Oh, Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf – where have you been all my life? I stumbled upon this recipe one dreary Monday evening when I was feeling a bit culinary adventurous but also terribly tired of the same old meatloaf routine. Suddenly, the thought of a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu wrapped up in the comforting embrace of meatloaf made my heart sing! I knew I had to give it a try, and let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in the kitchen. Imagine everyone’s surprise when I pulled this magnificent creation out of the oven! It was like the culinary equivalent of a magic trick, and it tastes absolutely heavenly!
This dish serves as a delightful centerpiece for dinner, and I always get rave reviews from friends and family. There’s nothing quite like the combination of savory ground chicken, layers of gooey Swiss cheese, and tender slices of ham, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Every bite is a flavor explosion! Plus, it’s so easy to make. Let’s dive into this deliciously fun recipe together!
What’s in Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
- Ground chicken: The star of the show! I prefer to use ground chicken because it’s leaner than beef but still has that savory flavor. Keep an eye out for organic options for the best taste!
- Breadcrumbs: These add both texture and help to bind the meatloaf. I usually go with plain breadcrumbs, but feel free to use Italian-style for a little extra flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a punch of umami richness. Pecorino Romano can be a nice substitute if you want something with a bit more bite.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor and gives the meatloaf a pop of color. Use any fresh herbs you have on hand for a personalized touch!
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry staples deepen the flavor of the meatloaf without overwhelming it.
- Egg: Helps to bind everything together and keeps the meatloaf juicy.
- Deli ham: The salty, savory goodness adds a wonderful layer to the meatloaf. Any thick-cut ham works well too!
- Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and complements the ham perfectly—similarly, Gruyère could be a luxurious alternative.
- Milk, butter, flour, and chicken broth: These come together to create a classic gravy that ties the whole dish together. You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer.
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Good for You?
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf manages to be a little indulgent while still offering some nutritional benefits. The ground chicken is a lean protein, making it a healthier option compared to traditional beef meatloaf. Plus, Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium. Of course, Swiss cheese and deli ham can add a bit of sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, keep that in mind. To make it even healthier, consider using whole grain breadcrumbs for additional fiber or swapping in leaner cuts for the ham. The gravy does take it up a notch in the richness department, but in moderation, it’s a fun and satisfying addition!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- 8 ounces deli ham, sliced
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
- 1 cup milk (for gravy)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for gravy)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for gravy)
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make removal a breeze.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until evenly combined—this is where your hands come in handy!
- Press half of the chicken mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. You want a good base to support your amazing filling.
- Layer the ham followed by the Swiss cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
- Place the remaining chicken mixture on top, pressing it down gently to seal in the goodness of the ham and cheese.
- Sprinkle additional breadcrumbs on top for that delightful crunch factor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) and the top turns a lovely golden brown.
- While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the gravy: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the meatloaf has finished baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—it’s hard, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Serve generous slices of the meatloaf with that delicious gravy poured right over the top.
Meatloaf Magic Tips
- Want to spice things up? Add some cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for a touch of heat.
- If you’re short on time, prepare the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
- This beauty pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal. Feel free to drizzle some extra gravy on the veggies—they’ll love it!
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf brings a touch of elegance to a classic comfort dish! It’s bound to impress at family dinners or gatherings. So why not roll up your sleeves and give it a try? I promise you won’t regret it! And if you do make this culinary masterpiece, let me know how it turns out—I can’t wait to hear about your kitchen adventures!
