Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Absolutely! Here’s a detailed and delicious breakdown for a creative twist on a classic favorite:

🧀🐔 

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

A comforting fusion of two beloved dishes—classic meatloaf meets elegant Chicken Cordon Bleu, delivering cheesy, savory perfection in every slice.

Introduction

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf, combining the homestyle comfort of ground chicken with the indulgent flavors of ham and Swiss cheese. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy Dijon sauce, it’s a meal that feels both familiar and fancy. Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike!

Origin of the Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu originated in Switzerland as a schnitzel-style dish filled with cheese and ham. The term “cordon bleu” translates to “blue ribbon,” signifying culinary excellence. This recipe reimagines that classic dish in the American meatloaf format, blending rustic tradition with refined flavor for a hearty, layered entrée that delivers on taste and nostalgia.

Ingredients

🍗 For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs ground chicken
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 6 slices deli ham (thin-sliced)
  • 6 slices Swiss cheese

🧄 For the Dijon Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika (for deeper flavor in the meat)
  • ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese in the sauce for extra richness
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella in the meat mixture
  • A dash of hot sauce in the cream sauce for mild heat

Instructions

🔧 Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Combine gently until evenly mixed.

🧀 Step 2: Layer with Ham and Cheese

  1. On a piece of parchment or foil, flatten the chicken mixture into a large rectangle (about 9×13 inches).
  2. Layer ham slices, then Swiss cheese slices over the top, leaving about ½ inch at the edges.
  3. Carefully roll the mixture into a loaf, jelly-roll style, sealing the edges and ends.

🔥 Step 3: Bake

  1. Transfer loaf to a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
  2. Bake uncovered for 55–65 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

🥣 Step 4: Make the Dijon Cream Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer and stir until slightly thickened.
  3. Add Dijon mustard, Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Optional: stir in cream cheese for extra richness.

🍽 Step 5: Serve

  1. Slice meatloaf and drizzle with warm Dijon cream sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

✅ Tips for Success

  • Use parchment paper or foil to help roll and shape the meatloaf cleanly.
  • Do not overmix the chicken mixture to keep the loaf tender.
  • Let the meatloaf rest after baking so the juices settle and it slices cleanly.
  • For crispy edges, use a broiler for the last 2–3 minutes.
  • The Dijon sauce thickens as it cools—add a splash of milk to thin as needed.

🍽 Recommendations

🍷 

Pairs Well With:

  • Roasted baby potatoes or mashed cauliflower
  • Steamed green beans, asparagus, or sautéed spinach
  • A light Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

🍹 Drink Pairing:

  • White wine like Chardonnay or Riesling
  • Sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea

🔍 Nutrition Estimate 

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

NutrientApproximate Value
Calories450–500 kcal
Protein38g
Total Fat28g
Saturated Fat10g
Carbohydrates18g
Fiber1g
Sugars2g
Sodium720mg

Nutrition values will vary based on optional ingredients and portion sizes.

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