Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe: 5 Steps to Dinner Perfection

Introduction

Looking for a dinner idea that will wow your family? Try this amazing chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe! It combines two favorite comfort foods into one delicious meal. This twist on classic meatloaf takes the ham and cheese from chicken cordon bleu and turns it into an easy weeknight dinner.

Our chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe is perfect for busy families who want something special without too much work. It looks fancy but only takes 5 simple steps to make. Even kitchen beginners can create this impressive dish!

Let’s walk through how to make this tasty chicken cordon bleu meatloaf in five easy steps. By the end, you’ll have a new favorite recipe that everyone will ask for again and again.

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?

Traditional chicken cordon bleu is a rolled chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried. It’s delicious but can be tricky to make. Our chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe takes those same yummy flavors but makes them much easier to prepare.

Instead of chicken breasts, we use ground chicken mixed with breadcrumbs and eggs to form a meatloaf. Then we add layers of ham and Swiss cheese inside. When baked, the cheese melts into gooey pockets throughout the meatloaf.

Making chicken cordon bleu as a meatloaf has lots of benefits:

• It’s harder to mess up than traditional rolled chicken
• There’s less cutting and pounding of meat
• You don’t need to worry about toothpicks or twine
• It serves more people with less work
• Leftovers taste amazing the next day

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe:

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 slices deli ham
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey

If you need substitutions:

• Use ground turkey instead of chicken
• Try gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version
• Replace Swiss with provolone or mozzarella

For best results, choose quality ingredients. Look for ground chicken that’s not too lean (some fat helps keep it moist). Buy sliced deli ham rather than packaged lunch meat for better flavor.

Kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Loaf pan (9×5 inch works best)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Meat thermometer

Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients

The first step in our chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe is getting everything ready. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing your loaf pan.

When mixing ground chicken, be gentle. Overworking it can make your meatloaf tough. Place the ground chicken in a large bowl and break it up lightly with a fork.

For the ham and cheese, stack the slices and cut them into smaller pieces. This makes them easier to layer inside the meatloaf. The cheese should be about 1/2 inch smaller than your loaf pan on all sides to prevent it from leaking out during baking.

Now add your breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, and seasonings to the chicken. Mix until just combined. Don’t squish or press too hard – a light touch is key for a tender chicken cordon bleu meatloaf.

Tip: To prevent a dry meatloaf, don’t skip the milk! It adds moisture that ground chicken really needs.

Step 2: Creating the Perfect Meatloaf Base

Now it’s time to form your meatloaf. Take half of your chicken mixture and press it gently into the bottom of the loaf pan. Use your fingers to create a slight well or depression in the center, with the mixture a bit higher around the edges.

This shape helps hold the ham and cheese in the middle. Make sure the bottom layer is even and reaches all corners of the pan.

A common meatloaf problem is cracking or falling apart. To prevent this, don’t pack the meat too tightly. Press firmly enough to remove air pockets, but not so hard that it becomes dense.

Before adding fillings, dampen your hands with water. This prevents the meat from sticking to your fingers and makes shaping much easier.

Step 3: Adding the Cordon Bleu Elements

Here’s where our chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe gets its special flavor! Layer half of your ham slices over the base chicken layer, staying about 1/2 inch away from the edges.

Next, add your Swiss cheese in a similar pattern, also keeping away from the edges. Then add another layer of ham on top of the cheese.

Now carefully add the remaining chicken mixture on top. Press the edges together to seal in the ham and cheese. This step is important – unsealed edges can let cheese leak out during baking.

If you’re having trouble sealing the edges, try this trick: wet your fingers with water and gently press and smooth the seams together.

Alternative method: Instead of layering, you can mix small cubes of ham and cheese directly into the meat mixture. This gives you cheese and ham in every bite but creates a different texture than the layered approach.

Step 4: Perfecting the Glaze

A good glaze takes this chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe to the next level! In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.

The tangy-sweet flavor of this glaze complements the savory meatloaf perfectly. The mustard especially pairs well with the ham and Swiss cheese flavors inside.

Using a spoon or silicone brush, spread the glaze evenly over the top of your meatloaf. Make sure to cover the entire surface for the best flavor and appearance.

For the best results, add the glaze 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done baking. This prevents it from burning while still allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Bake your chicken cordon bleu meatloaf at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes. The exact time depends on your oven and the thickness of your loaf.

The most important thing is to check that it’s fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the meatloaf.

After baking, let your meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is super important! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and helps the meatloaf hold together when sliced.

If your meatloaf is browning too quickly on top, cover it loosely with foil for part of the baking time. Remove the foil when adding the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe pairs well with so many side dishes:

• Mashed potatoes or roasted red potatoes
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• Simple garden salad
• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts

For a pretty presentation, slice the meatloaf into thick pieces and serve on warmed plates. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color.

If you enjoy wine with dinner, try a light Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay with this dish. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon complements the rich flavors nicely.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe is that it makes great leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat single slices, use the microwave at 70% power for 1-2 minutes. For best flavor, don’t overheat – warm it just until heated through.

You can also freeze this meatloaf! Let it cool completely, then wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Want to make it ahead? Prepare the meatloaf up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe:

Low-Carb Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the meat mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss.

Mini Meatloaves: Form individual portions in a muffin tin for faster cooking and built-in portion control. Reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes.

Cheese Options: Try Gruyere for a stronger flavor or mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese pull.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe (1/8 of the loaf) contains approximately:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 18g

This dish is high in protein, making it filling and satisfying. The portion size recommendation is one slice per person, paired with vegetable sides for a balanced meal.

For dietary considerations, note that this recipe contains gluten (in the breadcrumbs), dairy (cheese and milk), and eggs. See the substitution options above if you need alternatives.

The lean protein from chicken makes this a healthier option than traditional beef meatloaf while still being hearty and delicious.

FAQ About Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? Yes! Ground turkey works great in this chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Why did my cheese leak out? Make sure to keep the cheese away from the edges and seal the top and bottom layers of meat mixture well.

Can I make this without breadcrumbs? Yes, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

How do I know when it’s done without a meat thermometer? The meatloaf should be firm to the touch, and the juices should run clear, not pink, when you insert a knife into the center.

Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture? Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach work well. Just make sure to cook out any excess moisture first.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make an amazing chicken cordon bleu meatloaf recipe in just 5 simple steps! This dish combines classic flavors in a new way that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Remember to be gentle when mixing the meat, seal those edges well to keep the cheese inside, and don’t skip the resting time after baking. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a perfect meatloaf every time.

We’d love to hear how your chicken cordon bleu meatloaf turns out! Leave a comment below with your experience or any tweaks you made to the recipe. And if you snap a photo of your creation, tag us on social media so we can see your delicious results!

Ready to get cooking? Grab your ingredients and enjoy this tasty twist on a classic dish tonight!