Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a creative twist on the classic French dish, combining the flavors of juicy ground chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese in a comforting meatloaf form. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and served with a rich, creamy Dijon gravy, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal that everyone will love!

Prep Time

• 20 minutes

Cook Time

• 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time

• 1 hour 35 minutes

Servings

• 6–8 servings

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs. ground chicken
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup plain bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons minced onion
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 6 slices Virginia chicken ham
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)

For the Creamy Dijon Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup skim or 1% milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper , to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken , egg , plain bread crumbs , minced onion , garlic powder , dried parsley , salt , black pepper , and mayonnaise .
2. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 3: Assemble the Meatloaf

1. Press half of the meatloaf mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Lay 3 slices of ham over the meatloaf layer, followed by 3 slices of Swiss cheese .
3. Add the remaining meatloaf mixture on top, pressing it down gently to seal the layers.
4. Top the meatloaf with the remaining 3 slices of ham and 3 slices of Swiss cheese .
5. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crispy crust.

Step 4: Bake the Meatloaf

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes , or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (75°C) .
2. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15–20 minutes of baking.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Dijon Gravy

1. While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the gravy:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes , stirring constantly, until golden and bubbly.
   • Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk , ensuring no lumps remain.
   • Add the Worcestershire sauce , Dijon mustard , grated Parmesan cheese , and nutmeg . Stir until the cheese is melted and the gravy is smooth.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2–3 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
2. Slice the meatloaf into thick portions and serve with a generous drizzle of the Creamy Dijon Gravy on top.

Pro Tips

• Ham and Cheese Variations: Swap Virginia chicken ham for prosciutto or smoked ham, and use Gruyère or mozzarella instead of Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it moist.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices of meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the meatloaf a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting cold.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a delightful fusion of two classic dishes—meatloaf and Chicken Cordon Bleu. The juicy ground chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese create a symphony of flavors, while the crispy panko topping adds a satisfying crunch. Paired with the rich and tangy Dijon gravy, this dish is a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ready to elevate your dinner game? Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a meatloaf that’s cheesy, savory, and utterly delicious—it’s comfort food reinvented!