Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe: Dinner Magic Tonight

Crispy, golden chicken cordon bleu meatloaf promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Layers of savory ham and melted swiss cheese peek through each hearty slice.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients combine into an impressive main course.

We blend traditional meatloaf techniques with classic cordon bleu flavors for maximum deliciousness.

Warm, cheesy, and packed with protein, this dish transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute with similar texture and flavor profile. Ensure the ground turkey is lean for best results.

  • How do I know if the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the meat is safely cooked through and prevents dryness.

  • Can I prepare this meatloaf in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

  • What type of ham works best for this recipe?

Deli-style ham works perfectly. Choose a moderate thickness – not too thin or thick – to ensure even layering and balanced flavor throughout the meatloaf.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Comfort Food Factor

  • Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Transforms traditional chicken cordon bleu into an easy, hassle-free meatloaf that delivers gourmet flavors without complex cooking techniques.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort: Combines kid-approved meatloaf with classic ham and cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both adults and children without extra fuss.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing, allowing home cooks to prepare a delicious dinner in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills.
  • Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Packs protein from chicken, calcium from cheese, and provides a balanced meal that can be served directly from the baking pan, minimizing cleanup time.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Mix

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for the meatloaf, provides structure and main flavor.
  • Ham, Swiss Cheese: Classic cordon bleu elements adding rich, savory taste and texture.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and keeps meatloaf moist.
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates texture and helps hold the meatloaf together.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps breadcrumbs integrate smoothly.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth and aromatic background flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
  • Dijon Mustard, Mayonnaise, Honey: Creates a tangy, sweet glaze with complex flavor profile. Dijon adds sharpness, mayonnaise brings creaminess, and honey provides subtle sweetness.

Directions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Crank up the oven to 375°F.

Grab a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Chicken Base

Toss these ingredients into a big mixing bowl:
  • Ground chicken
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Milk
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend everything together until it forms a smooth, unified mixture.

Step 3: Create First Layer

Spread half of the chicken mixture across the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, creating an even base.

Step 4: Add Delicious Filling

Layer these ingredients over the first chicken layer:
  • Sliced ham
  • Swiss cheese

Step 5: Cover with Remaining Mixture

Gently spread the remaining chicken mixture over the ham and cheese, making sure to cover the filling completely.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the loaf pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 7: Prepare Tangy Topping

Whisk together in a small bowl:
  • Dijon mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Honey

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Spread the tangy sauce over the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Remove from oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Simple Advice for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf That Holds Together

  • Use ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content (85/15) to keep the meat moist and tender during baking.
  • Layer ham and Swiss cheese evenly across the center, ensuring every slice gets a delicious cheesy pocket.
  • Brush the mustard-honey glaze generously during the last 10 minutes of cooking to develop a rich, caramelized top layer.
  • Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac-friendly version.
  • Allow meatloaf to rest 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps juices redistribute and makes slicing cleaner and more defined.

Reheat Cordon Bleu Meatloaf With Texture Preserved

  • Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place meatloaf slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • For quick reheating, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Tasty Ideas for Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

  • Savor Complex Flavors with Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that complements the rich chicken and Swiss cheese, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the ham's saltiness.
  • Elevate the Meal with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add a crisp, slightly charred contrast to the meatloaf's softness, balancing the dish's creamy and meaty profile.
  • Create Textural Harmony with Crusty Bread: Serve a warm, crusty French baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious mustard-honey glaze and provide a crunchy counterpoint to the tender meatloaf.
  • Match Freshness with Crisp Salad: Whip up a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, adding a refreshing element that cleanses the palate between bites.

Cordon Bleu Meatloaf with Cheesy Stuffing Options

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatloaf: Replace breadcrumbs with grated cauliflower and use almond flour for binding, keeping the ham and cheese layers intact.
  • Gluten-Free Turkey Version: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Create a plant-based version using textured vegetable protein or lentils, replacing chicken with a meatless alternative and using vegan cheese and plant-based ham.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Eliminate breadcrumbs completely, increase cheese content, and wrap meatloaf in bacon for added fat and flavor while maintaining low-carb requirements.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken cordon bleu meatloaf combines classic comfort with gourmet flair, blending tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese. Hearty slices promise a satisfying meal that brings familiar flavors together in one delectable centerpiece you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
  • 6 slices deli ham
  • 6 slices Swiss cheese

Binding and Seasoning:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup milk

Sauce and Extras:

  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare a loaf pan by lining with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and seasonings until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  3. Carefully distribute half of the chicken mixture across the bottom of the prepared loaf pan, creating an even base layer.
  4. Arrange a precise layer of ham slices over the initial chicken mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Strategically place Swiss cheese slices atop the ham, creating a delectable middle filling.
  6. Gently spread the remaining chicken mixture over the cheese and ham layer, completely sealing the filling within.
  7. Transfer the assembled meatloaf to a preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C) and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes.
  8. While the meatloaf cooks, whisk together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey to create a tangy glaze.
  9. Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  10. During the final 10 minutes of baking, brush the prepared glaze across the top of the meatloaf.
  11. Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps set the structure and redistribute juices.
  12. Slice and serve the chicken cordon bleu meatloaf, revealing the delightful ham and cheese interior.

Notes

  • Use lean ground chicken for a healthier twist, ensuring the meatloaf stays moist and tender.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest completely before slicing to help it hold its shape and prevent crumbling.
  • Swap ham with turkey bacon or prosciutto for alternative protein options that complement the chicken’s mild taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 308
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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