Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatloaf with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a delicious twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, transforming it into a comforting and hearty meatloaf. With layers of tender ground chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, each bite is filled with the flavors of the beloved dish. Topped with a rich, velvety mushroom sauce made from fresh mushrooms, garlic, and cream, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for family dinners or special occasions. Itβs easy to prepare, full of flavor, and absolutely satisfying. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground chicken β Provides a lean protein base, tender and easy to work with.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) β Helps to bind the meatloaf and create a firm texture.
- 1 large egg β Essential for binding the ingredients together.
- Β½ cup milk β Adds moisture and keeps the meatloaf tender.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard β A subtle tang to enhance the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
- Β½ teaspoon garlic powder β Infuses the meat with savory, aromatic flavor.
- Β½ teaspoon onion powder β Adds depth and sweetness to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley β A touch of freshness and color.
- Β½ teaspoon salt and ΒΌ teaspoon black pepper β Essential seasonings to bring out the flavor of the chicken.
- 8 slices of thinly sliced ham β Adds a savory, salty layer inside the meatloaf.
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese β Melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture in every slice.
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter β Forms the base of the sauce, creating a rich, buttery flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil β Adds depth to the sauce and helps sautΓ© the mushrooms.
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped β Earthy mushrooms add umami and texture to the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced β Enhances the aroma and flavor of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour β Thickens the sauce to the desired consistency.
- 1 cup chicken broth β Provides a savory base for the sauce.
- Β½ cup heavy cream β Adds richness and a creamy finish to the sauce.
- Β½ teaspoon thyme β A delicate herb that complements the richness of the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste β Balances and enhances the flavors of the sauce.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Base
Preheat the oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Layer the Meatloaf
Spread half of the chicken mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan, pressing it down evenly. Layer 8 slices of ham and 8 slices of Swiss cheese on top. Cover the filling with the remaining meat mixture, ensuring the ham and cheese are fully enclosed. Press down gently to seal the meatloaf.
3. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness.
4. Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the sauce. In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes, until they soften and become fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure the sauce remains smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve each slice with a generous spoonful of creamy mushroom sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the meatloaf (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Healthier Variations: For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken and use low-fat cheese.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes β This includes gathering and prepping the ingredients for both the meatloaf and the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Cook Time: 1 hour β The meatloaf bakes in the oven for about 50-60 minutes, and the creamy mushroom sauce is prepared while the meatloaf is cooking.
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: European-inspired (for the Cordon Bleu influence)
Nutrition
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g