Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish known for its delicious combination of chicken, ham, and cheese. If you love the flavors of this dish but want a simpler way to enjoy it, this Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is the perfect solution. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, you can create a comforting and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Only a handful of simple ingredients are needed.
- Quick and Easy: Less effort than traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store leftovers for later.
- Kid-Friendly: A delicious, cheesy dish that kids will love.
- Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces deli ham, chopped
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for topping, optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and milk. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Assemble the Meatloaf
- Spread half of the chicken mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan.
- Layer the chopped ham and Swiss cheese on top.
- Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the ham and cheese, smoothing it out evenly.
4. Add the Topping (Optional)
For a golden, cheesy crust, mix the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese together and spread over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Let It Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Extra Crunchy Topping: Add crushed crackers or panko on top before baking.
- Different Cheese: Swap Swiss for provolone, cheddar, or Gouda.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a side salad for a lighter option.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey mustard or creamy Dijon sauce for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat slices for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe.
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
You can use provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or any mild, melty cheese.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
Yes! Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed into the chicken mixture.
Why is my meatloaf dry?
If your meatloaf is dry, it may have been overbaked. Adding a little more milk or using dark meat ground chicken can help keep it moist.
What sauce goes well with this meatloaf?
A creamy Dijon mustard sauce, honey mustard, or even a light white sauce pairs well.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and cook at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of ground chicken?
This recipe works best with ground chicken, but you could try shredding cooked chicken and mixing it with an egg and breadcrumbs for binding.
How do I make this dish lower in fat?
Use lean ground chicken, low-fat cheese, and a lighter topping like Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of the classic dish with minimal effort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with delicious ham and Swiss goodness, all wrapped in a juicy ground chicken base. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this simple yet satisfying dish will be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a new take on a timeless favorite!
PrintEasy Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe with Few Ingredients
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
njoy the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in an easy, cheesy meatloaf. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and is perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces deli ham, chopped
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for topping, optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and milk until well combined.
- Assemble the Meatloaf
- Spread half of the chicken mixture in the bottom of the loaf pan.
- Layer chopped ham and Swiss cheese on top.
- Cover with the remaining chicken mixture, smoothing evenly.
- Optional Topping
- Mix mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese together and spread over the top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Cheese Variations: Swap Swiss for provolone, cheddar, or Gouda.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken cordon bleu meatloaf, easy chicken meatloaf, cheesy meatloaf recipe, chicken and ham meatloaf, baked chicken meatloaf