Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

This Cordon Bleu chicken meatloaf takes all the flavors of the classic French-inspired dish and transforms them into a hearty, family-style meal. Layers of savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese are tucked inside a juicy ground chicken meatloaf, then topped with golden breadcrumbs for a delicious crunch. Served with a creamy Dijon gravy, this dish is a comforting twist on a timeless favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has all the flavor of traditional chicken cordon bleu without the fuss of rolling and breading chicken breasts. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and bakes in under an hour. The creamy Dijon gravy takes it over the top, making this meatloaf perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground chicken

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup plain 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

• 6 slices Virginia ham

• 6 slices Swiss cheese

• 3/4 cup fresh or panko breadcrumbs (for topping)

Creamy Dijon Gravy:

• 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

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, mayonnaise, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Spread half the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Layer with 3 slices of ham and 3 slices of cheese. Repeat with another layer of ham and cheese. Spread the remaining chicken mixture on top, smoothing it out.

4. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake for an additional 15 minutes. If breadcrumbs brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

5. Let the meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully lifting it out and slicing.

6. Meanwhile, prepare the gravy: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper.

7. Serve meatloaf warm with gravy on the side or spooned over top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Cheese swap: Use Gruyère or mozzarella instead of Swiss for a different flavor.

• Ham alternative: Try prosciutto or turkey slices for a lighter twist.

• Breadcrumb topping: Mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter or olive oil for extra crunch.

• Low-carb option: Skip the breadcrumb topping or replace with crushed pork rinds.

• Herb boost: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual slices. The gravy can be stored separately and reheated gently on the stove. Freeze meatloaf slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it in the loaf pan, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F internally.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well and gives a similar texture and flavor.

What can I serve with chicken cordon bleu meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad are all great pairings.

Do I have to use mayonnaise in the meatloaf?

Mayonnaise keeps the meatloaf moist, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Can I make the gravy lighter?

Yes, use low-fat milk and reduce or skip the cream for a lighter sauce.

Is the breadcrumb topping necessary?

It adds crunch, but you can omit it if you prefer a softer texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour in both the meatloaf and gravy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan or make two loaves. Adjust baking time slightly and check for doneness.

Can I freeze the gravy?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in small containers. Reheat slowly, whisking to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

This Cordon Bleu chicken meatloaf is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the best of classic cordon bleu in a simple, family-style format. Juicy ground chicken, layers of ham and Swiss, crunchy topping, and creamy Dijon gravy make every bite irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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