If you’ve ever loved the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu but craved something easier for a weeknight dinner, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf delivers big time! Imagine cozy layers of juicy ground chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese all bundled up together in a golden loaf—finished with a sweet and tangy Dijon glaze. Each slice oozes with comforting flavors and presents beautifully on any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a special gathering, you’ll be amazed by how simple and satisfying this showstopper can be.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is everything for building that delicious, familiar cordon bleu flavor in meatloaf form. These simple kitchen staples come together to create a melody of taste and texture, giving the dish its irresistible layers and signature finish.

Ground chicken: The star protein makes this loaf moist, lean, and mild enough to let the creamy cheese and salty ham shine.
Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding everything together and creating a tender, never-dense texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the meatloaf extra juicy.
Egg: Acts as the primary binder, holding all those tasty layers in place.
Dijon mustard: Brings tangy zip both inside the loaf and in the delicious shiny glaze.
Garlic powder: Lends gentle warmth and depth to the base mixture.
Onion powder: Adds subtle savoriness that rounds out the flavors.
Salt: Just enough to perk up all the ingredients—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: A little bit is all you need for gentle heat and balance.
Sliced ham: The essential salty, meaty layer, just like the original cordon bleu.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers that classic nutty, gooey goodness.
Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkled on at the end, it adds freshness and a pop of color.
Glaze (Dijon mustard + honey): This two-ingredient magic makes the top shine and gives a sweet, tangy bite that ties the whole dish together.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a loaf pan and either line it with parchment paper for easy removal or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This little bit of effort right up front makes serving and cleanup a total breeze later on.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a large spoon to bring everything together just until combined—take care not to overmix, or you might end up with a tough meatloaf instead of that dreamy, tender texture you’re after.

Step 3: Create the Layers

Press half the chicken mixture into the bottom of your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly into the corners. Layer the sliced ham neatly over the top, followed by the Swiss cheese. Then take the remaining chicken mixture and gently press it over the top, sealing in all those irresistible fillings and smoothing the surface for an even bake.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Glaze

In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard and honey until smooth. This sweet and tangy glaze is honestly what makes this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf over-the-top delicious! Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat the top of the meatloaf with the glaze, making sure to cover every inch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. When it’s done, the loaf will look irresistibly golden with melty cheese peeking out beneath the glaze. For ultimate food safety (and perfect juiciness), check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). After baking, let the loaf rest for 10 minutes—this step is key for clean slices and letting all the goodness settle.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If you want to add a little restaurant-style flair, a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley over the top brightens everything up. Now, slice thick pieces and get ready to soak in the compliments!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Garnishes

Finish your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf with a scattering of chopped parsley or even a few extra shavings of Swiss cheese on top for extra wow factor. For a festive touch, add thinly sliced chives or a crack of fresh black pepper right before serving. These little touches really make the dish look as special as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This meatloaf pairs beautifully with just about anything you’d serve alongside classic chicken cordon bleu. Think creamy mashed potatoes, simple roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Crusty bread and herbed rice pilaf are cozy options as well for soaking up every bit of juicy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn a regular weeknight into a mini celebration by slicing the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf into thick rounds and arranging them on a platter with baby greens or oven-roasted grape tomatoes for color. For a casual, fun vibe, serve slices tucked into toasted rolls with extra Dijon or a swipe of honey mustard—your very own meatloaf melt sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf, you’re in luck! Simply wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as it rests, so reheated leftovers taste just as good—if not better!

Freezing

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Slice the cooled meatloaf and wrap portions tightly in plastic and foil, or freeze the whole loaf for longer-term storage. Make sure to label with the date, and it’ll be ready in your freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat slices gently in the oven, covered with foil at 325°F until warmed through. You can also quickly microwave individual portions—cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Add a little extra Dijon glaze before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven shine.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the loaf up to a day in advance, cover well, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready, simply glaze and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of ground chicken?

If you prefer, ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe and offers a similarly mild flavor. You can even try a mix of ground chicken and turkey for a slightly different texture.

Why does my meatloaf sometimes fall apart?

Chicken remains quite moist, so it’s important not to skimp on breadcrumbs and egg, which hold everything together. Also, letting your meatloaf rest before slicing helps the juices redistribute and firms up the loaf for clean slices.

Can I use other cheeses besides Swiss?

Definitely! While Swiss is traditional, try provolone, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda for a delicious twist. Choose a cheese that melts well and has a bit of flavor punch.

Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf gluten-free?

The standard recipe uses regular breadcrumbs, but gluten-free breadcrumbs can be swapped in with great results. Just double-check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this cozy, flavor-packed take on Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for the weekend. Give it a whirl and let it bring a bit of joy and comfort to your own kitchen table!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines ground chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a savory glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Meatloaf:

1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Layers:

4 oz sliced ham
4 oz Swiss cheese

Optional Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the glaze:

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
Mix meatloaf: Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Layer: Press half the meat mixture into the pan, add ham, Swiss cheese, then top with remaining meat mixture.
Glaze: Mix Dijon mustard and honey, brush over meatloaf.
Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until cooked through. Rest before slicing. Garnish with parsley.