perfectly roasted vegetables? Each of these options soaks up the Dijon sauce and matches the richness of the Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy perfectly. A simple green salad or buttered peas would also bring freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn a weeknight meal into a special occasion by slicing your meatloaf into mini portions and arranging them on a platter for guests, each topped with a drizzle of gravy. Serve leftovers as an open-faced hot sandwich on crusty bread, or cut thicker slices to stand up on their own for a modern, bistro-inspired look. Extra Dijon gravy on the side for dipping is always a win!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers of your Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy cool to room temperature before wrapping the slices tightly in plastic or storing in an airtight container. The gravy can be stored separately in a jar or small container. Both will happily keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready for another comforting meal.
Freezing
This recipe is a freezer’s best friend! Wrap individual slices of meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze the whole cooked loaf if you like—just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Freeze the Dijon gravy in a separate airtight container. Both freeze beautifully for 2-3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, let frozen slices or the whole loaf thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm slices in the microwave in short bursts or cover with foil and bake in a 325°F oven until heated through. The Dijon gravy may thicken in the fridge; simply warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a seamless substitute in the Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy. It will give the dish a slightly different flavor, but still pairs perfectly with ham, Swiss, and the creamy Dijon sauce.
What’s the best way to keep the meatloaf from drying out?
The secret to a juicy meatloaf is not overmixing and not overbaking. Adding enough breadcrumbs, egg, and milk helps retain moisture. Letting it rest after baking also allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the Dijon gravy. No one will even notice the difference in your Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy!
Do I have to use Swiss cheese, or can I try another variety?
While Swiss cheese lends the most authentic Cordon Bleu flavor, you can absolutely experiment. Try Gruyère for a nuttier taste, or even provolone or mozzarella if you prefer something milder or meltier.
Can I assemble the meatloaf ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix and shape the loaf a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, then proceed as usual for a fuss-free meal.
Final Thoughts
If you love a creative twist on a classic, treat yourself—make this Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy soon! It’s easy enough for busy nights but special enough for guests, and always delivers comforting, crowd-pleasing flavor. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu-Inspired Meatloaf with Dijon Gravy recipe combines the flavors of the classic dish into a comforting meatloaf. Juicy ground chicken mixed with ham and Swiss cheese, served with a creamy Dijon gravy, makes for a delicious twist on a traditional favorite.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1½ lbs ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Dijon Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bake the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan or form into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Dijon gravy: While the meatloaf bakes, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and drizzle with warm Dijon gravy. Garnish with parsley if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined. Fold in diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey instead of chicken.
- For extra Swiss flavor, add a slice on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
