Thereโs something magical about the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleuโthe crispy coating, the juicy chicken, the melty Swiss cheese, and the savory ham. Now, imagine all of that goodness packed into a hearty, comforting meatloaf! This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is the perfect twist on a beloved dish, offering all the same indulgent flavors with minimal effort.

I first created this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm and filling but didnโt want to go through the hassle of stuffing and breading chicken breasts. The result? A juicy, cheesy, ham-stuffed meatloaf with a crispy, golden crust that quickly became a family favorite.
Why Youโll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Get ready to fall in love with this easy, crowd-pleasing dish! Whether youโre feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a dinner party, this meatloaf delivers on all fronts.
First off, itโs incredibly easy to make. Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu requires pounding, stuffing, and breading chicken breastsโthis recipe skips all those tedious steps while keeping the same mouthwatering flavors.
Itโs also a meal-in-one. With juicy ground chicken, smoky ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs, you wonโt need much else on the side. Just add a salad or roasted veggies, and dinner is served!
Plus, this recipe is great for meal prep. The leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day, making it perfect for packed lunches or easy reheating throughout the week.
Finally, itโs kid-friendly and customizable. Picky eaters love the mild flavors, and you can tweak the ingredients to fit your tasteโswap out cheeses, add seasoning, or even stuff with extra goodies!
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Letโs break them down:
- Ground Chicken โ The star of this dish! Ground chicken keeps the meatloaf tender and moist. If you canโt find it, ground turkey works well too.
- Deli Ham โ A few slices of thinly sliced ham give this meatloaf that signature Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor. Smoked ham adds an extra depth of flavor.
- Swiss Cheese โ Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu always features melty Swiss cheese, but you can swap it with Gruyรจre or Provolone if desired.
- Breadcrumbs โ A mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs creates a crispy crust while keeping the meatloaf light.
- Eggs โ These act as a binder, ensuring the meatloaf holds together beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard & Worcestershire Sauce โ These add savory depth and tang, balancing the richness of the cheese and ham.
- Seasonings โ A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the overall flavor.
- Milk โ Helps keep the meatloaf tender and prevents it from drying out.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional) โ Adds an extra layer of savory, cheesy goodness to the breadcrumb topping.
Special Equipment: Youโll need a loaf pan for even cooking and a meat thermometer to ensure the perfect internal temperature.
How To Make This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Making this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is surprisingly easy! Hereโs a step-by-step guide:
1. Prep the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix gently until everything is just combinedโovermixing can make the meatloaf dense.
2. Layer the Fillings
On a sheet of parchment paper, press the meat mixture into a rectangular shape (about ยฝ inch thick). Lay the ham slices evenly over the surface, followed by a generous layer of Swiss cheese.
3. Roll & Shape
Using the parchment paper to help, carefully roll the meatloaf into a log, sealing the edges so the cheese doesnโt escape while baking. Transfer it to a greased loaf pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment.
4. Add the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, a little Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the meatloaf for a golden, crispy crust.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
6. Rest & Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicingโthis helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier. Serve with a drizzle of honey mustard or a side of mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal!
Storage Options
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350ยฐF oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to get creative!
- Use Different Cheese โ Swap Swiss for Gruyรจre, Provolone, or even mozzarella for a gooey, melty center.
- Try Different Proteins โ Ground turkey works great, or for a richer flavor, mix ground chicken with pork sausage.
- Add Spinach or Mushrooms โ Sneak in some sautรฉed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up โ Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
- Glaze It โ For extra flavor, brush the top with honey mustard or a garlic butter glaze before baking.
The best part? This meatloaf is forgiving and adaptable, so donโt be afraid to experiment!
There you have itโyour new favorite meatloaf recipe! This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is packed with savory ham, gooey cheese, and juicy ground chicken, making it an easy yet impressive meal. Serve it with a simple side salad or roasted veggies for a complete dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Whatโs your favorite variation?
PrintChicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a flavorful take on the traditional dish, combining ground chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese into a juicy, cheesy loaf. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe offers all the classic flavors in a simple, oven-baked meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ยฝ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ยฝ tsp salt
- ยฝ tsp black pepper
- ยฝ cup Dijon mustard
- 6 slices ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- ยฝ cup Parmesan cheese
- ยฝ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for topping)
- ยฝ cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard until combined.
- Press half of the meat mixture into the loaf pan.
- Layer ham and Swiss cheese over the meat, then top with the remaining meat mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, then spread over the top of the loaf.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (75ยฐC).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use smoked ham for extra flavor.
- Substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella if preferred.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
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