Looking for a way to shake up your dinner routine with something cozy, satisfying, and just a little bit fancy? This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf brings all the comfort of traditional meatloaf, but with the savory magic of chicken, melty Swiss cheese, and smoky Black Forest ham wrapped into every bite. It’s a little retro, a little gourmet, and totally doable—even on a weeknight.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, cooking for a partner, or just need a little something to brighten up a Tuesday, this dish is your golden ticket. And yes, there’s a creamy, dreamy Dijon-Parmesan sauce involved. Let’s just say, this one’s not skipping the sauce.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a warm hug in meatloaf form. If you’ve ever loved the elegant flair of classic chicken cordon bleu but wished it was a bit easier to make—this one’s for you.
It’s packed with flavor, takes just a bit of rolling (don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it), and is topped with the crispiest golden breadcrumb crust. Oh, and did I mention the gooey cheese center? This recipe is weeknight-friendly but impressive enough for company. Bonus: It reheats like a dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 6 slices Black Forest ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan with a little butter or nonstick spray and set it aside. You’re about to make magic.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and just 1/4 cup of the panko. Use your hands—yes, it’s messy but totally worth it—to mix everything until well combined.
Step 3: Shape It and Fill It
Place a piece of parchment or wax paper on your counter and flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle about 8×12 inches. Layer the ham slices evenly over the chicken mixture, followed by the Swiss cheese.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Use the paper to help you gently roll the meat into a log, starting at the short end. Think of it like rolling up cinnamon rolls—just a lot more savory. Transfer it seam-side down into your prepared pan and discard the paper.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Mix the remaining panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this golden goodness over the top of your meatloaf.
Step 6: Bake
Pop the meatloaf into the oven and bake for about 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Start checking at the one-hour mark—every oven’s a little different.
Step 7: Make the Sauce
While your meatloaf rests (and fills your kitchen with an amazing smell), melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for a minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and keep stirring until it thickens—about 3 minutes. Then add Dijon and parmesan. Stir until smooth and luscious. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve
Slice that gorgeous meatloaf, drizzle with the warm sauce, and serve it up. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, green beans, or even a simple side salad.
Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Success
- Don’t skip the parchment! Rolling without it gets messy fast.
- Let it rest! Like most meatloaves, this one needs a few minutes out of the oven before slicing to stay juicy.
- Sauce on the side? If you’ve got little ones who fear “stuff” on their food, serve the sauce separately and let them dip.
- Leftovers are gold. Slice it cold and toss it into a sandwich the next day. Trust me on this one.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf made its debut in my kitchen on a snowy Thursday when the kids were cranky, and I needed dinner to feel like a win. I wasn’t expecting a standing ovation, but my youngest declared it “fancy grilled cheese meat!”—which, weirdly enough, is high praise. Since then, it’s been a regular on our family menu, and I’m thrilled to share it with you now.
FAQs About chicken cordon bleu meatloaf
Can I substitute the ground chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works just fine, and even lean ground pork could do the trick. But if you’re craving that classic Chicken Cordon Bleu vibe, stick with chicken when you can.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or crisp them up in a skillet for a little extra texture.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the meatloaf a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the cook time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is the perfect recipe for turning an everyday dinner into something that feels a little more special—without adding stress to your evening. It brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and a touch elegant. The savory ground chicken, layered with smoky ham and melty Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a golden, buttery crust and finished with that rich Dijon-Parmesan sauce? It’s comfort food with flair.
Whether you’re gathering the family around the table after a long day or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish delivers big on flavor and warmth. It’s the kind of recipe that invites compliments, second helpings, and even a few “Wait, you made this?” moments.
So go ahead—tie on that apron, pour yourself a glass of something you love, and bring a little Chicken Magic into your kitchen tonight. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf just might become the cozy classic you didn’t know you were missing.
Keep Exploring Delicious Comfort Chicken Recipes
If you loved this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf, you’re in for a treat—there’s a whole world of cozy, flavor-packed chicken dishes waiting to warm your table. Here are a few reader-favorite recipes that pair beautifully with the rich, comforting vibe of today’s meatloaf:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake – If creamy, cheesy dishes make your heart flutter, you’ll love this one-pan wonder packed with juicy chicken and savory garlic-Parmesan flavor.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Meatballs with Orzo – These bright and zesty meatballs are a lighter spin on comfort food, with all the satisfaction and none of the fuss.
- French Onion Chicken and Rice – Love a meatloaf that doubles down on cozy? This recipe serves up those same warm vibes with caramelized onions and gooey cheese in every bite.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – Can’t get enough of that classic cordon bleu flavor? This easy casserole variation gives you all the creamy, cheesy goodness—no rolling required.
Each of these dishes brings something special to the table, and they’re all just as approachable, family-friendly, and crave-worthy as our star recipe today. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a cozy, cheesy twist on a classic. Juicy ground chicken is rolled with smoky Black Forest ham and melty Swiss cheese, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a creamy Dijon-Parmesan sauce. It’s hearty, family-friendly comfort food that feels a little fancy but is easy enough for any weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
2 lbs ground chicken
1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs, divided
6 slices Black Forest ham
6 slices Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, mix ground chicken, onion, garlic, egg, Dijon, parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs using your hands until well combined.
On a piece of parchment or wax paper, flatten the chicken mixture into an 8×12-inch rectangle.
Layer ham slices over the meat, then top with Swiss cheese slices.
Using the parchment to help, gently roll the meat into a log from the short end. Transfer to the loaf pan, seam-side down, and remove the paper.
Mix the remaining breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle over the top.
Bake for about 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the meatloaf rest while you make the sauce.
For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened (about 3 minutes).
Stir in Dijon and parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Slice meatloaf and serve with warm sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy!
Notes
You can use ground turkey if you prefer or if chicken isn’t available.
The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
Leftovers are delicious cold or rewarmed, especially in sandwiches!
Use parchment paper when rolling the meatloaf to keep it neat and mess-free.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 75 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg