Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this delectable chicken cordon bleu meatloaf that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Layers of savory ground chicken intermingle with rich ham and gooey Swiss cheese, creating a mouthwatering fusion of classic flavors.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Hearty and indulgent, each slice delivers a perfect balance of protein and decadence.

Home cooks will appreciate how simple ingredients combine to produce such an impressive meal.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will quickly fall in love with this innovative twist on traditional meatloaf.

Prepare to wow everyone at the table with this irresistible recipe that turns an everyday staple into something extraordinary.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe: Why It’s Worth It

  • Transforms classic chicken cordon bleu into an easy, comforting meatloaf perfect for busy families who crave delicious meals without complex preparation.
  • Combines traditional meatloaf with gourmet ham and Swiss cheese, delivering restaurant-quality taste in a home-cooked dish that surprises and delights dinner guests.
  • Allows simple ingredient swaps like different meats, cheeses, or seasonings, making it adaptable for various dietary preferences and kitchen skill levels.
  • Prepares smoothly in advance, refrigerates well before baking, and reheats beautifully, offering maximum convenience for meal planning and busy households.

Ingredient Rundown for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Ground Chicken: The base of the meatloaf that provides lean and tender meat for the dish.
  • Ham: Classic deli meat that adds a salty and rich flavor to the meatloaf.
  • Swiss Cheese: Mild and creamy cheese that melts beautifully inside the meatloaf.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: Key ingredients that help bind the meatloaf together and keep it moist.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds extra depth of flavor and helps with binding the mixture.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and sharp flavor to the meat mixture.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Blend of spices that create a well-rounded and aromatic profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter, Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy and golden-brown crust on top of the meatloaf.
  • Shredded Swiss Cheese: Optional extra cheese topping for more cheesy goodness.

How to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe Smoothly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Meaty Goodness

Toss these ingredients into a big mixing bowl:
  • Ground chicken
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Milk
  • Egg
  • Dijon mustard
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything together until it’s perfectly blended.

Step 3: Layer the Flavor Explosion

Spread out a sheet of parchment paper and press the meat mixture into a rectangle about 10-12 inches wide. Carefully arrange ham slices across the meat, leaving a small border around the edges. Top the ham with Swiss cheese slices.

Step 4: Create the Meatloaf Roll

Using the parchment paper as your helper, gently roll the mixture from one short end to the other, like a cozy meat sleeping bag. Pinch the edges to seal and place it seam-side down in your prepared pan.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping

Combine melted butter with breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the meatloaf. For extra cheesy goodness, scatter some shredded Swiss cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite!

Insider Tricks for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

  • Prevent Dryness: Keep the chicken meatloaf moist by using milk and egg in the mixture, which help bind ingredients and add moisture.
  • Seal Rolling Technique: Use parchment paper when rolling to create a tight, compact meatloaf without breaking the meat mixture.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.
  • Customize Cheese Options: Swap Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella for different flavor profiles while maintaining the classic cordon bleu essence.
  • Control Browning: Cover the meatloaf with foil if the top browns too quickly, preventing burning while allowing complete cooking inside.

Save & Reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe Easily

  • Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Slice meatloaf and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.

Pairings That Fit Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

  • Pair rich Swiss and ham-stuffed chicken meatloaf with crisp, acidic accompaniments that cut through the richness.
  • Choose medium-bodied white wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that balance the meatloaf's creamy and savory profile without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
  • Create a tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs to provide a bright, refreshing contrast against the hearty meatloaf's dense texture.
  • Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and light olive oil seasoning to add a fresh, green element that cleanses the palate between rich meatloaf bites.

Versions of Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe to Try

  • Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, ensuring the meatloaf maintains its classic texture while accommodating gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds, reducing carbohydrate content and creating a protein-packed alternative for ketogenic dieters.
  • Turkey Swap: Replace ground chicken with lean ground turkey for a similar flavor profile and protein content, offering a simple protein variation for those seeking alternative meats.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Create a plant-based version using ground mushrooms, plant-based protein, and dairy-free cheese alternatives, maintaining the rolled meatloaf structure for a meat-free experience.

What to Know About Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, it contains breadcrumbs. You can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make it gluten-free.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute with the same seasonings and preparation method.

  • How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through.

  • What if I don't have Dijon mustard?

You can replace Dijon mustard with regular yellow mustard or skip it entirely. The mustard adds a subtle tangy flavor but isn’t crucial to the recipe’s success.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory chicken cordon bleu meatloaf brings classic French-inspired comfort to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Home cooks discover a delightful fusion of tender chicken, rich ham, and melted Swiss cheese that delivers hearty satisfaction in every delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 500 g (1 lb) ground chicken
  • 6 slices deli ham
  • 1 large egg

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Dry Ingredients, Seasonings, and Topping:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare a clean workspace and gather all necessary ingredients for the chicken cordon bleu meatloaf.
  2. Mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. Spread parchment paper on a flat surface and gently flatten the meat mixture into a rectangular shape approximately 10-12 inches wide.
  4. Carefully arrange ham slices across the meat surface, ensuring even coverage while leaving a small border around the edges.
  5. Place Swiss cheese slices over the ham layer, creating a delicate flavor foundation.
  6. Utilize the parchment paper to assist in rolling the meatloaf from one short end to the other, creating a compact jelly-roll style formation.
  7. Seal the edges firmly and position the rolled meatloaf seam-side down in a prepared loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
  8. Create a crispy topping by mixing melted butter with additional breadcrumbs, then generously sprinkle over the meatloaf surface.
  9. Optional: Scatter extra shredded Swiss cheese on top for enhanced richness.
  10. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and bake the meatloaf for 50-60 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C).
  11. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
  12. Remove from oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.
  13. Slice and serve warm alongside your preferred side dishes.

Notes

  • Use ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content to ensure the meatloaf stays moist and doesn’t become dry during baking.
  • Create a flavor boost by adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture for extra depth.
  • Prevent the meatloaf from becoming soggy by patting the ham and cheese dry before layering to remove excess moisture.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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