If you love the classic flavors of a French bistro but crave the ease of comfort food, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is about to become your new obsession. Juicy ground chicken is gently seasoned and wrapped around layers of smoky ham and melty Swiss cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s all the comforting nostalgia of meatloaf mingled with the unmistakable flair of chicken cordon bleu—a mealtime mashup that’s both crowd-pleasing and weeknight-friendly. Get ready for enthusiastic “oohs and aahs” when you slice into this savory centerpiece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf relies on straightforward ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Every component has a job—moisture, richness, seasoning, or that irresistible cheesy pull—so don’t skip the essentials!
- Ground chicken: The lean but juicy base gives our meatloaf its signature lightness and tender texture.
- Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style): Breadcrumbs soak up flavor and moisture, keeping the loaf from drying out.
- Egg: Our trusty binder, helping the meatloaf hold together when sliced.
- Milk: Adds moisture and ensures the final loaf is never crumbly or dry.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a snappy, nuanced tang that’s signature to any cordon bleu riff.
- Garlic powder: For a mellow, savory bite that mingles perfectly with chicken.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile with subtle depth and sweetness.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, especially with all that cheese and ham inside.
- Black pepper: Just enough to bring gentle warmth.
- Sliced deli ham: The ham brings smoky, salty, irresistible layers to the center of each slice.
- Swiss cheese: Go for sliced or shredded—either way, it melts into gooey ribbons throughout the loaf.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle after baking adds fresh color and a herby pop.
- Olive oil (for greasing): Ensures easy release and helps the exterior brown up beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s just the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this guarantees your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf comes out neat, golden, and picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything together. You want it blended, but not overworked, which keeps the meatloaf extra tender.
Step 3: Shape and Layer
Lay out a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap, then press the chicken mixture into a 10×12-inch rectangle—don’t fuss about the edges being perfect. Evenly lay out your ham slices on top, then scatter or layer the Swiss cheese. It’s this trio of layers that gives the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf its signature bite.
Step 4: Roll Into a Loaf
Starting from the short end, gently but tightly roll the chicken and filling into a loaf, tucking the ham and cheese as you go. This spiral technique means every slice will reveal glorious swirls of cheese and ham!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully move your rolled loaf (seam side down) to your greased pan or lined baking sheet. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, you’ll know you’ve nailed the perfect bake.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes to seal in all the juicy goodness. Scatter parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finishing touch before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a little extra cracked black pepper elevates the appeal of each slice. For a spruced-up look, consider shaving some extra Swiss cheese over the hot loaf right before slicing, letting it melt delicately on top.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or a crisp side salad. If you want to echo the French flair, roasted asparagus or honey glazed carrots make wonderful companions on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, slice and fan the meatloaf across a serving platter, letting those gorgeous cheese-and-ham spirals show off in style. Or, for a cozy weeknight meal, tuck thick slices into sandwiches with a little Dijon or honey mustard for a French-inspired lunch upgrade!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making weekday lunches or speedy dinners a breeze.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this meatloaf! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices of Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but for that perfect melty cheese, gentle oven reheating is your friend.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works seamlessly in this recipe, offering the same lean, juicy bite. Just make sure to use turkey with a bit of fat to keep things moist.
What’s the best way to keep the cheese from leaking out?
Be sure to roll your loaf tightly and tuck in all edges as you go. Chilling the rolled loaf for about 15 minutes before baking can also help the cheese stay put.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes—simply use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones. Double-check your deli ham, as well, to make sure it’s gluten-free.
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the loaf, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for gathering ahead of schedule.
What sauce pairs best with this meatloaf?
A creamy Dijon sauce or a drizzle of honey mustard is the ideal match for the flavors here. Even a simple pan gravy or a tangy béchamel would be lovely!
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you try this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf! It’s a playful twist on two classics, effortlessly impressive but totally doable any night of the week. From the first cheesy, savory bite, you’ll see why it’s a favorite around my kitchen table—so go on, give it a whirl and let it become a favorite at yours, too.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf combines the flavors of the classic dish in a comforting meatloaf. Ground chicken is seasoned and filled with layers of Swiss cheese and ham, baked to perfection for a delicious family meal.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Filling:
- 6 ounces sliced deli ham
- 6 ounces Swiss cheese (sliced or shredded)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a loaf pan or baking sheet.
- Mix the meatloaf: Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the loaf: Flatten the meat mixture, add ham and cheese, then roll into a loaf.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the pan, bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest, slice, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a layer of baby spinach before the ham and cheese.
- This meatloaf pairs well with honey mustard sauce or a creamy Dijon drizzle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
