This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy cheese all in one dish. It’s hearty, tasty, and makes for a fun twist on traditional meatloaf!
Who knew meatloaf could be so fancy? It feels like I’m treating myself to a special dinner every time I make this. Serve it with some mashed potatoes, and it’s pure comfort! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the meatloaf. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option or even use a mix of ground beef and chicken for a richer flavor.
Swiss Cheese: It gives a lovely melt and flavor. If you don’t have Swiss, try Gruyère or mozzarella. Cheddar can work too, but it has a sharper taste!
Cooked Ham: Use any ham you have on hand. If you’re avoiding ham, try using turkey or a plant-based deli slice for a different twist.
Breadcrumbs: If you’re in a pinch, crushed crackers or rolled oats can substitute breadcrumbs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats also work for dietary needs.
Mustard Sauce Ingredients: You can swap Dijon mustard for yellow mustard if that’s what you have. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup if you’re cutting down on sugar.
How Do I Embed Chicken Breasts for Extra Flavor?
Embedding chicken breasts inside your meatloaf makes it special! Just pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Take the ground meat mixture and spread half it in the loaf pan.
- Lay your flattened chicken breasts on top, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- Cover the chicken with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges to keep everything inside.
This not only looks impressive but also keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful! Just make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when cooked.
How Can I Ensure the Meatloaf is Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your meatloaf moist, avoid overmixing the meat mixture—it can make the loaf tough. Mixing just until combined is best. The added milk and cheese also help maintain moisture as it bakes. And letting it sit for 10 minutes after baking lets the juices settle!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 1/2 pound cooked ham, chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (optional if embedding)
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (for topping/melting)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Mustard Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time, and approximately 1 hour to bake. Including resting time, expect a total of about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes for this delicious meatloaf to be ready from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your meatloaf bakes evenly. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
If you’d like to add whole chicken breasts inside your meatloaf, take the time to gently pound them to an even thickness. This will help them cook evenly and ensures they’ll be juicy!
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped ham, 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well until thoroughly combined. Don’t overmix—just combine until it’s all evenly mixed!
4. Build Your Meatloaf:
If you’re embedding the chicken breasts, spread half of the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the loaf pan. Next, place the chicken breasts on top, and then cover them with the remaining meat mixture, ensuring you seal the edges well so everything stays together during baking.
If you’re not embedding chicken, simply shape the entire meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it directly on a baking sheet or in the prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake:
Place your meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it approaches the end of the baking time.
6. Add Topping Cheese:
After 50 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the top, then return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt perfectly, and the meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Prepare the Mustard Sauce:
While your meatloaf finishes baking, whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl. This simple sauce adds a delightful kick to the dish!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist and delicious. Serve your slices drizzled with the prepared mustard sauce and garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch.
Enjoy your comforting, cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf that’s packed with flavor and melts in your mouth!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or ground beef for the ground chicken if you prefer. Just remember that different meats may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Freeze This Meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, or bake from frozen, adjusting the cooking time.
What Can I Serve Alongside This Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh side salad. You can also serve it on a bun as a tasty sandwich option!