Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Savory Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Twist

Culinary magic happens when classic chicken cordon bleu meets hearty meatloaf in a delightful fusion of flavors.

Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and savory ham create a mouthwatering dish that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Swiss cheese oozes between seasoned ground chicken and delicate ham slices, promising a satisfying meal.

Rich, comforting notes dance across your palate with each perfectly seasoned bite.

No ordinary dinner plate awaits you tonight – this recipe transforms a familiar favorite into something extraordinary.

Crispy edges and a juicy interior make this meatloaf irresistible for anyone seeking a creative twist on comfort food.

Roll up your sleeves and prepare to impress everyone at the table with this game-changing recipe.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?

The key ingredients are ground chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful and moist meatloaf with classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free because it contains breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The texture and flavor will be very similar, making it an easy swap.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf: Classic Meets Comfort

  • Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform traditional meatloaf into a gourmet experience with layers of ham and Swiss cheese, creating a delightful twist on a beloved home-cooked meal.
  • Quick and Hassle-Free Preparation: Combine ingredients in one bowl, layer simply, and bake for a stress-free cooking process that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Family-Pleasing Protein Powerhouse: Pack a protein-rich dinner that satisfies both kids and adults, offering a fun and tasty alternative to plain chicken dishes that everyone will enjoy.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different occasions while providing a crowd-pleasing main course.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Meat Base:
  • Ground Chicken: A lean protein that forms the foundation of this creative meatloaf variation.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Ham, Swiss Cheese: Create a classic cordon bleu flavor profile with rich, savory layers inside the meatloaf.
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Milk: Help bind the meatloaf together and provide moisture and structure.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the meatloaf.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Dijon Mustard, Mayonnaise: Provide a tangy and creamy coating that adds extra flavor and moisture to the meatloaf's surface.

Instructions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chicken Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ground chicken
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend everything together until the ingredients form a cohesive mixture.

Step 3: Build First Chicken Layer

Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the greased loaf pan, creating a solid foundation for the meatloaf.

Step 4: Add Savory Filling

Carefully layer slices of ham and Swiss cheese on top of the first chicken layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Seal the Meatloaf

Gently spread the remaining chicken mixture over the ham and cheese, pressing and sealing the edges to completely enclose the filling.

Step 6: Create Tangy Topping

Whisk together Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, then generously spread the creamy mixture across the top of the meatloaf.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.

Slice and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Moist and Flavorful Meatloaf

  • Press the edges of the chicken mixture firmly to prevent ham and cheese from leaking during baking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
  • Swap regular Swiss cheese for low-fat version and use lean ground chicken to create a lighter dish.
  • Cover meatloaf with foil during the first 40 minutes of baking to retain moisture and prevent excessive browning.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the ground chicken mixture for extra depth of flavor.

Creative Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

  • Turkey Swap: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar lean protein option that maintains the moist texture and flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Edition: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure ham is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the meatloaf structure intact.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap ground chicken with plant-based ground meat, use vegetarian ham substitute, and replace Swiss cheese with a plant-based cheese for a meat-free version.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

  • Fancy Dinner Party Centerpiece: Slice the meatloaf into elegant medallions and arrange on a decorative platter with fresh parsley garnish for an impressive main course.
  • Comfort Meal Companion: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
  • Leftovers Lunch Delight: Transform remaining slices into delicious sandwiches by layering between crusty bread with extra mustard and mixed greens for a quick next-day lunch.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Cut into smaller portions and pair with a light mixed herb salad and crusty baguette slices for an elevated weekend brunch option that will impress guests.

Storage Guidelines for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

  • Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring it's tightly sealed to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole meatloaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 23 reviews

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

Description

Succulent chicken cordon bleu meatloaf combines classic comfort with elegant French-inspired flavors. Swiss cheese and ham elevate this hearty main dish, delivering rich, satisfying results for dinner guests.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground chicken
  • 0.5 pounds (227 grams) sliced deli ham
  • 0.5 pounds (227 grams) sliced Swiss cheese

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup milk

Seasonings and Condiments:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, and dry seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed and consistent.
  3. Transfer half of the chicken mixture into the prepared loaf pan, creating an even base layer.
  4. Carefully arrange thin slices of ham across the first layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Distribute Swiss cheese slices uniformly over the ham layer, maintaining an even thickness.
  6. Gently cover the ham and cheese with remaining chicken mixture, pressing edges to completely seal the filling.
  7. Whisk Dijon mustard and mayonnaise together until smooth, then generously spread the mixture across the meatloaf’s surface.
  8. Place meatloaf in preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, verifying doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove from oven and allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps stabilize juices and makes slicing easier.
  10. Slice into portions and serve warm.

Notes

  • Test meat mixture consistency by gently squeezing a small amount; it should hold together without being too dense or crumbly.
  • Prevent dryness by using ground chicken with slightly higher fat content, which helps maintain moisture during baking.
  • Layer ham and cheese evenly to ensure each slice gets a balanced filling of rich, savory ingredients.
  • Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 374 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 880 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star