Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf You’ll Love to Make!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf. Okay, I know—just the name kind of makes your mouth water, right? Maybe you’ve heard of that classic dish with ham, cheese, and chicken all rolled up, but you’re bored of making it the same way. Or maybe, like me, you sometimes crave something comforting but easy, and, well, honestly, a bit over-the-top in the flavor department. This recipe? It fixes those weeknight dinner problems and then some. I stumbled on the idea when dreaming up ways to shake up regular meatloaf, plus I got inspired by this step-by-step Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf guide. If you’re anything like me and you love savory twists, you might also want to peek at how I handle brown sugar dijon chicken thighs for dinner drama.
Why We Love This Cordon Bleu Chicken Meatloaf Recipe
Listen, regular meatloaf is fine, but this one’s special. First, the whole family loves it. Even my picky teens eat seconds (that’s something). It’s got all the good stuff inside—juicy chicken, gooey cheese, a touch of smoky ham. Did I mention leftovers? Oh, they’re even better on day two. There’s a sort of comfort in knowing dinner will taste just as great reheated.
Here’s another thing: it feels like you pulled off a five-star restaurant meal, except you did it in your own frumpy kitchen. No suiting up or tiny portions—just big, bold, shareable food. Plus, I love that the clean-up is a breeze.
“Tried this for Sunday dinner, and my hubby swears it’s his new favorite. Even the picky eight-year-old cleaned her plate. I was shocked! I put a little extra Swiss on mine, and it was perfect.” – Kristin, Reader
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
So, a quick bit of backstory. Chicken Cordon Bleu is usually a fancy-ish dinner where chicken breast gets flattened, stuffed with ham and Swiss, then all rolled up and baked (sometimes fried, let’s be honest). Bit of an old school vibe—think family holidays or maybe your grandma’s legendary Sunday feast.
But we’re not rolling any chicken here, thank goodness. This meatloaf takes all those flavors—sharp cheese, savory ham, tender chicken—and puts them right in one easy package. You just mix, layer, bake (okay, and try not to eat half the cheese before it goes in). It’s the kinda meal that makes you wonder why you bothered with tricky recipes before.
What Makes this Chicken Meatloaf So Moist And Delicious?
Now, I’ve had my fair share of dry meatloaf mishaps—Halloween 2019 is all I’ll say. But this one? Never dry, not ever. The big secret is right in the mix. We use ground chicken, which is super juicy yourself, but the real trick is adding a splash of milk and plenty of breadcrumbs. They soak up everything, so each slice stays, well, just right.
And that layer of ham and cheese in the center? Oh, wow. It melts and mingles with the seasoned chicken, keeping everything tender from the inside out. Sometimes I toss in a spoonful of sour cream or a bit of mustard—yes, like a wild card. Both keep it creamy and add zing. Forget ketchup-covered meatloaf—we’re way past that.
How Do You Make This Chicken Meatloaf?
Honestly, this recipe is like making a sandwich, only you bake it instead. First, mix up your chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings, and milk. Next, flatten half into a pan, lay down your sliced ham and cheese (go generous, you won’t regret it). Top with the rest of the chicken blend and smooth it over.
Bake until golden and bubbly. Sometimes the cheese tries to escape—let it, the crispy edges are the chef’s treat. Don’t fuss about perfection here; it’s all good. One thing: let it rest a few minutes before slicing so it holds together (unless you love a gooey mess, which, honestly, isn’t all bad).
If you want a little riff, you can check out casserole versions like chicken enchilada casserole or spicy fajita chicken casserole. Tons of ways to remix comfort food!
What Side Dishes Can I Serve With Meatloaf
Let’s get real: you need sides that stand up to this main event.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Garlic mashed potatoes (extra butter, no regrets).
- Roasted green beans with a squeeze of lemon.
- A simple green salad—just toss with good olive oil and a dash of salt.
- Buttery rolls (store-bought or homemade, I won’t judge).
Bonus points if you sneak in a veggie casserole or some cheesy broccoli. This meatloaf loves company.

Common Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep. You can prep the loaf and keep it covered in your fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you need it.
Q: Do I need ground chicken, or can I use turkey?
Either works. Turkey is great if that’s what’s in your fridge. Beef tastes yummy, too, but loses that classic cordon bleu flavor.
Q: What cheese should I use?
Go with Swiss for that deep, nutty vibe. But mozzarella or provolone work. Cheddar’s a little wild but still good.
Q: How do I keep the cheese from oozing out?
There’s always a little ooze—don’t panic! Letting the loaf rest a bit after baking helps lock it in.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Just wrap slices well, pop them in the freezer, and they’ll still taste amazing reheated.
Ready To Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Yourself?
There you have it. A simple, showy meal that’s still weeknight-friendly. Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf has quickly become my go-to for guests, potlucks, even “just because.” If you’re still hungry and curious, the Cordon Bleu Chicken Meatloaf Recipe from Mantitlement goes even deeper, and for low-carb folks, Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf – Low Carb Hoser has some smart swaps. Now—just gather your ingredients (the cheese, don’t forget extra!), loosen up, and get cooking. You might accidentally create a new family favorite. Report back if somebody licks the plate.
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A moist and delicious twist on classic meatloaf featuring juicy ground chicken, smoky ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 slices of ham
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Press half of the chicken mixture into the bottom of a loaf pan.
- Layer the ham and Swiss cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Top with the remaining chicken mixture, smoothing it over the cheese.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone. Leftovers can be wrapped and frozen for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
