The Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Ever Taste
Tender and juicy, this chicken cordon bleu meatloaf blends classic comfort food with a gourmet twist that’ll make taste buds dance.
Swiss cheese and ham nestle perfectly inside a savory ground chicken mixture, creating layers of flavor in every bite.
The humble meatloaf gets a delicious upgrade with this elegant approach to a traditional favorite.
Crispy edges and a melted cheese center promise a delightful dining experience that feels both familiar and exciting.
Rich, hearty, and packed with protein, this dish transforms an everyday meal into something special.
Prepare to be amazed by how a simple combination of ingredients can create such a memorable meal.
Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Stands Out
Ingredients for Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Protein Base:Seasoning and Herbs:Binding and Topping:How to Make Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Mixing Station
Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients:Mix everything until well blended, creating a smooth chicken base.
Step 2: Layer Delicious Filling
Grab a loaf pan and create delectable layers:Step 3: Initial Baking
Slide the loaf pan into the preheated oven.
Bake for 25 minutes until the first layer sets and begins to turn golden.
Step 4: Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the partially cooked meatloaf.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top becomes golden and crispy.
Step 5: Prepare Creamy Parmesan Gravy
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
Gradually add:Simmer the sauce, then incorporate:Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes.
Slice carefully and drizzle with the luxurious Parmesan gravy.
Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Smart Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Store and Reheat Chicken Meatloaf Properly
Sides for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Explore Delectable Pairings for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf:Tasty Twists for Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
FAQs
This version combines classic meatloaf with chicken cordon bleu flavors, incorporating ham and cheese layers inside the chicken mixture for a gourmet twist on a traditional comfort food.
No, the recipe contains breadcrumbs and flour. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour alternative.
Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the same seasonings and layering technique in this recipe.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safely cooked through and prevents dryness.
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hearty chicken cordon bleu meatloaf blends classic comfort with gourmet flair, rolling swiss cheese and ham into a juicy ground chicken masterpiece. Crispy breadcrumb edges and melted cheese promise a satisfying dinner that brings excitement to your weeknight table.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground chicken
- 6 slices Virginia chicken ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons minced onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup skim or 1% milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine ground chicken with beaten egg, mayonnaise, primary breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
- Prepare a loaf pan by creating an initial layer using half of the seasoned chicken mixture, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Strategically arrange thin slices of chicken ham over the first chicken layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Layer slices of cheese directly on top of the ham, creating a distinctive middle section.
- Carefully spread the remaining chicken mixture over the cheese and ham, sealing the inner ingredients completely.
- Transfer the assembled meatloaf to a preheated 400°F oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs across the surface of the meatloaf for added texture and golden crispness.
- Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the meatloaf is fully cooked and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- While meatloaf bakes, prepare the accompanying gravy by melting butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk flour into melted butter, creating a smooth roux.
- Gradually incorporate cream and milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard for depth of flavor.
- Simmer the gravy, then fold in grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Remove meatloaf from oven and allow to rest for several minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, accompanied by the rich, creamy gravy.
Notes
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or ground oats for a celiac-friendly version.
- Use reduced-fat cheese and lean chicken to create a lighter, healthier meatloaf without compromising flavor.
- Allow meatloaf to cool slightly before slicing to prevent crumbling and maintain clean, precise cuts.
- Experiment with different cheese types like Swiss or provolone for unique flavor variations that complement the ham and chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Hambly
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.
The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.
James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.