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
Scale
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