Looking for a new, exciting twist on a traditional comfort food? This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is just what your dinner table needs! It combines the iconic flavors of chicken cordon bleu—juicy chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese—with the simplicity and heartiness of meatloaf. Best of all, it’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish that works beautifully for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ground chicken is the star of this recipe, making it lighter yet equally satisfying. If you’re new to working with ground chicken, this guide to cooking ground chicken offers some great tips for handling it like a pro.
This recipe is versatile enough to fit various dietary preferences. Want to make it keto-friendly? We’ve got you covered!
What you will find in this article:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers something for everyone, whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or someone craving a comforting homemade dinner:
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal steps and ingredients make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Flavor-Packed: With layers of ham, Swiss cheese, and seasonings, every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Customizable: From gluten-free to keto options, you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences.
- Great for Leftovers: Slice it up and store for lunches, or reinvent leftovers into sandwiches or wraps.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken (lean or regular)
- 6 slices of deli ham
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyere for a richer flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use almond flour for gluten-free or keto options)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon parsley (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (or sugar-free ketchup for keto)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
2. Assemble the Meatloaf Layers
- Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface.
- Spread the chicken mixture into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.
- Place ham slices evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the ham layer.
3. Roll and Shape
- Use the parchment paper to help roll the meatloaf into a log, starting from the shorter end.
- Pinch the edges and seams tightly to seal in the cheese.
- Transfer the rolled meatloaf to a greased loaf pan or baking sheet.
4. Bake the Meatloaf
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional Glaze
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the top of the meatloaf with a mixture of ketchup, Dijon mustard, and paprika.
- Return to the oven until the glaze is glossy and slightly caramelized.
Tips for Success
- Seal the Edges Well: Tightly pinching the seams prevents cheese from oozing out during baking.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overworking the chicken mixture can lead to a dense loaf.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to keep it moist and easy to slice.
Creative Variations
Keto-Friendly Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
- Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Use sugar-free ketchup or skip the glaze altogether for a carb-free topping.
Cheesy Explosion
- Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the chicken mixture for an extra cheesy bite.
- Add a layer of cheese inside the loaf for a gooey surprise.
Italian-Inspired Twist
- Replace ham with prosciutto and Swiss cheese with provolone.
- Top with marinara sauce instead of the traditional glaze.
Spicy Kick
- Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture and swap Swiss cheese for pepper jack.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this easy chicken cordon bleu meatloaf with these side dishes for a complete meal:
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a healthy balance.
- Crisp Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or arugula salad complements the richness of the meatloaf.
Looking for more chicken-based comfort food ideas? Try this Galena Chicken Recipe Oven.
Reinventing Leftovers
Making the Most of Leftovers
Easy chicken cordon bleu meatloaf is not just great for dinner—it’s a meal prep hero. Leftovers can be transformed into entirely new dishes, adding variety to your week without extra effort.
1. Chicken Cordon Bleu Wraps
- Quick and Portable: Slice cold meatloaf and wrap it in a low-carb tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of Dijon mustard.
- Hot Option: Add Swiss cheese and heat in a panini press for a crispy, cheesy wrap.
2. Cordon Bleu-Stuffed Peppers
- Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with crumbled meatloaf mixed with cooked rice or cauliflower rice.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender.
3. Meatloaf Sliders
- Slice the meatloaf into small, bun-sized pieces and place them on keto-friendly slider buns.
- Add a dollop of sugar-free BBQ sauce or Dijon mustard for a flavorful mini sandwich.
4. Creamy Casserole
- Break the leftover meatloaf into chunks and layer it in a baking dish with steamed broccoli and cauliflower.
- Pour a keto-friendly cheese sauce over the top and bake until bubbly.
5. Breakfast Hash
- Dice leftover meatloaf and fry it in a skillet with diced sweet potatoes (or cauliflower hash for keto), onions, and peppers.
- Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
Tips for Storing and Freezing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store slices in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in foil and store in freezer-safe bags for up to three months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and adds a slightly richer flavor.
2. How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?
- Ensure you use enough binders like breadcrumbs and eggs. Properly sealing the loaf also helps it hold its shape.
3. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
- Swiss cheese is traditional, but Gruyere, Havarti, or mozzarella are excellent alternatives.
4. How can I make this gluten-free?
- Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
5. Can I freeze the meatloaf?
- Yes! Wrap the uncooked loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: ~6g
- Fat: 15g
This makes it a great option for anyone seeking a high-protein, low-carb meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf combines the best of classic flavors with the convenience of a modern comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s customizable, easy to make, and absolutely delicious.
Ready to bring this dish to life? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the magic of homemade chicken cordon bleu meatloaf!
