Description
Savory chicken cordon bleu meatloaf combines classic comfort with elegant French-inspired flavors. Hearty layers of ground chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese create a satisfying main dish perfect for family dinners. Serve alongside roasted vegetables and you’ll enjoy a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large egg
- 500 g (1 lb) ground chicken
- 6 slices deli ham
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Mixture Preparation: Gently combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, Dijon mustard, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl, blending until ingredients are just incorporated to preserve a tender consistency.
- Layer Formation: Spread half the chicken mixture into a loaf pan, creating a foundational layer. Arrange ham slices across the surface, then distribute Swiss cheese to establish a flavorful, molten interior.
- Sealing and Topping: Delicately cover the ham and cheese with remaining chicken mixture, ensuring complete encapsulation. Crown the meatloaf with a panko and butter mixture, pressing gently to create an even, golden crust.
- Baking Process: Slide the prepared meatloaf into a preheated oven at 180C. Roast for approximately 55 minutes, verifying the internal temperature reaches 75C for optimal food safety.
- Sauce Creation: Simultaneously craft a luxurious Dijon sauce by developing a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisking in chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and select seasonings until smooth and velvety.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest briefly after removing from the oven, enabling juice redistribution. Slice into generous portions and cascade with the rich Dijon sauce, presenting alongside roasted vegetables or creamy potato puree.
Notes
- Prevent Dry Meat: Mix ground chicken gently to avoid compacting, which creates dense, tough texture. Use light hand when combining ingredients.
- Cheese Placement Strategy: Position ham and Swiss cheese centrally to prevent melting outside meatloaf during baking, ensuring perfect cheesy core.
- Temperature Control: Use instant-read thermometer to confirm 75C internal temperature, guaranteeing food safety without overcooking chicken.
- Sauce Balance: Whisk Dijon sauce slowly to prevent lumps, controlling heat to maintain smooth, creamy consistency without separation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg