Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready for a recipe that’s going to blow your mind (and your taste buds)? This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is everything you crave in a comforting, flavorful meal, but with a fun twist. Forget dry, boring meatloaf – this recipe is juicy, tender, and bursting with the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu. Imagine that incredible crispy, salty ham and melty Swiss cheese, all baked into a moist and savory meatloaf. That’s the magic we’re creating here!
What makes this recipe truly special is its ease of preparation. You won’t spend hours slaving away in the kitchen; this meatloaf comes together quickly and easily, perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a simple salad – and it’ll always be a hit. The texture is a delightful contrast: the tender, succulent chicken contrasts perfectly with the salty ham and creamy cheese, all bound together by the comforting embrace of the meatloaf itself.
This recipe isn’t just about taste and texture; it’s about the feeling it evokes. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a cozy night in with family or friends. It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated to a whole new level. So, grab your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You’re about to experience chicken cordon bleu like you’ve never tasted it before.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are pantry staples!
- 2 lbs. ground chicken: The star of the show! Look for a good quality ground chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps absorb excess moisture.
- 2 teaspoons minced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder: A punch of savory flavor that’s essential to the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: A touch of freshness and brightness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: A classic seasoning to balance the flavors.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to the meatloaf, ensuring it stays juicy.
- 4-6 slices of cooked ham: Thinly sliced ham for that classic cordon bleu touch.
- 4-6 slices of Swiss cheese: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor and melts beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional): Helps to keep the meatloaf extra moist during baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for a perfectly delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, minced onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
- Add Mayonnaise: Stir in the mayonnaise until just combined. The mayonnaise adds incredible moisture and richness. You’ll notice a difference!
- Assemble the Meatloaf: Shape half of the chicken mixture into a rectangle in the prepared loaf pan. Top evenly with the ham slices, then the Swiss cheese slices. Now, top with the remaining chicken mixture, gently pressing it down to create a cohesive loaf.
- Optional Broth Addition: If you’re aiming for extra juicy meatloaf, pour the optional chicken broth evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here! If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
- Rest & Slice: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meatloaf.
Pro Tip: For an even crispier top, you can broil the meatloaf for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Tips for Success
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a masterpiece:
- Don’t overmix the meat: Overmixing the ground chicken can make the meatloaf tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just moistened.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure the meatloaf is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
- Use good quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your meatloaf. Choose good quality ground chicken and cheese for the best results.
Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few variations to explore:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meatloaf mixture for a spicy twist.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Gruyère, or even pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers can add extra flavor and texture to the meatloaf.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or omit them altogether for a gluten-free version.
- Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey for ground chicken for a leaner option.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is just as delicious the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice and microwave until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For best results, reheat gently to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to common questions about this recipe:
- Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Absolutely! Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Gruyère, or even pepper jack. The melting point will vary, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- Q: How long does the meatloaf keep? A: Stored properly in the refrigerator, the meatloaf will keep for up to 3 days. Frozen, it will last for up to 3 months.
- Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: You can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Q: What can I serve with this meatloaf? A: This meatloaf pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
The Final Word
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is a game-changer! It’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, salty ham, and creamy Swiss cheese baked into a moist and flavorful meatloaf is simply irresistible. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your photos on social media! Happy cooking!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf 😋
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan Or similar sized baking dish
Ingredients
Meatloaf Base
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 0.25 cup plain bread crumbs
Seasoning & Binder
- 2 teaspoons minced onion
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, minced onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise.
- Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!