Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground chicken; 1 large egg; ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tsp minced onion; 1½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp dried parsley; 1½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 6 slices Virginia ham (or deli ham); 6 slices Swiss cheese; ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping); 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 cup skim or 1% milk; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m sharing a delicious twist on a classic with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf, perfect for Summer Dinners! This savory dish combines tender ground chicken, smoky ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all topped with a golden panko crust and a creamy Dijon gravy. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that brings gourmet vibes to your table, ideal for warm summer evenings or any time you crave comfort food with a fancy flair.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

I love this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf because it’s a crowd-pleasing Summer Dinners dish that’s both simple and sophisticated. The combination of juicy chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese is irresistible, while the creamy Dijon gravy adds a rich, tangy finish. It’s easier than traditional Cordon Bleu—no rolling required!—and bakes in under an hour. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this meatloaf delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it a staple in my summer menu.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf (serves 6):

For the Meatloaf:

2 lbs ground chicken
1 large egg
¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tsp minced onion
1½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried parsley
1½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
6 slices Virginia ham (or deli ham)
6 slices Swiss cheese
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs, for topping

For the Creamy Dijon Gravy:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
¼ cup heavy cream
1 cup skim or 1% milk
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Tips:

Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken keeps this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf light; ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.
Ham: Virginia ham adds smokiness; substitute with any deli ham if needed.
Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully; Gruyère is a great alternative for a nuttier flavor.
Panko: Creates a crispy topping; regular breadcrumbs work but are less crunchy.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tang to the gravy, perfect for Summer Dinners; use a quality brand for bold flavor.

Directions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Preheat the Oven

I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.

Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, I combine 2 lbs ground chicken, 1 egg, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tsp minced onion, 1½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dried parsley, 1½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper, mixing until just blended.

Layer the Meatloaf

I spread half the chicken mixture evenly in the loaf pan, creating a smooth base. I layer 6 slices of ham and 6 slices of Swiss cheese on top, then cover with the remaining chicken mixture, pressing gently to seal.

Bake the Meatloaf

I bake the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf for 25 minutes. Then, I sprinkle ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs over the top and bake for another 15 minutes, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Make the Creamy Dijon Gravy

While the meatloaf bakes, I melt 3 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. I whisk in 3 tbsp flour to form a roux, cooking until golden. Gradually, I add ¼ cup heavy cream and 1 cup milk, whisking to avoid lumps. I stir in 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ cup Parmesan, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and salt and pepper, simmering until thickened.

Rest and Serve

I let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing. I serve it warm, drizzled with the creamy Dijon gravy, for a perfect Summer Dinners meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 35g protein, 28g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

I love experimenting with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf to suit different tastes. Here are some ideas:

Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly different flavor.
Cheese Twist: Swap Swiss for mozzarella or provolone for a milder, stretchy melt.
Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for heat.
Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Herb Boost: Mix fresh chives or basil into the meatloaf for extra freshness in this Summer Dinners dish.

Storage and Reheating

I store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, I wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes to keep them moist. The gravy can be refrigerated for 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.

FAQs About Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Can I use ground turkey for Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute; it keeps the dish light and flavorful for Summer Dinners.

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready; add panko just before baking.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and confirm your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free for a safe Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf.

Can I skip the gravy?
Yes, the meatloaf is delicious on its own, but the gravy adds a creamy, tangy touch perfect for Summer Dinners.

What sides pair well with this dish?
I love serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a flavorful, easy-to-make star of Summer Dinners, blending classic Cordon Bleu flavors into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. I love how the creamy Dijon gravy elevates every slice, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Try this recipe, share your creations on social media, and explore more delicious ideas at Food and Tips. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!