Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting classic with a twist, Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is the answer. This irresistible dish combines tender ground chicken, savory ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping for a main course that’s as impressive as it is easy to make. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors reminiscent of the beloved French-inspired favorite, all wrapped up in the cozy package of a meatloaf. Perfect for family dinners or a gathering with friends, this recipe promises to become a go-to whenever you want to wow your table with something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf lies in its simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the table, from flavor and texture to color and aroma—so don’t skip any!
- Ground Chicken: Lean and mild, it’s the perfect canvas for the rich flavors layered inside.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a light, tender structure that keeps the meatloaf from getting dense.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together for a juicy bite every time.
- Large Egg: The key binder, ensuring your loaf stays perfectly sliceable.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for a gentle, aromatic kick that wakes up the whole dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon, but it adds classic, zippy depth you’ll notice in every bite.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings subtle warmth and complexity.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the savory flavors.
- Black Pepper: A touch of heat to balance the richness.
- Deli Ham: Thin slices add a traditional Cordon Bleu layer and a hint of smokiness.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that iconic creamy, stringy middle layer.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Savory and nutty, it makes the topping extra flavorful.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted to help the topping crisp up while adding buttery goodness.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, golden finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf slides out easily and bakes up with a lovely crust—no sticking, no stress.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until everything is just incorporated; over-mixing can lead to a tough loaf, so keep it light!
Step 3: Layer the Cordon Bleu Fillings
Press half of the chicken mixture into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out into an even layer. Next, arrange the slices of deli ham over the top, followed by the Swiss cheese slices. This is where the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors shine, so don’t be afraid to let the edges of the cheese and ham overlap slightly for extra gooeyness.
Step 4: Seal and Top
Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the ham and cheese layers, pressing gently and making sure to seal the edges so the cheese stays tucked inside. In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, melted butter, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this glorious mixture evenly over the top of your meatloaf, pressing lightly so it adheres.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Place your assembled Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The topping should be golden and crisp. Once done, let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps all those delicious layers settle and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives over each slice brings a pop of color and a hint of freshness. For a little extra flair, a drizzle of Dijon cream sauce or even a touch of grainy mustard on the side can elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. If you’re feeling inspired, try serving it with garlic sautéed green beans or even a tangy coleslaw for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at gatherings, slice the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf thickly and fan the pieces out on a platter. Tuck in a few extra slices of ham and Swiss between each piece for a dramatic effect, or serve mini meatloaf muffins for a playful twist on the original.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each slice even more delicious the next day—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole cooked loaf or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. For an extra crispy topping, uncover during the last few minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the oven really brings back that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that classic combination of ham, cheese, and juicy meat.
What’s the best way to prevent the meatloaf from falling apart?
Be sure to mix the ingredients just until combined and avoid overworking the meat. Letting the meatloaf rest after baking also helps it firm up for clean, confident slicing.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the loaf up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, simply swap out the panko and seasoned breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. All other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your labels to be sure.
What sauces pair well with Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
A simple Dijon cream sauce or a light chicken gravy both complement the savory richness of the meatloaf. Even a dollop of honey mustard or a squeeze of lemon can wake up the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is your new best friend. With its creamy, savory layers and irresistible crunch, it’s bound to become a regular request at your table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!
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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 combines the classic flavors of ham, Swiss cheese, and seasoned ground chicken baked to perfection in a loaf form. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting main course that’s perfect for family dinners, delivering a juicy, cheesy, and savory meal inspired by the traditional French chicken cordon bleu.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Mixture
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Filling
- 6 slices deli ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat, to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Assemble Meatloaf Base: Press half of the chicken mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, creating an even layer that forms the base for the filling.
- Add Ham and Cheese Filling: Layer the six slices of deli ham evenly over the chicken base, then cover the ham with the six slices of Swiss cheese, ensuring an even distribution for every bite.
- Top with Remaining Meat Mixture: Carefully spread the remaining chicken mixture on top, pressing lightly to seal the edges and encase the ham and cheese completely within the loaf.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, melted unsalted butter, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful, crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, flavorful servings.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh light salad.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a simple Dijon cream sauce or mustard-based gravy before serving.
- Leftover meatloaf slices make excellent sandwiches for the next day, either cold or warmed up.
- Ensure the meatloaf is cooked to the proper internal temperature to guarantee safety and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
