I still remember the first time I made Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf. I wanted something comforting, indulgent, but easy enough to throw together on a busy evening. Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is amazing, but let’s be real—it can be a hassle to pound, roll, and bread individual chicken breasts. That’s where this delicious, cheesy meatloaf version comes in!
This dish has all the classic flavors—juicy ground chicken, smoky ham, and melty Swiss cheese, wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. But instead of individual portions, we bake it all together in one glorious loaf. It’s fancy enough for a Sunday dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal that you can freeze for later. And don’t worry about safety—I always make sure my chicken is cooked perfectly by checking the recommended internal temperature for poultry (165°F).
What you will find in this article:
What Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Chicken Cordon Bleu so special.
- Originating in Switzerland, Cordon Bleu means “blue ribbon” in French, a term once used for top-tier cuisine.
- Traditionally, it’s chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried or baked.
- This meatloaf version keeps all the flavors but skips the extra prep—no pounding, rolling, or frying!
For more comforting chicken recipes, check out this Forgotten Chicken Recipe for the Crockpot, which is another family-favorite classic.
A Little History: The Origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu
Did you know that Chicken Cordon Bleu isn’t actually French?
- The dish originated in Switzerland and was inspired by a dish called “schnitzel cordon bleu.”
- Cordon Bleu means “blue ribbon” in French, a term once used to recognize top-tier cuisine.
- The concept of stuffing meat with cheese and ham spread across Europe before becoming a beloved American classic.
Want to learn more? Here’s a deep dive into the fascinating history.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
This recipe is simple and uses easy-to-find ingredients.
For the Meatloaf Base:
✅ 2 lbs ground chicken (or mix with turkey)
✅ 2 eggs (for binding)
✅ 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
✅ 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (adds a tangy depth)
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
✅ 1 tsp onion powder
✅ 1/2 tsp salt
✅ 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Filling:
✅ 6 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for a nuttier taste)
✅ 6 slices ham (smoked or Black Forest for rich flavor)
For the Topping:
✅ 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
✅ 1 tbsp butter, melted
Optional Sauce (Dijon Cream Sauce):
✅ 1/2 cup heavy cream
✅ 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
✅ 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
✅ Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix the Meatloaf Base
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground chicken
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Mix until well combined but don’t overwork—this keeps it tender.
3️⃣ Assemble the Meatloaf
- On a parchment-lined surface, flatten the chicken mixture into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Layer on:
- Ham slices
- Swiss cheese slices
- Gently roll it up jelly-roll style or fold the sides over to form a loaf.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Place the loaf seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with buttered breadcrumbs for a crunchy top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing (this keeps the cheese inside).
- Serve with Dijon cream sauce if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Here’s a rough estimate per slice (1/6 of loaf):
🔸 Calories: ~320
🔸 Protein: 34g
🔸 Carbs: 14g
🔸 Fat: 15g
🔸 Sodium: 550mg
This recipe is high in protein and low in carbs—perfect for a balanced meal!
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Pair your meatloaf with classic or healthy side dishes:
- Classic Comfort: Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts
- Low-Carb Options: Cauliflower mash, green beans
- Fresh & Light: A lemony arugula salad
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
How to Keep it Moist:
- Add Greek yogurt or heavy cream to the mixture.
How to Prevent Cheese from Leaking:
- Freeze the cheese slices for 15 minutes before assembling.
How to Make Ahead & Freeze:
- Assemble and wrap in foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Adaptations
Want to switch it up? Try these easy variations:
✅ Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
✅ Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers.
✅ Spicy Version: Add pepper jack cheese and red pepper flakes.
How to Store & Reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat them for another meal.
Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To keep it moist, add a tiny bit of chicken broth when reheating.
Freezing Instructions:
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips:
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes for best results.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts to avoid drying it out.
FAQs: Answering Your Top Questions
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works great and keeps it juicy.
How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
Use enough binders (eggs, breadcrumbs), and let it rest before slicing.
How do I store leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this meatloaf in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6 hours for a hands-free meal.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
Absolutely! Try finely diced mushrooms or spinach for extra moisture.
Final Thoughts: Why I Love This Recipe
Every time I make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf, I’m reminded why it’s one of my family’s favorites. It’s creamy, cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor—without the extra work of rolling and frying traditional Cordon Bleu.
If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Bon appétit!
