Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic, the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brilliantly combines tender ground chicken with savory ham and Swiss cheese, baked to golden perfection and topped with a deliciously crisp Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Every bite delivers layers of creamy cheese and smoky ham wrapped within juicy, seasoned chicken, making it a family-friendly meal that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Building this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating a well-balanced meal. From the rich Swiss cheese to the aromatic seasonings, every component enhances the overall texture, taste, or color.

• 1 ½ pounds ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the meatloaf moist and tender without being heavy.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: Adds structure and helps absorb juices to keep the loaf intact.
• 2 large eggs: Natural binders that hold the meat mixture together perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a sweet, mellow onion flavor for balance.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: A touch of warmth and a slight kick to brighten the taste.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle tang that complements the ham and cheese.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds subtle complexity.
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese: For that signature creamy, nutty melt inside the loaf.
• 6 slices of ham: Smoky, salty layers that give this meatloaf its distinct identity.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Prevents sticking and adds a light richness when baking.
• Topping: ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon melted butter, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped — a golden, crisp finish that’s as tasty as it is eye-catching.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the meatloaf comes out effortlessly once baked. This prep step helps create the perfect crust on the bottom and edges while preventing sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until you see a cohesive blend of ingredients. This mixture is the flavorful foundation that will envelop the ham and cheese.

Step 3: Layer the First Chicken Mixture

Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down firmly but gently to create a solid base that will hold the layers nicely without crumbling.

Step 4: Add Ham Slices

Evenly lay six slices of ham over the chicken base. This smoky, salty layer adds a wonderful contrast to the mild chicken and creates the classic cordon bleu flavor profile.

Step 5: Layer Swiss Cheese

On top of the ham, place four slices of Swiss cheese carefully. These slices will melt wonderfully during baking and create gooey pockets of creamy goodness inside the meatloaf.

Step 6: Top with Remaining Chicken Mixture

Add the remaining chicken mixture on top of the cheese. Press down gently to smooth the surface so the layers are neatly sealed inside. This step ensures all the ingredients meld together and cook evenly.

Step 7: Prepare and Add the Topping

Mix together the topping ingredients — breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley — in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf to add a crispy, flavorful crust that bakes to a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Bake the Meatloaf

Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Plus, you want that breadcrumb topping to be golden and irresistible.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, allow the meatloaf to rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and holding the layers in place beautifully when you serve.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of Dijon mustard, or a light smear of creamy horseradish sauce on the side can elevate the flavors and presentation. These small touches provide fresh color and a hint of brightness that complements the richness of the meatloaf.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe pairs perfectly with classic roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. The sides should balance the richness of the meatloaf with fresh and hearty flavors, rounding out your meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice and serve this meatloaf on slider buns with a bit of lettuce and tomato for a hearty mini sandwich. Alternatively, serve thick slices topped with warm mushroom gravy or alongside creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option that still feels indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked meatloaf assembly or cooked slices separately. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months, helping you save time on future busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain moisture. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture as close to freshly baked as possible.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken for another meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights ground chicken for a lighter option, ground turkey or a mix of pork and beef can also work well, though the flavor and fat content will vary slightly.

Is it necessary to use both Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce?

Both ingredients add unique layers of flavor. Dijon gives a subtle tang, while Worcestershire contributes deep umami notes. Skipping one might result in a less complex taste, but you can experiment based on your preferences.

What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

Gruyere or mozzarella cheese are great alternatives if you don’t have Swiss on hand. They melt well and offer a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.

How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the meatloaf; it should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked safely and thoroughly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and other seasonings are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe is a delightful, comforting dish that’s perfect for bringing a little gourmet flair to your weeknight dinners. Its layers of ham and Swiss cheese tucked inside juicy chicken make every bite a celebration of flavors. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a favorite go-to in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy a slice of pure satisfaction!

Print