How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to turn the classic elegance of Chicken Cordon Bleu into an overnight meatloaf, find out how simple, delicious, and memorable this Chicken Cordon Bleu meatloaf can be – and why it’s worth adding to your weekly meals

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a flavorful fusion of classic chicken cordon bleu ingredients—ground chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese—baked into a moist, hearty meatloaf. It combines tender chicken with savory ham and melted cheese, offering a comforting yet gourmet twist on traditional meatloaf. Perfect for weeknight meals, it’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This recipe

• Because it has these qualities
• Rich, creamy Swiss cheese that melts throughout the dish
• Smoked ham that adds depth and saltiness
• Tender ground chicken that’s healthier than beef
• Elegant presentation perfect for dinner parties
• Family-friendly comfort food

To Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground chicken (85/15 blend for best texture)
• 8 oz diced ham (honey ham works beautifully)
• 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (Gruyère for premium flavor)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

Recipe Options & Substitutions

• Cheese alternatives: Provolone, mozzarella, or white cheddar
• Ham substitutions: Turkey ham, prosciutto, or Canadian bacon
• Breadcrumb options: Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or oats
• Milk alternatives: Heavy cream for richness, or chicken broth for lighter option

Time Needed to Make chicken cordon bleu meatloaf

Complete Time Breakdown

How to Make chicken cordon bleu meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. This ensures that your chicken cordon bleu comes out perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the diced onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Cook the minced garlic for a further minute until it becomes aromatic. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create the Milk Mixture

Mix the panko breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. To make it softer, let it sit for a few minutes. This step creates moisture and prevents a dense texture in the chicken cordon bleu.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In your large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, beaten egg, cooled onion mixture, and the milk-breadcrumb mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, carefully mix.

Step 5: Add the Star Ingredients

Fold in diced ham, 1 cup of Swiss cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping), parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined – overmixing creates tough meatloaf.

Step 6: Shape and Top

Shape the ingredients into an even loaf by transferring it to the loaf pan that has been prepared. Add the remaining Swiss cheese on top to produce a lovely melted layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45 minutes. Your chicken cordon bleu is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

Mix Dijon mustard, honey, and melted butter for glaze. After brushing the meatloaf, bake it for a further 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is golden brown.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let chicken cordon bleu rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute for perfect slices.

Tips for the Best chicken cordon bleu meatloaf

Expert Advice for Perfect Results

Preventing Dryness: Ground chicken can dry out quickly. The milk-soaked breadcrumbs and cheese create natural moisture retention in your chicken cordon bleu.

Cheese Distribution: Reserve some cheese for the top layer. This creates an attractive golden crust while keeping cheese throughout the loaf.

Ham Preparation: For the best textural contrast and even distribution, chop the ham into ¼-inch pieces.

Temperature Control: Don’t exceed 375°F. Higher temperatures cook the outside too quickly, leaving the center undercooked.

Resting Is Crucial: Allow 10 minutes resting time. This prevents the chicken cordon bleu from falling apart when sliced.

What to Serve chicken cordon bleu meatloaf

Creative Serving Ideas

• For serving chicken cordon bleu, pair it with classic comfort sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and honey-glazed carrots.
• Roasted potatoes, asparagus with hollandaise, and wild rice pilaf will elevate dinner gatherings.
• Family-friendly options include mac and cheese, steamed broccoli, and dinner rolls.
• Complement the dish with flavorful sauces such as Dijon cream, mushroom gravy, honey mustard glaze, or simple pan juices.

Similar recipes you’ll want to try

• Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
• Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal
• Italian Meatloaf Recipe
• Meatloaf Cordon Bleu Recipe

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 slice, serves 6):

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe

By Nancy

Need a quick chicken dinner upgrade? Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is rich, easy to make, and full of flavor. Discover the simple recipe now.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, French-inspired

Servings 6

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs ground chicken 85/15 blend for best texture
• 8 oz diced ham honey ham works beautifully
• 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese Gruyère for premium flavor
• 1 large egg beaten
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 medium onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp butter melted

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. This ensures that your chicken cordon bleu comes out perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the diced onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Cook the minced garlic for a further minute until it becomes aromatic. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Create the Milk Mixture

• Mix the panko breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. To make it softer, let it sit for a few minutes. This step creates moisture and prevents a dense texture in the chicken cordon bleu.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In your large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, beaten egg, cooled onion mixture, and the milk-breadcrumb mixture. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, carefully mix.

Step 5: Add the Star Ingredients

• Fold in diced ham, 1 cup of Swiss cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping), parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined – overmixing creates tough meatloaf.

Step 6: Shape and Top

• Shape the ingredients into an even loaf by transferring it to the loaf pan that has been prepared. Add the remaining Swiss cheese on top to produce a lovely melted layer.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 45 minutes. Your chicken cordon bleu is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish

• Mix Dijon mustard, honey, and melted butter for glaze. After brushing the meatloaf, bake it for a further 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is golden brown.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

• Let chicken cordon bleu rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute for perfect slices.

Notes

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 slice, serves 6):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Calcium: 220mg

Keyword chicken meatloaf, cordon bleu, comfort food, cheesy dinner, baked meatloaf, weeknight meal, family dinner, stuffed meatloaf, holiday dinner

FAQ About Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf