Description
Savory chicken cordon bleu meatloaf combines classic comfort with elegant French-inspired flavors. Ham and Swiss cheese create a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, promising a satisfying meal for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 6 slices Virginia chicken ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 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 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup skim or 1% milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend ground chicken with beaten egg, creamy mayonnaise, aromatic herbs, and seasoned breadcrumbs until uniformly mixed.
- Create a strategic layering technique in a prepared loaf pan, alternating chicken mixture with delicate slices of ham and rich cheese for maximum flavor distribution.
- Carefully construct the meatloaf with precise layers, ensuring even coverage and balanced ingredient placement throughout the pan.
- Slide the assembled meatloaf into a preheated 400°F oven, allowing initial cooking for approximately 25 minutes to develop foundational flavors and structural integrity.
- Sprinkle crisp panko breadcrumbs across the surface, returning to the oven for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Craft a luxurious accompanying gravy by gently melting butter and whisking in flour to create a smooth roux foundation.
- Gradually incorporate cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard into the roux, stirring consistently to prevent lumping and develop deep, complex flavors.
- Enhance the gravy with freshly grated Parmesan, a whisper of nutmeg, and carefully balanced seasoning.
- Remove meatloaf from oven and allow a brief resting period to stabilize internal structure and redistribute moisture.
- Slice the meatloaf with a sharp knife, drizzle with prepared gravy, and serve immediately while flavors remain vibrant and textures optimal.
Notes
- Ensure uniform mixing of chicken mixture to prevent dry or uneven texture, which guarantees consistent flavor in every slice.
- Use high-quality ham and Swiss cheese for enhanced taste and creamy melting properties, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the recipe’s delicious profile.
- Allow meatloaf to rest completely before slicing to help proteins redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender meat that holds its shape better.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg