Hearty Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe For Family Dinners

Comfort meets elegance in this delightful chicken cordon bleu meatloaf that seamlessly blends classic flavors with a modern twist.

Tender ground chicken combines with savory ham and creamy Swiss cheese to create a mouthwatering main course.

Each slice promises a delectable experience that elevates the traditional meatloaf concept.

The rich, hearty dish brings a touch of sophistication to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Layers of flavor meld together, creating a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will absolutely adore this impressive recipe that transforms a simple weeknight staple into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Is a Favorite

• Transform the classic chicken meatloaf into an exciting culinary adventure with Swiss cheese and ham rolled inside, creating a delightful surprise in every slice.
• Achieve restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Deliver a hearty, flavorful meal that satisfies both kids and adults, with a creamy mustard sauce that elevates the entire dish to a new level of deliciousness.
• Prepare this meatloaf in advance, enjoy leftovers, and easily adapt the recipe to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

What’s in Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that provides the main structure of the meatloaf.
• Swiss Cheese Slices: Adds creamy richness and classic cordon bleu flavor to the meatloaf.
• Ham Slices (implied from traditional cordon bleu): Provides a savory, salty element to the dish.

• Egg: Helps bind the meatloaf ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy exterior and helps hold the meatloaf's shape.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic depth and savory undertones to the meatloaf.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy mustard sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base for the creamy sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings additional richness and depth to the sauce.

Cooking Steps for This Cheesy Chicken Dish

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Coat a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Meat Mixture

Combine ground chicken with chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, mustard, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and panko breadcrumbs in a large bowl.

Gently blend ingredients using your hands, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture light.

Step 3: Create Cheese-Filled Roll

Spread the meat mixture into an 8×12-inch rectangle on parchment paper.

Layer Swiss cheese slices in the center, leaving a small border.

Carefully roll the meat like a jelly roll, sealing the edges to keep cheese inside.

Step 4: Prepare Crispy Topping

Transfer the rolled meatloaf seam-side down into the prepared pan.

Mix remaining panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for a golden, crunchy crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the oven and bake for approximately 75 minutes.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Allow the meatloaf to rest 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices.

Step 6: Whip Up Mustard Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook briefly.

Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth and thickened.

• Mustard
• Parmesan cheese

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the meatloaf and generously drizzle with creamy mustard sauce.

Serve hot and watch as everyone devours this delicious twist on a classic dish.

Smart Tips for a Juicy, Cheesy Meatloaf

• Mix ground chicken gently with ingredients to keep the meatloaf light and tender, avoiding overworking the meat mixture.
• Pinch seams tightly when rolling to prevent cheese from leaking during baking, ensuring perfect cheese distribution throughout the meatloaf.
• Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top for an extra golden, crunchy exterior that adds delightful texture.
• Let the meatloaf rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing each slice remains juicy and flavorful.
• Whisk milk gradually into the roux to control thickness of mustard sauce, adjusting to your preferred creamy or thinner texture.

How to Store and Warm Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

• Wrap leftover meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the mustard sauce separately in a sealed container.
• Slice the cooled meatloaf, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Separate the sauce and freeze it in a different container.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir or rotate between intervals to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overcook, as it can make the meatloaf tough.

Best Sides for This Chicken Meatloaf

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay to complement the rich, cheesy chicken meatloaf, cutting through its creamy texture with bright acidity.
• Sauce-Enhancing Side: Serve roasted asparagus or green beans with a light lemon zest, which will perfectly balance the mustard sauce's tangy flavor and add a fresh vegetable element.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Offer crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia bread to soak up the delicious mustard Parmesan sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast to the meatloaf's soft interior.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Pour a light Belgian-style wheat beer or sparkling apple cider to cleanse the palate between bites, offsetting the dish's richness with a crisp, effervescent finish.

Twist Ideas for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining texture. Use full-fat cheese and cream for a keto-friendly adaptation.
• Turkey Swap: Substitute ground chicken with lean ground turkey for a similar protein profile and lighter flavor. Maintain the same seasoning and cheese stuffing technique.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional panko. Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, including mustard and Parmesan cheese.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace Swiss cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for the sauce and substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine.

FAQs

• Is ground chicken good for making meatloaf?

Ground chicken is an excellent, leaner alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. It’s lower in fat and calories while still providing great protein and a tender texture when prepared correctly.

• How do I prevent my meatloaf from becoming dry?

Adding moisture-rich ingredients like beaten egg, mustard, and carefully mixing without overmixing helps keep the meatloaf juicy. The Swiss cheese inside also contributes to maintaining moisture throughout the dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Swiss cheese is traditional for Chicken Cordon Bleu, but you can substitute with provolone or mild white cheeses that melt well. Just ensure the cheese complements the chicken’s flavor and melts smoothly.

• What makes the mustard sauce special?

The mustard sauce adds a tangy, creamy element that enhances the meatloaf’s flavor. By cooking the flour first and gradually whisking in milk, you create a smooth base that prevents lumps and develops a rich, sophisticated taste.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Culinary magic unfolds with chicken cordon bleu meatloaf, blending classic comfort and French-inspired elegance. Savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and tender chicken create a delightful main dish sure to impress you at the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 12 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan with nonstick spray, ensuring easy release and cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground chicken with aromatics, egg, seasonings, and a portion of breadcrumbs, mixing gently to maintain a tender texture.
3. Spread the meat mixture onto parchment paper, creating a rectangular shape, then strategically layer Swiss cheese slices through the center, leaving small margins around the edges.
4. Carefully roll the meat mixture into a compact cylinder, sealing the edges meticulously to prevent cheese from escaping during cooking.
5. Position the rolled meatloaf seam-side down in the prepared pan, then generously coat the top with a buttered breadcrumb mixture for a crisp, golden exterior.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring thorough and safe cooking.
7. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and maintaining optimal moisture.
8. Simultaneously prepare the mustard sauce by creating a roux, gradually incorporating milk and whisking until smooth and velvety.
9. Finish the sauce with mustard and Parmesan, adjusting seasoning to taste.
10. Slice the meatloaf and drizzle with the creamy mustard sauce, presenting a rich and indulgent main course.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Meat by mixing ground chicken gently and avoiding overmixing, which can create dense and tough texture.
• Seal Edges Carefully when rolling meatloaf to keep cheese and ham inside, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation by substituting panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Lower-Fat Version can be achieved by using lean ground chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and replacing butter with olive oil spray.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg