There's something magical about combining the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf with the elegance of chicken cordon bleu. Imagine slicing into a juicy meatloaf, only to find layers of tender chicken, smoky ham, and melted Swiss cheese inside. This recipe takes the best of both worlds and delivers a show-stopping dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

I first discovered this idea when experimenting with ways to elevate traditional meatloaf. With a few tweaks, it quickly became a family favorite. Let's dive into the details so you can create this masterpiece at home!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
Get ready to fall head over heels for this unique twist on a classic dish. Chicken cordon bleu meatloaf is sure to impress both your taste buds and your dinner guests. Here’s why:
First, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. While it looks fancy enough for a dinner party, it requires only a few simple steps and ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Second, it’s a flavor-packed combination of savory chicken, smoky ham, and gooey Swiss cheese. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors, complemented by a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping.
It's also perfect for meal prep! Make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and reheat for an easy dinner that tastes just as good the next day.
Finally, this meatloaf is picky-eater approved. Even those who aren’t big fans of traditional meatloaf are often won over by the cheesy, ham-filled goodness of this dish.
Ready to make this your new go-to recipe? Let’s start with the ingredients!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of simplicity and flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and taste.
- Ground Chicken: The foundation of this dish, ground chicken is lean yet flavorful. You can substitute with ground turkey if preferred.
- Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham adds a smoky, savory layer. Feel free to use any type of ham you like—honey-baked or Black Forest are both great options.
- Swiss Cheese: Melty and mild, Swiss cheese is the star of the filling. You can substitute with Gruyère or provolone for a slightly different flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Used to bind the meatloaf and for the topping, they provide a delightful crispy texture. Panko breadcrumbs work wonderfully here.
- Eggs: These are essential for binding the mixture and ensuring the meatloaf holds its shape.
- Mustard and Mayo: A touch of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the chicken flavor.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika create a flavorful base.
You’ll also need a loaf pan to help shape the meatloaf and aluminum foil to keep it moist while baking.
How to Make This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf

Creating this delicious meatloaf is easier than you might think. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until just combined. - Assemble the Layers
Spread half the chicken mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan, pressing it into an even layer. Lay a few slices of ham on top, followed by a layer of Swiss cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with the remaining chicken mixture on top. - Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix additional breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of paprika. Sprinkle this over the meatloaf for a golden, crispy topping. - Bake to Perfection
Cover the loaf pan with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Rest and Slice
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, ensuring clean slices.
This recipe comes together in just over an hour, but the results are well worth the wait!
Storage Options
Chicken cordon bleu meatloaf is just as delightful the next day. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave them in 30-second increments until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs:
- Cheese Options: Swap the Swiss cheese for mozzarella, cheddar, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey, beef, or a mix of meats for a heartier meatloaf.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground chicken with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use veggie deli slices in place of ham.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Chicken cordon bleu meatloaf is a true crowd-pleaser, blending comfort food vibes with gourmet flair. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it tonight and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation!
PrintChicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf Recipe
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe delivers a delicious twist on the classic, blending juicy ground chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese into a perfectly seasoned loaf. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe is packed with flavor and a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard (optional, for glaze)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Press half of the chicken mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan.
- Layer ham slices over the chicken mixture, followed by Swiss cheese slices.
- Add the remaining chicken mixture on top and press gently to seal the edges.
- Optional: Brush the top with Dijon mustard and sprinkle with extra breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Feel free to swap Swiss cheese for provolone or mozzarella.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping.
- Serve with steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (¼ loaf)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
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