Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with our Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe. A twist on the classic dish, this savory delight combines tender ground chicken, smoky Virginia chicken ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a golden crust. Topped with a luscious Creamy Dijon Gravy, this dish is sure to elevate your dinner table. Follow along for a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground chicken
1 egg
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
2 teaspoons minced onion
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
6 slices Virginia chicken ham
6 slices Swiss cheese
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs for topping
For the Creamy Dijon Gravy:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup skim or 1% milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, mayonnaise, plain breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly into a loaf pan, creating a base layer.
Layer the Virginia chicken ham slices on top of the chicken mixture, followed by the Swiss cheese slices.
Repeat the layers with the remaining chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution.
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the meatloaf and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and golden brown on top.
While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the Creamy Dijon Gravy. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking until golden brown.
Gradually add heavy cream and milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf slices with a generous drizzle of the Creamy Dijon Gravy.
Serving Tips:
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a vibrant pop of color and added freshness.
Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf alongside your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
For a complete indulgence, pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or your preferred beverage to complement the flavors.
Storage Tips:
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To maintain its freshness, ensure the meatloaf is completely cooled before storing it in the refrigerator.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through for a quick and convenient meal.
Alternatively, freeze any leftover meatloaf slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen meatloaf can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen meatloaf slices overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve their texture and flavor.
When reheating frozen meatloaf, cover it with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain its moisture.
For optimal taste and texture, consume reheated meatloaf within 2 days of thawing. By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf whenever the craving strikes, whether it’s fresh from the oven or reheated from the freezer.
Related Recipes:
- Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
- Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting
- Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole
FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used as a suitable alternative to ground chicken in this recipe. It will still yield a delicious and flavorful meatloaf with a slightly different taste profile. Feel free to experiment with different ground meats based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf ahead of time to save time on busy days. Simply assemble the meatloaf according to the recipe instructions, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, remove the meatloaf from the refrigerator, add the panko breadcrumbs, and bake it as directed.
Can I omit the breadcrumbs from the recipe?
While breadcrumbs are traditionally used as a binding agent in meatloaf recipes, you can omit them if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture of the meatloaf may be slightly different without the breadcrumbs, and it may be more delicate to handle. You can try substituting the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, oatmeal, or even cooked quinoa for a similar binding effect.
How can I adjust the recipe to make it gluten-free?
To make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf gluten-free, simply replace the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard you use are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten-containing ingredients. By making these simple substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this recipe without compromising on flavor.
Conclusion:
Elevate your dinner experience with our Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe accompanied by a rich and creamy Dijon Gravy. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether it’s a weekday meal or a special occasion, treat yourself to the gourmet goodness of this delectable recipe. Enjoy!
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our delectable Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf recipe. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish combines tender ground chicken, savory Virginia chicken ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, all baked to perfection and topped with a rich Creamy Dijon Gravy. Elevate your culinary skills and impress your loved ones with this flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
2 lbs. ground chicken
1 egg
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
2 teaspoons minced onion
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
6 slices Virginia chicken ham
6 slices Swiss cheese
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs for topping
For the Creamy Dijon Gravy:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup skim or 1% milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix ground chicken with egg, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, minced onion, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Layer chicken mixture, ham, and cheese in a loaf pan.
- Bake, then top with panko breadcrumbs and continue baking until golden brown.
- Prepare the Creamy Dijon Gravy by melting butter, whisking in flour, then adding cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Rest meatloaf, slice, and serve with gravy.
Notes
Customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the chicken mixture.
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for quick and convenient meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
