The Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe: A Savory Twist on a Classic Favorite

Love it — Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is such a fun twist on a classic. You get all the cozy, comforting vibes of meatloaf, but with that cheesy, ham-stuffed surprise inside. It’s one of those dishes that feels a little fancy but is still totally doable on a weeknight — and the leftovers are amazing.

Here’s a full blog post written in that friendly, confident home-cook voice — with clear tips, step-by-step guidance, and all the flavor.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe

If chicken cordon bleu and meatloaf had a baby, this would be it — and wow, it’s a delicious one. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf is tender, juicy, and loaded with smoky ham and melty Swiss cheese in the center. The whole thing is wrapped in a blanket of flavor-packed chicken and brushed with a buttery Dijon glaze that gets golden and slightly crisp on top.

It’s comfort food with a little flair — perfect for Sunday dinners, meal prep, or when you just want to shake up your usual chicken routine.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

• Juicy and flavorful – Ground chicken stays moist with a few smart ingredients.
• Melty cheese surprise – Slices of Swiss in the middle make every bite fun.
• Crowd-pleasing – Classic flavors that even picky eaters go for.
• Freezer-friendly – Makes a great make-ahead meal.
• Elegant but easy – A few extra steps turn meatloaf into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs ground chicken – Lean but not too lean (93/7 works best)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – Regular or panko
• 1 large egg – Helps bind everything together
• ¼ cup milk – Adds moisture
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – Adds flavor depth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling:

• 4–5 slices deli ham – Thin-sliced, good quality
• 4–5 slices Swiss cheese – Or provolone if you prefer

For the Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

Substitutions & Variations

• No ground chicken? Ground turkey works too!
• Cheese swap: Try mozzarella, provolone, or even a mild cheddar.
• Breadcrumb tip: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• Amp it up: Add a layer of sautéed spinach between the ham and cheese for extra color and nutrients.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

1. Preheat your oven.
Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Mix the meat mixture.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined — don’t overwork it.

3. Shape and fill.
On the parchment-lined sheet, shape the chicken mixture into a flat rectangle (about 9×12 inches).
Layer the ham slices down the center, leaving about an inch on all sides.
Add the cheese on top of the ham.

4. Roll it up (gently).
Use the parchment to help you fold the meat over the filling like a jelly roll. Pinch the edges and ends to seal it into a loaf shape.

5. Add the glaze.
Whisk together Dijon mustard, melted butter, and honey. Brush it over the top of the loaf.

6. Bake.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F.
If the top starts to brown too much, loosely tent with foil.

7. Rest before slicing.
Let the meatloaf sit for 10 minutes before cutting — this helps the cheese set and juices redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

The rich flavors of this Savory Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:

• Creamy mashed potatoes: A comforting classic that pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf.
• Steamed green beans: Add freshness and a pop of color to your plate.
• Garlic bread is a crispy, buttery side dish that everyone loves.
• Simple mixed greens: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

Expert Tips for Success

• Chill before baking – If you have time, pop the shaped loaf in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. It helps it hold together.
• Use a thermometer – Ground chicken dries out fast if overcooked. Pull it at exactly 165°F.
• Resting is key – Cutting too soon = cheese spills everywhere and dry meat.
• Line your pan – Cheese may ooze a bit, and cleanup is easier with parchment or foil.

How to Store & Reheat

• Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave or oven (cover with foil to keep moisture in).
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Adjust the Recipe for Dietary Restrictions

You can easily modify this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe to meet various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Here’s how:

• Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. Additionally, check that the ham and cheese are labeled gluten-free.
• Low-Carb or Keto: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs. These alternatives maintain the texture while reducing carbs.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan mozzarella or cashew-based cheese, and use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.
• Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium ham and cheese to control the salt content. Additionally, reduce the added salt in the meat mixture.
• Egg-Free: Use a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as a binder instead of an egg.

These adjustments make the recipe accessible to everyone at your table while maintaining its deliciousness.

FAQs

More Comfort Food Recipes to Try

• Taco Soup Fritos Recipe
• Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
• No bake pumpkin cheesecake balls
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Easy Gluten-Free Meatballs Recipe