There's nothing like the combination of savory chicken, melty Swiss cheese, and smoky ham baked into a tender meatloaf to make dinner feel extra special. Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf takes all the flavors of the classic dish and transforms them into an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

I first made this recipe on a whim, blending my love for Chicken Cordon Bleu with the simplicity of meatloaf. It quickly became a household favorite, and I know it will in your home, too. Let's dive in!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Get ready to fall head over heels for this modern twist on a beloved classic. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is bound to become your go-to comfort food recipe.
First, itโs incredibly easy to make. No need to fuss with breading and frying like traditional Chicken Cordon Bleuโjust mix, layer, and bake.
Next, this recipe is packed with flavor. From the seasoned chicken base to the gooey cheese center and smoky ham, every bite is a delight.
Itโs also great for meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Finally, itโs a real crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters canโt resist the combination of cheesy, savory goodness in every slice.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf lies in its carefully chosen layers of flavors. Hereโs a closer look at the ingredients:
- Ground Chicken: The base of this recipe. It's mild in flavor, allowing the cheese and ham to shine. You could also substitute ground turkey if preferred.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatloaf together. Regular or panko breadcrumbs both work well here.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything cohesive.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth reminiscent of the traditional sauce served with Chicken Cordon Bleu.
- Swiss Cheese: The star of the filling. Its creamy, nutty flavor is essential for authenticity. Provolone can be a good substitute if needed.
- Ham: Thin slices of deli ham layer perfectly in the center. You can use leftover cooked ham if you prefer.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper elevate the flavor profile of the meatloaf.
- Optional Topping: A light glaze of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise adds moisture and flavor to the top crust.
Youโll also need a standard loaf pan for even cooking and shaping.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Creating this delicious meatloaf is simpler than you might think. Letโs break it down step by step:
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking. - Mix the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, ยฝ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder, ยฝ teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender. - Assemble the Layers
Press half of the chicken mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan, creating an even layer. Add a layer of 4 slices of Swiss cheese followed by 4 slices of ham. Top with the remaining chicken mixture, spreading it evenly to seal the edges. - Optional Topping
For added flavor, mix 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon mayonnaise. Spread this over the top of the meatloaf for a golden, flavorful crust. - Bake
Bake the meatloaf for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts and retained juices.
Storage Options
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350ยฐF oven until heated through. Add a splash of water or cover with foil to retain moisture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, cheddar, or even Gruyรจre for a unique twist on the filling.
- Add Spinach: Layer fresh or sautรฉed spinach with the ham and cheese for added nutrition.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish celiac-friendly.
- Turkey Option: Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey if itโs what you have on hand.
- Saucy Addition: Serve with a side of creamy Dijon sauce for dipping to enhance the Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor profile.
Donโt be afraid to get creativeโthis recipe is a fantastic canvas for your favorite flavors!
Indulge in the comforting layers of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf, and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Whether served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to every table. Enjoy!
PrintChicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese into a hearty and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- โ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ยฝ tsp salt
- ยฝ tsp black pepper
- ยฝ lb sliced deli ham
- ยฝ lb sliced Swiss cheese
- ยผ cup Dijon mustard
- ยผ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture into the loaf pan.
- Layer the ham and Swiss cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
- Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the ham and cheese, sealing the edges to enclose the filling.
- Mix Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, then spread it over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use pre-sliced ham and cheese for convenience.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
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